# ReadBlock vs Math Shield

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReadBlock | Math Shield |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shield-focus-and-unlock/id6774190945/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 42 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mikalai Ptashyts](https://appshunter.io/developer/1777676648) | [Vinoth Ramajeyam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1665205517) |

## What reviewers say

### ReadBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readblock-read-to-unlock-apps/id6756010634)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ReadBlock Pro Monthly | $5.49 | per month |
| ReadBlock Pro Annual | $22.99 | per year |
| Pro Lifetime | $34.99 | one-time |


### Math Shield

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shield-focus-and-unlock/id6774190945)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Math Shield Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Math Shield Pro Yearly | $12.99 | per year |
| Math Shield Pro - Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*