Comparison

ReadBlock vs Math Shield

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

Head to head
About

ReadBlock

Read full description

Addictive apps keeping you from growing? ReadBlock helps you build a reading habit by blocking distracting apps until you reach your daily reading goal. HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose which apps to block (Short Videos, Social media, Games, etc.) 2. Set your daily reading goal (5, 10, 15, or 20 pages) 3. Upload your own books (EPUB) 4. Read to unlock — apps stay blocked until you finish WHY READBLOCK - Simple mechanism: read pages, unlock apps - No willpower needed — the block does the work - Works with any book you want to read in EPUB - Uses Screen Time API for reliable blocking PERFECT FOR - Breaking the doomscrolling habit - Finally finishing books on your reading list - Building a consistent daily reading routine - Replacing screen time with meaningful growth Start with just 10 pages a day — that's only 15 minutes. Your future self will thank you. ReadBlock requires a subscription to access all features. A free trial is available for new users. Legal links: - Privacy Policy: https://readblock.app/privacy - Terms Of Service: https://readblock.app/terms

About

Math Shield

This app helps you reduce distractions by requiring you to solve a math problem before accessing blocked applications. It creates a barrier to break automatic habits and encourages more intentional screen time.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Unlock with math challenges
  • Temporary app access
  • Reduce screen time
  • Build focus habits
  • Easy setup
Features
Read full description

Stay Focused with Math Shield Math Shield helps you reduce distractions and build better focus habits by placing a math challenge between you and your most distracting apps. Instead of mindlessly opening social media, games, or other time-wasting apps, you'll need to solve a math problem before gaining temporary access. This simple barrier helps break automatic habits and encourages intentional screen time. Key Features Block Distracting Apps: Choose the apps you want to limit and keep them locked during focus sessions. Unlock with Math Challenges: Solve math problems before accessing blocked apps. Temporary App Access: Gain limited access after successfully completing a challenge. Stay Productive: Create friction between impulses and distractions to help maintain focus. Easy Setup: Select apps, choose your preferences, and let Math Shield help you stay on track. Perfect For - Students who want to focus on studying - Professionals who need distraction-free work sessions - Anyone looking to reduce screen time - People building healthier digital habits Whether you're studying, working, reading, or spending time with family, Math Shield helps you take control of your attention—one challenge at a time. Download Math Shield and make every app unlock a conscious decision. To enjoy the full experience and to gain all the premium features, you can always purchase our Monthly, Yearly or Lifetime premium subscription pack. Math Shield will automatically charge your iTunes Account at the end of your subscription unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of your current period. Subscriptions renew at the original price. You can turn off auto-renew at any time and still receive full functionality until the end of your current period, but no refund can be provided for unused portions of the subscription. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. All your previous purchases can be easily restored using the **Restore Purchase** option in the app. This will provide you access to all the premium features. You can view Math Shield Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. Terms of Use (EULA):  https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://github.com/vinothvino42/app-privacy-policy/blob/main/math-shield.md

Screenshots

ReadBlock4 screens
Math Shield4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Math Shield at every 2 days against ReadBlock's every 3 weeks. ReadBlock's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. ReadBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.49 per month and Math Shield sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ReadBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, Math Shield every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
ReadBlock versus Math Shield: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReadBlockMath Shield
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB20 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMikalai PtashytsVinoth Ramajeyam

In-app purchases

3 purchases

ReadBlock

Subscriptions2
  • ReadBlock Pro Monthly$5.491 Month
  • ReadBlock Pro Annual3 Days trial$22.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$34.99
3 purchases

Math Shield

Subscriptions2
  • Math Shield Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Math Shield Pro Yearly3 Days trial$12.991 Year
One-time1
  • Math Shield Pro - Lifetime$19.99

Questions

Is ReadBlock free?
ReadBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Math Shield free?
Math Shield is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ReadBlock or Math Shield have ads?
Neither ReadBlock nor Math Shield shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ReadBlock or Math Shield?
ReadBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, and Math Shield every 2 days. Most recently, ReadBlock was updated on October 30, 2026 and Math Shield on October 31, 2026.

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