Comparison

ReadBlock vs ReadLock

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

ReadLock

This app requires users to read a page from a selected text before granting access to blocked apps, categories, or websites. It utilizes Apple's Screen Time system to enforce focus and offers a library of public-domain classics for reading material.

Highlights
  • Earn app access through reading
  • Block apps, categories, and websites
  • Schedule reading locks
  • Manual app locking
  • Built-in reader with public-domain classics
  • Track local reading progress
Features
Read full description

ReadLock makes you read before you scroll. If app blockers are too easy to ignore, ReadLock gives your phone a real forcing function: your selected apps, categories, and websites stay blocked until you read one page. Choose what you want to block, set your reading times, then let ReadLock hold the line. When it is time to read, ReadLock uses Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls system to shield your selected distractions. Finish one page in the built-in reader, and your apps unlock. Why people use ReadLock: - Earn access instead of relying on willpower - Block chosen apps, app categories, and websites - Schedule reading locks for morning, midday, or evening - Lock apps manually when you need a reset - Read bundled public-domain classics like Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Crime and Punishment, and Sherlock Holmes - Track local reading progress in a simple library - Get optional reading reminders and unlock notifications ReadLock is for the moment when you catch yourself opening the same app again and again, even though you meant to do literally anything else. Instead of another dismissible reminder, it turns one page of reading into the key that gets you back in. Read first. Scroll later. Notes: - App blocking requires Screen Time permission and a selected app, category, or website. - Blocking behavior can vary based on iOS, device settings, and the selections you choose. - Full access requires an auto-renewing subscription. Trial, price, and renewal details are shown before purchase. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ReadBlock4 screens
ReadLock3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ReadLock at every 5 days against ReadBlock's every 3 weeks. 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 ReadLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ReadBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, ReadLock every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
ReadBlock versus ReadLock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReadBlockReadLock
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB27 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperMikalai PtashytsMATTHEW HENRY FOSTER

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
2 purchases

ReadLock

Subscriptions2
  • Read Lock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Read Lock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is ReadBlock free?
ReadBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ReadLock free?
ReadLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ReadBlock or ReadLock have ads?
Neither ReadBlock nor ReadLock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ReadBlock or ReadLock?
ReadBlock ships an update every 3 weeks, and ReadLock every 5 days. Most recently, ReadBlock was updated on September 7, 2026 and ReadLock on September 20, 2026.

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