# WalkBlock vs Holdback

The clearest difference is monetization model: Holdback at free against WalkBlock's freemium. Holdback also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 83%). WalkBlock's advantage is ratings volume (36 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WalkBlock sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Holdback sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Holdback holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WalkBlock has 36 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of WalkBlock's written reviews are positive against 100% of Holdback's.

WalkBlock ships an update every 9 days, Holdback every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WalkBlock | Holdback |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/walkblock-screen-time-control/id6756827348/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdback-app-blocker-and-steps/id6793691152/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **36** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 82.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 164 MB | 262 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **17.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Esnap Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1827811872) | [Raman Pazdniakou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787426975) |

## What reviewers say

### WalkBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/walkblock-screen-time-control/id6756827348)

This app encourages physical activity by linking your steps to unlocking your phone's apps. Earn your screen time by walking, block distractions until you meet your daily step goal, and enjoy your apps guilt-free while improving your health.

**Highlights:** Step-based app blocker, Integrates with Apple HealthKit, Customizable daily step goals, Achievement and streak tracking, App and category blocking, Detailed statistics and progress tracking

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkblock Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Walkblock Pro Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Walkblock Pro Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Walkblock Pro Yearly | $11.99 | per year |
| Walkblock Pro Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Walkblock Pro Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |
| Walkblock Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


### Holdback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdback-app-blocker-and-steps/id6793691152)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by locking chosen apps until you meet a daily step goal, adhere to a schedule, or stay within a set time limit. It offers a 'never allowed' option for apps you wish to permanently block. Focus sessions can lock your entire phone for dedicated work periods.

**Highlights:** Unlock apps with step goals from Apple Health, Schedule app availability, Set daily time limits for apps, Permanently block apps, Focus sessions to lock entire phone, Hard mode to prevent changing settings, Track walking history and milestones

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Holdback Pro Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Holdback Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is WalkBlock free?

WalkBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Holdback free?

Holdback is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, WalkBlock or Holdback?

Holdback is rated higher. WalkBlock averages 4.8 out of 5 from 36 ratings, while Holdback averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do WalkBlock or Holdback have ads?

Neither WalkBlock nor Holdback shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, WalkBlock or Holdback?

WalkBlock ships an update every 9 days, and Holdback every 2 weeks. Most recently, WalkBlock was updated on October 24, 2026 and Holdback on October 8, 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.*