Comparison

TaskGate vs Anchor App Blocker

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

Head to head
About

TaskGate

Features
Read full description

TaskGate is your digital habit builder. Stop impulsive app opens by completing a quick task firstβ€”then access your apps with intention instead of impulse. Why TaskGate: - Impulse Interception TaskGate catches impulsive app opens before they happen, breaking the automatic reach-for-phone cycle. - Diverse Mini-Tasks Choose from breathing exercises, journal prompts, flashcards, quick reflections, and more to complete before app access. - Partner App Integration Connect with partner apps to add even more productive habits to your routine. Complete language flashcards, fitness challenges, or learning tasks before app access. - Selective Gating Choose exactly which apps to gate. Leave productivity apps open while adding friction to social media and games. - Usage Analytics Track how often you're intercepted, which tasks you complete, and see your progress toward more intentional phone habits. - Privacy First All habit tracking and personal data stays completely private on your device. No accounts, no cloud sync, no data collection. - Flexible Scheduling Set different rules for different times of dayβ€”stricter during work, relaxed in the evening. - Your Habit, Your Way Adjust task difficulty and frequency as your habits strengthen. Your habit-building system evolves with you. How it works: 1. Select apps to gate (social media, games, or any trigger apps) 2. Choose your mini-tasks (breathing, reflections, flashcards, or partner apps) 3. TaskGate intercepts impulsive opens 4. Complete the quick task (10–30 seconds) 5. Access grantedβ€”with intention Legal: Privacy Policy: https://www.taskgate.co/privacy-policy Terms and Conditions: https://www.taskgate.co/terms-and-conditions

About

Anchor App Blocker

Features
Read full description

Make focus automatic with reusable Focus Plans that block selected apps and websites through Apple's Screen Time controls. Start a Focus Run now or let a schedule protect the hours that matter. BUILD RULES THAT HOLD - Choose the apps, categories, and websites each Focus Plan protects. - Preview a plan before it starts and see whether enforcement is healthy. - Pick the right level of friction: Nudge, Friction, Challenge, Timed Lock, Hard Lock, or Combo Lock. - Resolve schedule conflicts and use safe recovery when Screen Time needs attention. - Review blocked attempts, turn-back rate, focused time, and recent patterns. - Check status from widgets and start eligible plans with Shortcuts. FREE - One Focus Plan. - Nudge, Friction, and Challenge enforcement. - One accountability partner. - Seven days of activity history. ANCHOR PRO - Unlimited Focus Plans and accountability partners. - Repeating schedules and automatic routines. - Timed Lock, Hard Lock, and Combo Lock. - Custom unlock challenges and 30-day patterns. PRIVACY AND CONTROL Anchor uses Apple's Family Controls, Managed Settings, and Device Activity frameworks. Your plan data and focus history stay on your device. Anchor cannot see the content inside blocked apps. Screen Time authorization is requested only when you set up protection. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled in your Apple ID settings. Restore an existing purchase from Settings > Restore Purchases. Features shown as Pro require an active Anchor entitlement; previously purchased lifetime access remains honored. Anchor is a focus aid, not a parental-control guarantee or emergency service. TERMS OF USE Product Terms of Use: https://www.uncommonweather.com/legal/apps/anchor-terms.html Apple Standard Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TaskGate4 screens
Anchor App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: TaskGate at 15.5 against Anchor App Blocker's 18.0. 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. TaskGate sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Anchor App Blocker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TaskGate ships an update every 5 weeks, Anchor App Blocker every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
TaskGate versus Anchor App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTaskGateAnchor App Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.5 β€” better18.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size148 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYosuke SakuraiRyan Tinklepaugh

In-app purchases

2 purchases

TaskGate

Subscriptions2
  • Pro One Month$1.991 Month
  • Pro Year$9.991 Year
3 purchases

Anchor App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Anchor Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Anchor Pro Yearly$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Anchor Pro Lifetime$39.99

Questions

Is TaskGate free?
TaskGate is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Anchor App Blocker free?
Anchor App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TaskGate or Anchor App Blocker have ads?
Neither TaskGate nor Anchor App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TaskGate or Anchor App Blocker?
TaskGate ships an update every 5 weeks, and Anchor App Blocker every 3 weeks. Most recently, TaskGate was updated on October 30, 2026 and Anchor App Blocker on November 9, 2026.

Other comparisons