# MindGate vs Nerve

The clearest difference is monetization model: MindGate at free with in-app purchases against Nerve's subscription. MindGate also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.6). Nerve's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks) and ratings volume (15 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MindGate sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Nerve sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for MindGate against 4.9 for Nerve. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Nerve has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

MindGate ships an update every 2 weeks, Nerve every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MindGate | Nerve |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindgate-focus-app-blocker/id6754816039/reviews)** | [4.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerve-screen-time-control/id6760310568/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 29 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Diu Vladimir](https://appshunter.io/developer/1850268040) | [Best Day Labs, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853723075) |

## What reviewers say

### MindGate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindgate-focus-app-blocker/id6754816039)

This app helps break phone addiction by introducing a brief cognitive challenge before accessing distracting apps. It encourages conscious decision-making, allowing users to reclaim their attention and use their devices intentionally.

**Highlights:** Cognitive challenges before app access, Customizable session timers, Automatic app re-locking, Progress tracking and trends, Supports blocking social media and other apps, Dopamine detox for habit change

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MindGate Premium Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| MindGate Premium Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


### Nerve

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerve-screen-time-control/id6760310568)

Transform unproductive app usage into a brain-training challenge. Answer logic puzzles and brainteasers to earn back access to blocked apps, with higher difficulty offering greater rewards and risk.

**Highlights:** App blocking via Apple Screen Time, 6 difficulty tiers with escalating rewards, Pick Your Risk and Gauntlet modes, Double-or-Nothing gambling mechanic, 1000 handcrafted brainteaser questions, ELO-inspired Brain Score tracking, Daily quests and achievements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nerve Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Nerve Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Nerve Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Cooldown Skip Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Nerve Pro Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MindGate free?

MindGate is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Nerve free?

Nerve is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MindGate or Nerve?

MindGate is rated higher. MindGate averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Nerve averages 4.9 from 15 ratings.

### Do MindGate or Nerve have ads?

Neither MindGate nor Nerve shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MindGate or Nerve?

MindGate ships an update every 2 weeks, and Nerve every 4 days. Most recently, MindGate was updated on October 14, 2026 and Nerve on October 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*