Comparison

Anchor vs ZenWall

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

Head to head
About

Anchor

Features
Read full description

Anchor is a focus timer with a twist: it only works when your phone is face-down. Set your time, flip your phone onto a flat surface, and the timer starts automatically. Lift it early? Session broken. Stay committed until the timer ends, and you've earned your focus. WHY ANCHOR? • No willpower required — flip and forget • No apps to block, no settings to configure • Visual proof: red for broken, green for complete • Session history calendar to track your progress HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose your focus duration (1-30 minutes free, up to 4 hours with Pro) 2. Place your phone face-down on any flat surface 3. The timer starts automatically when gravity detects the position 4. Stay focused. Your phone stays down. That's it. ANCHOR PRO (One-Time Purchase) • Unlock sessions up to 4 hours • Perfect for deep work, studying, or creative sessions • No subscription — pay once, own forever The simplest way to put your phone down and actually focus.

About

ZenWall

Features
Read full description

WHY ZENWALL WORKS WHERE OTHERS FAIL Unlike apps that rely on willpower or easy bypasses, ZenWall creates real cognitive friction: • SMART UNLOCK CHALLENGE Random number sequences block impulsive unlocking. Each attempt requires genuine intent. No "just this once" loopholes. • PARTIAL UNLOCK REWARDS Made a mistake during unlock? Get 1 minute of access per correct digit. Fair, but friction-filled. • SCREEN TIME INTEGRATION True device-level app blocking during sessions. Even force-quitting the app won't help. Your focus fortress persists. • POMODORO BUILT-IN Automated work/break cycles with customizable durations. Screen auto-unlocks during breaks, re-locks for work. Set it and forget it. • LIVE ACTIVITIES Your focus session timer stays visible on the lock screen. Track progress without unlocking. • AMBIENT SOUNDSCAPES Rain, ocean waves, fireplace, meditation sounds, and more. Premium sounds include water fountain, deep meditation, and nature ambience. • ICLOUD SYNC Your settings, preferences, and stats sync across all your iOS devices seamlessly. BUILT FOR: - Deep Work Sessions - 2-hour blocks of uninterrupted creativity - Pomodoro Practitioners - Automated 25/5 work/break cycling - Students & Test Prep - Study sessions from 30 minutes to 3 hours - ADHD Focus Support - Stronger barriers than "gentle reminder" apps - Digital Detox - Break phone addiction with real resistance - Remote Workers - Maintain productivity without constant pings FREE FOREVER: • 30-minute focus sessions • Basic ambient sounds (rain, ocean) • Pomodoro timer • Screen Time blocking • Live Activities • iCloud sync ZENWALL PREMIUM: • Unlimited session durations • Custom session lengths • All premium ambient sounds (6+ soundscapes) • Priority support • Future feature access READY TO BUILD YOUR FOCUS FORTRESS? Download ZenWall now and experience friction-based focus that actually works. No accounts. No tracking. Your privacy protected. Questions? Email: piotr@gebski.cloud Privacy Policy: https://geba89.github.io/ZenWallWebsite/privacy-policy.html Terms: https://geba89.github.io/ZenWallWebsite/terms-of-use.html

Screenshots

Anchor4 screens
ZenWall4 screens

Verdict

The call

Anchor and ZenWall are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Anchor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ZenWall sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Anchor versus ZenWall: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAnchorZenWall
PriceFreeFree
Update frequency—Fortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB89 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYagız UGURVERENPiotr Gebski

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Anchor

One-time1
  • Anchor Pro$4.99
2 purchases

ZenWall

Subscriptions2
  • ZenWall Monthly Premium$4.991 Month
  • ZenWall Yearly Premium$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Anchor free?
Anchor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ZenWall free?
ZenWall is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Anchor or ZenWall have ads?
Neither Anchor nor ZenWall shows ads.

Other comparisons