Comparison

Asterex vs BlockLab

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

Head to head
About

Asterex

This app securely stores passwords, passkeys, 2FA codes, and sensitive records using strong encryption and a zero-knowledge design. It offers local storage by default with optional cloud sync and provides tools for generating strong passwords and managing digital identities.

Highlights
  • Local-first, privacy-first password manager
  • Stores passwords, passkeys, 2FA codes, notes, and attachments
  • Password and passphrase generator
  • Passkey support and autofill
  • AES-256 encryption and biometric protection
  • Import from multiple popular password managers
  • Optional iCloud and WiFi sync
Features
Read full description

Asterex is a local-first, privacy-first password manager built for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It protects passwords, passkeys, 2FA codes, secure notes, attachments, and sensitive records with strong encryption and a zero-knowledge design, so only you can unlock your data. Asterex keeps control in your hands: encrypted local storage by default, with optional sync and encrypted backup when you choose. Guided setup helps you create or restore a vault and enable AutoFill. WHAT YOU CAN STORE - Passwords, passkeys, and secure notes - Credit cards, identities, passports, WiFi credentials, API keys, database logins, software licenses, memberships, subscriptions, and more - Attachments, custom fields, nested tags, favorites, and linked items - Organized vaults with custom colors and icons, fast search, filters, and Smart Folders - Location-aware items associated with Apple Maps places - Smart Fill to populate item details from photos, PDFs, and text, plus camera scans on iPhone and iPad, with on-device processing and review before saving PASSWORD, PASSPHRASE, AND USERNAME TOOLS - Password generator with customizable length and character sets - Option to exclude ambiguous characters like 0/O and l/I - Passphrase generator with configurable word count, separators, capitalization, and numeric suffix - Remembered password and passphrase settings - Alias Studio for username and email identity generation - Plus-address aliases, catch-all domain aliases, word-blend usernames, and relay aliases through supported providers PASSKEY AND AUTOFILL EXPERIENCE - Passkey support for WebAuthn/FIDO2 - AutoFill for apps and websites - Safari extension, plus Chrome and Firefox extensions for Mac, with password and 2FA code autofill, search, password generation, and login saving - URI match detection controls for more precise website matching - Built-in TOTP authenticator with QR setup and quick copy - Mac Quick Access and keyboard shortcuts - Siri and Shortcuts support, with optional Spotlight indexing WIDGETS - TOTP widget for fast access to one-time codes - Subscription widget mode for upcoming billing visibility - Security Score widget for at-a-glance vault health SECURITY FEATURES - AES-256 encryption and SQLCipher encrypted local database - Face ID and Touch ID protection - YubiKey and compatible security key support - Travel Mode to hide selected vaults until revealed with your Master Password - Vault Policies for local rules around access, AutoFill, exports, sync, and travel visibility - Auto-lock and privacy screen - Secure clipboard controls, including auto-clear options - Security Dashboard for weak, duplicate, reused, old, and compromised credential detection - 2FA coverage insights and actionable recommendations IMPORT, EXPORT, AND TRANSFER - Import from 1Password, Bitwarden, Proton Pass, KeePass, Strongbox, Chrome, LastPass, Apple Passwords CSV, mSecure, and generic CSV - Preview imports before adding items to your vault - Select or unselect individual items during supported imports - Encrypted export for backup and migration - App-to-app credential transfer support on compatible iOS versions SYNC AND BACKUP OPTIONS - Local-first by default - Optional iCloud Sync - Optional encrypted iCloud backup and restore - Local WiFi Sync with secure pairing and fingerprint verification - Folder Sync and WebDAV support PRIVACY - No tracking, no analytics, no ads - No Asterex-hosted cloud storing your vault - Your master password stays on-device PREMIUM Asterex includes a free tier, with Premium unlocking expanded limits and advanced workflows including advanced protection tools, widgets, vault organization, imports, sync, and backup features. Free trial available. Cancel anytime. Terms of Use: [https://secure.asterex.app/terms](https://secure.asterex.app/terms) Privacy Policy: [https://secure.asterex.app/privacy](https://secure.asterex.app/privacy)

About

BlockLab

This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications during designated work or study periods. It utilizes system-level protections to ensure uninterrupted concentration, offering customizable profiles and scheduled blocking for consistent productivity.

Highlights
  • System-level app blocking
  • Customizable Focus Profiles
  • Scheduled blocking
  • Manual focus sessions
  • Grace period before blocking
  • No subscriptions or ads
Features
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Your phone is designed to distract you. BlockLab is designed to stop it. BlockLab uses Apple's Screen Time framework to block distracting apps during focus sessions and scheduled blocks — the same system-level protection built into iOS, with a cleaner, more intentional interface built around how you actually work. Focus your way Create Focus Profiles with the exact apps you want blocked. Start a manual session when you need to lock in, or set a recurring schedule so blocking happens automatically — no willpower required. Real blocking, not suggestions When a session is active, blocked apps are shielded at the system level. There's no sneaking past it. Grace Period Need a moment before a block kicks in? BlockLab gives you a grace period so you can wrap up what you're doing before focus mode takes over. Pay once. Use forever. No subscription. No monthly fee. No paywalled features. Buy BlockLab once and it's yours. BlockLab is for people who want a simple, honest tool — not an app that gamifies your attention or monetizes your habits.

Screenshots

Asterex4 screens
BlockLab3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Asterex at every 5 days against BlockLab's every 2 weeks. Asterex also leads on ratings volume (7 vs 1) and device support (4 vs 2). BlockLab's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.6). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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. Asterex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and BlockLab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Asterex against 5.0 for BlockLab. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Asterex has 7 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Asterex ships an update every 5 days, BlockLab every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Asterex versus BlockLab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAsterexBlockLab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (7 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.616.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size82 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYaw BoamahDaniel Catinella

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Asterex

Subscriptions2
  • Asterex Premium Monthly$2.991 Month
  • Asterex Premium Yearly$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Asterex Lifetime Premium$79.99
1 purchases

BlockLab

One-time1
  • BlockLab Premium$2.99

Questions

Is Asterex free?
Asterex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BlockLab free?
BlockLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Asterex or BlockLab?
BlockLab is rated higher. Asterex averages 4.9 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while BlockLab averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Asterex or BlockLab have ads?
Neither Asterex nor BlockLab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Asterex or BlockLab?
Asterex ships an update every 5 days, and BlockLab every 2 weeks. Most recently, Asterex was updated on October 30, 2026 and BlockLab on October 31, 2026.

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