# Node vs Dicy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Node at 100% against Dicy's 0%. Node also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 5). Dicy's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dicy sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Node asks for nothing beyond the download.

Node holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Node has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Node's written reviews are positive against 0% of Dicy's.

Node ships an update every 6 months, Dicy every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Node | Dicy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/node-physical-focus-lock/id6755420082/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dicy-your-screen-time-buddy/id6773362051/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Perry](https://appshunter.io/developer/1853782073) | [Benaja Raphael Heger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895862444) |

## What reviewers say

### Node

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/node-physical-focus-lock/id6755420082)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Dicy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dicy-your-screen-time-buddy/id6773362051)

This app uses a gamified approach to screen time management by introducing chance. Instead of fixed limits, users roll dice for their daily allowance, making it a game to reclaim time and break addictive scrolling habits with strict blocking features.

**Highlights:** Gamified screen time limits, Strict app blocking, Customizable house rules, Randomized daily time allowance, Detailed usage analytics, On-device privacy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dicy Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Dicy Pro | $9.99 | per month |
| Dicy Yearly - One Time Offer | $24.99 | per year |
| Dicy Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Dicy Pro | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Node free?

Node is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Dicy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Node or Dicy?

Node is rated higher. Node averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Dicy averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Node or Dicy have ads?

Dicy shows ads; Node does not.

### Which is updated more often, Node or Dicy?

Node ships an update every 6 months, and Dicy every 2 days. Most recently, Node was updated on September 30, 2026 and Dicy on October 1, 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.*