Comparison

Node vs Zyphr

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

Head to head
About

Node

This app acts as a physical kill-switch for digital distractions, requiring a hardware accessory to enforce focus sessions. It blocks access to distracting apps and websites, helping users reclaim their time and engage in deep work.

Highlights
  • Physical kill-switch for digital distractions
  • Tap to lock/unlock access to apps
  • Selective blocking of categories or specific apps
  • Strict enforcement with hardware friction
  • Monk Mode for absolute discipline
  • Streak tracking for reclaimed time
Features
Read full description

A PHYSICAL KILL-SWITCH FOR DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS. Screen-time apps are easy to cheat. Willpower eventually runs out. Node is different. It is a physical kill-switch for your digital distractions. By offloading your self-control to a physical object, you create a barrier that algorithms cannot break. STOP FIGHTING. SEVER THE CONNECTION. Your phone is designed to steal your attention. Node turns it back into a tool. Tap to Lock: Touch your phone to the Node to instantly cut off access to social media, games, and noise. Deep Work: Essential apps stay open; distractions stay dead. Physical Key: To unlock, you must physically return to the Node and tap out. No cheat codes. MONK MODE: NO LOOPHOLES For those who need absolute discipline. When you activate Monk Mode: Deletion is Impossible: You cannot delete the Node app or your blocked apps until the session ends. Locked In: You cannot edit your block list or cancel the timer. Burn the Ships: Once you tap in, there is no way out but through. FEATURES Physical Toggle: Initiate focus sessions with a tactile tap. Selective Blocking: Block entire categories (Social, Entertainment) or specific addictive apps. Streak Tracking: Visualize your reclaimed time and build a habit of deep work. Strict Enforcement: We combine hardware friction with un-deletable software blocking. HARDWARE REQUIREMENT Node is designed to work with the Node accessory. While the app interface can be explored without it, the core physical locking and unlocking features require the hardware device.

About

Zyphr

Read full description

Most people know exactly what they need to do. They just can't make themselves do it. Zyphr turns self-improvement into the game you can't put down. Build your character. Complete quests. Rise through the ranks — in the app, and in real life. Inspired by Solo Leveling. Built for your daily grind. YOUR STATS. YOUR PATH. Choose where you want to grow. Allocate stat points across Strength, Intelligence, Charisma, Wisdom, Vitality, and Willpower — and Zyphr builds your daily and weekly quests around your goals. Want to get stronger? Invest in strength and watch your quest board fill with fitness challenges. Chasing mental sharpness? Build Intelligence and your quests will push you there. You don't just track habits. You build a version of yourself you actually want to become. QUESTS, NOT CHECKLISTS Forget boring to-do lists. In Zyphr, your habits become daily and weekly quests — missions with purpose. Track reps, time, yes/no completions, or write journal entries. Finish your daily quests to finish your weekly ones. Every completed mission earns XP and moves your character forward. TRACK YOUR INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS Every habit you track in Zyphr will be accessible in the Analytics, showing you directly what and how much progress you have made with a certain habit or goal. You can also create custom quests to track personal habits that matter to you — and still earn XP for completing them. LEVEL UP. EARN YOUR RANK. Every action pushes your character further. Gain XP, level up, and rise through ranks — from the bottom all the way to the top. Unlock exclusive titles that reflect your dedication, and collect Shadow Habit Cards, rare collectibles earned through your progress. BUILT FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT MORE Zyphr isn't cluttered with features you'll never use. It's clean, intuitive, and gets out of your way — so the only thing standing between you and your goals is whether you show up today. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Before subscribing, you can explore the app free for 7 days. Then continue to use Zyphr features through a paid subscription (Monthly or Yearly). If you choose a Zyphr Monthly or Yearly plan, payment will be charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. You can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renew in your Apple account's subscription settings. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Terms of Use - https://zyphr.app/terms-of-service Privacy Policy - https://zyphr.app/privacy-policy

Screenshots

Node4 screens
Zyphr4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Node at none against Zyphr's 5. Zyphr's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Zyphr sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Node asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Node versus Zyphr: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNodeZyphr
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB129 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJohn PerryDaniel Juergens

In-app purchases

None

Node

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Zyphr

Subscriptions2
  • Zyphr Pro (1 Week)7 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • Zyphr Pro (1 Month)7 Days trial$5.991 Month
One-time2
  • Zyphr Pro (One-Time Payment)$39.99
  • US Local2 variants$39.99

Questions

Is Node free?
Node is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Zyphr free?
Zyphr is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Node or Zyphr have ads?
Neither Node nor Zyphr shows ads.

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