Comparison

NeuroLock vs SelfBlock

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

NeuroLock

Features
Read full description

NeuroLock is a focus and app-blocking app that helps you eliminate digital distractions and build better attention habits. Using Apple's Screen Time technology, NeuroLock lets you block distracting apps either on a recurring schedule or during live focus sessions. Set up automatic focus blocks for times you know you get distractedβ€”mornings, evenings, or anytime in between. Or launch a timed session on demand and lock out distractions until your time is up. Live Activities and Dynamic Island support keep your focus session visible on the Lock Screen and at the top of your iPhone, so you always know how much time is left without unlocking your device. Need a quick break? Pause your session for 5, 15, or 30 minutes right from the Dynamic Island. Apps unblock during the pause, then re-lock automatically when it ends, so you stay on track without breaking your session. The Apple Watch companion app lets you start and end focus sessions directly from your wrist without touching your phone. Push notifications keep you informed when scheduled blocks are starting and when sessions complete. Track your consistency with streak tracking and session history so you can see your focus patterns improve over time. NeuroLock works on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, giving you a consistent focus management experience across all your Apple devices. NeuroLock Pro subscription is required to access all features. A 7-day free trial is available. Privacy Policy: https://datarecoverygroupna.com/privacy-us.html Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

SelfBlock

Features
Read full description

Every blocker fails the same way: you turn it off. SelfBlock doesn't let you. When you try to open a blocked app, a friend gets the request β€” and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. β–Ί BUDDY SYSTEM When you try to open a blocked app, your buddy gets a request. They set the time and decide for you. They can respond instantly from a notification or Apple Watch. β–Ί COMMUNITY MODE Don't want to assign a friend? Get anonymous support from the community. A random user reviews your request. Your identity stays hidden. β–Ί 5 BLOCKING MODES – Full Block: Completely prevent app access – Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours – Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app – Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app – Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower β–Ί BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. β–Ί LIVE FOCUS TRACKING – Daily focus moment counter and day streak – Weekly report with progress summary – Daily check-in to track your mood – Home screen widgets and Live Activity support β–Ί APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. β–Ί CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. β–Ί STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. β–Ί PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. β–Ί FREE TO START Download free and start using right away. Go Pro for unlimited buddy and community mode, custom themes, weekly reports, strict mode, and more. SelfBlock works as a screen time blocker, app blocker, phone addiction tool, digital detox app, focus timer, social media blocker, dopamine detox aid, website blocker, app lock, and productivity tool. Compatible with Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets. Terms of Use: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/privacy.html

Screenshots

NeuroLock4 screens
SelfBlock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: SelfBlock at 18.6 against NeuroLock's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. NeuroLock sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $59.99 per year and SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NeuroLock ships an update every 2 weeks, SelfBlock monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
NeuroLock versus SelfBlock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNeuroLockSelfBlock
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks β€” betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS26.018.6 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size34 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperData Recovery Group LLC (WY)ismail Hakki Palali

In-app purchases

1 purchases

NeuroLock

Subscriptions1
  • NeuroLock Pro (Annual)7 Days trial$59.991 Year
3 purchases

SelfBlock

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$82.99

Questions

Is NeuroLock free?
NeuroLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SelfBlock free?
SelfBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NeuroLock or SelfBlock have ads?
Neither NeuroLock nor SelfBlock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NeuroLock or SelfBlock?
NeuroLock ships an update every 2 weeks, and SelfBlock monthly. Most recently, NeuroLock was updated on October 30, 2026 and SelfBlock on October 25, 2026.

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