Comparison

Fitblock vs Friction

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

Head to head
About

Fitblock

This app transforms screen time addiction into a fitness motivator. Complete exercises like push-ups, squats, and sit-ups, counted by AI using your phone's camera, to earn access to your favorite apps. It's about earning entertainment through movement, not restriction.

Highlights
  • AI rep counting via camera
  • Lock and earn access to apps
  • Push-ups, squats, and sit-ups
  • Adjustable difficulty and rep goals
  • Track daily and weekly stats
  • Build exercise streaks
Features
Read full description

Stop fighting your screen time addiction — harness it. FitBlock transforms your urge to scroll into fuel for fitness. Every push-up, squat, and sit-up you complete earns you access to the apps you love. It's not about restriction — it's about earning your entertainment through movement. HOW IT WORKS Choose which apps to lock (Instagram, TikTok, games — you decide) When you want screen time, complete a quick workout Our AI counts your reps using your camera — no equipment needed Finish your set and enjoy your earned screen time SMART AI REP COUNTING FitBlock uses advanced pose detection to accurately count your exercises in real-time. Just prop up your phone, get in frame, and start moving. The AI tracks your form and counts every rep automatically — no manual logging, no guesswork. SIX EXERCISE MODES PUSH-UPS — Build upper body strength SQUATS — Strengthen your legs and glutes SIT-UPS — Develop core stability LUNGES — Sculpt legs and glutes one rep at a time JUMPING JACKS — Get your heart rate up with full-body cardio STEP TO SCROLL — Walk your way to screen time — every step earns access Choose your challenge based on what you want to work, or mix it up to build a balanced routine. JOURNEY MODE — YOUR FITNESS, GAMIFIED Reps shouldn't feel like a chore. In Journey Mode, every workout pushes you forward through a gamified fitness adventure — level up, unlock new stages, and watch your progress turn into something you actually want to keep playing. It's the only fitness journey where leveling up your body also levels up your world. FLEXIBLE DIFFICULTY Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're a gym veteran, FitBlock adapts to you. Select your difficulty level and rep goals to match your current fitness level — then progress over time. CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS Working out alone is fine. Dragging your friends down with you is better. Create a challenge, invite your crew, and see who actually shows up. Bragging rights included — excuses not accepted. JOIN THE COMMUNITY FEED Hit a new PR? Smash a streak? Earn an absurd amount of screen time? Post it to the community feed and let the world see. Get hyped by other FitBlockers grinding right alongside you — because accountability hits different when there's an audience. BUILT-IN ACCOUNTABILITY Track your daily and weekly exercise stats Build streaks to stay motivated See your progress over time Share wins and cheer on friends in the community feed WHY FITBLOCK WORKS Traditional screen time apps punish you for using your phone. FitBlock flips the script — it rewards you for moving your body. That dopamine hit from scrolling? You'll earn it with endorphins first. Perfect for: Students who want to balance study breaks with movement Remote workers looking to stay active throughout the day Anyone who wants to reduce mindless scrolling Parents wanting to encourage healthy habits for teens Fitness beginners looking for motivation to start PRIVACY FIRST Your camera feed is processed entirely on-device using Apple's latest technology. No videos are stored or uploaded. Your workout data stays on your phone. Download FitBlock today and start earning your screen time the healthy way. Your body will thank you. Your apps will still be there — you just have to move first. TERMS, PRIVACY & CONDITIONS Read on https://www.fitscroll.fit/#/terms & https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Friction

This app helps you break free from mindless scrolling by requiring you to complete quick physical challenges before accessing distracting apps. Earn scrolling time through exercise and build healthier digital habits with a privacy-first approach.

Highlights
  • Complete physical challenges to earn screen time
  • Connect to Screen Time for app control
  • Track progress and build discipline
  • Privacy-first design with on-device detection
  • Breaks impulsive scrolling loops
  • Customizable app blocking
Features
Read full description

Friction helps you stop doomscrolling by making screen time intentional. Instead of opening distracting apps automatically, Friction asks you to complete a quick challenge first. Do a few push-ups, squats, or a plank, and earn scrolling time on purpose. How it works: • Connect Screen Time and choose the apps you want to control • Complete short physical challenges to unlock access • Earn minutes based on reps and track your progress • Build better habits through small, repeatable actions Why Friction: • Breaks impulsive scrolling loops • Turns “just 5 minutes” into a conscious choice • Helps you train discipline daily, not occasionally • Clean, fast flow designed for real-world use Privacy-first by design: • Exercise detection runs on-device • We do not collect, store, or share your Screen Time data • Challenge processing stays local to your device If you’re serious about reducing mindless scrolling and reclaiming your focus, Friction is built for you. Subscription notice: • Friction uses an auto-renewable subscription to access paid features • Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase • Subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period • You can manage and cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings If you’re serious about reducing mindless scrolling and reclaiming your focus, Friction is built for you. TERMS: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Fitblock4 screens
Friction4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Fitblock at 80% against Friction's 22%. Fitblock also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Fitblock sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Friction sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Fitblock holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 283 and 318 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Fitblock's written reviews are positive against 22% of Friction's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 days. Both last shipped on September 21, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Fitblock versus Friction: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFitblockFriction
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (283 ratings) — better4.6 (318 ratings)
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews — better22.2% of reviews
Number of ratings283318 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 daysEvery 6 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size120 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerjay chenTalkUp LLC

Customer experience

Fitblock

All ratings283 ratings
Positive94.7%
Neutral3.2%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

Friction

All ratings318 ratings
Positive90.9%
Neutral3.8%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive22.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative77.8%

In-app purchases

11 purchases

Fitblock

Subscriptions11
  • WeeklyPro$3.997 Days
  • FitBlock Premium Monthly3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Monthly Pro$9.991 Month
Show 8 more
  • Full Access$9.997 Days
  • Full Access$14.991 Month
  • Full Access3 Days trial$17.991 Month
  • FullAccess$17.991 Month
  • yearly_exit$24.991 Year
  • Fitblock Pro$29.991 Year
  • FitBlock Premium Yearly3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • Full Access$49.991 Year
8 purchases

Friction

Subscriptions8
  • Monthly Subscription$5.991 Month
  • Monthly Subscription$7.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$14.991 Year
Show 5 more
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$19.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$39.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Fitblock free?
Fitblock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Friction free?
Friction is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Fitblock or Friction?
Fitblock is rated higher. Fitblock averages 4.8 out of 5 from 283 ratings, while Friction averages 4.6 from 318 ratings.
Do Fitblock or Friction have ads?
Neither Fitblock nor Friction shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fitblock or Friction?
Fitblock ships an update every 6 days, and Friction every 6 days. Most recently, Fitblock was updated on September 21, 2026 and Friction on September 21, 2026.

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