Comparison

App Blocker vs Self Notify

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

Head to head
About

App Blocker

This app helps you block distracting applications and build better focus habits. It uses device technology to control which apps are blocked and when, supporting work, study, or rest periods. Enjoy a clean design with a privacy-first approach, as it does not track activity or collect personal data.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • One-tap focus mode
  • Schedule app blocking
  • Block apps during specific times
  • Clean and calm design
  • Privacy-first, no tracking
  • Uses Apple Screen Time technology
Features
Read full description

FocusShield – Screen Time Controller FocusShield helps you block distractions and stay focused. If social media is taking too much of your time, FocusShield gives you a simple way to block distracting apps and build better focus habits. Using Apple’s Screen Time technology, FocusShield lets you control which apps you want to block and when you want to block them — during work, study, or rest. Key Features • App blocker for social media and distracting apps • One-tap focus mode • Schedule app blocking by time • Block apps during work, study, or sleep • Clean and calm design • Works fully on your device • No ads. No tracking. No data selling Stay Focused, Your Way FocusShield is designed for: Work focus Study focus Reducing social media usage Improving productivity Digital wellbeing You stay in full control. Choose the apps. Choose the time. FocusShield handles the rest. Privacy First Your privacy matters. FocusShield: Does NOT track your activity Does NOT read your messages Does NOT collect personal data All controls are user-initiated and managed directly on your device. Built with Apple Screen Time FocusShield uses Apple’s official Screen Time APIs to block apps safely and responsibly, following Apple’s privacy and security standards. Why Users Love FocusShield • Simple to use • No complicated setup • Gentle way to reduce distractions • Helps build healthier phone habits Take back your focus today with FocusShield. SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS: Focus Shield offers auto-renewable subscriptions for premium features: * Subscription Name: FocusShield Premium * Duration: Monthly and Yearly plans * Price: Pricing varies by region and is displayed in the app before purchase * Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase * Subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period * You can manage and cancel subscriptions in your App Store account settings Privacy Policy: https://focusshieldapp.web.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Self Notify

Features
Read full description

SelfNotify is a simple, powerful way to send notifications to yourself from anywhere. Whether you’re running scripts, monitoring servers, tracking automations, or just want quick reminders, SelfNotify gives you a private push notification endpoint tied to your device. No API keys, no complex setup—just your personal token. What it does SelfNotify lets you trigger push notifications by sending an HTTP POST request to a single endpoint. Your device receives the notification instantly. Premium subscribers can add optional fields like title, subtitle, sound, and alert level for richer alerts. It’s built for developers, automation enthusiasts, and anyone who wants reliable “push-to-self” messaging. How it works • Install the app and sign in. • Get your personal token from the main screen. • Send a POST request to: https://self-notify.com/send, Works with JSON or URL-encoded form data • Include your token and message. Premium subscribers can add optional fields like title, subtitle, sound, or alert level. That’s it. The notification arrives on your device. Ideal for • DevOps: alert yourself when jobs fail or succeed • CI/CD: build, test, deploy notifications • Cron jobs and scripts • Personal automations and reminders • Monitoring disk space, uptime, or log events • Quick pings from any service that can send HTTP Flexible notification levels (Premium) Choose how intrusive a message should be: • Active (default) • Passive (quiet delivery) • Time-Sensitive • Critical Extra customization (Premium) • Custom sounds (CAF) • Subtitle support • Extra custom fields for reference inside the app Free tier and subscription SelfNotify is free for up to 20 messages per day. Optional fields (title, subtitle, alert level, and sound) are available with a premium subscription. If you need more, an affordable subscription removes the daily limit so you can send as many notifications as you like. Privacy-first Your token is private and unique. It’s the only key needed to send notifications to your device. Notifications are not retained on our servers after delivery; they are removed once delivered and stored locally within the app. Quick example (JSON) Send a message in seconds: POST to https://self-notify.com/send Body: { "token": "YOUR_TOKEN", "title": "Build Complete", "message": "CI finished successfully." } SelfNotify is built for reliability and speed, with a clean interface and instant feedback. It’s the missing piece for anyone who wants fast, personal alerts without building a full notification backend.

Screenshots

App Blocker4 screens
Self Notify4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: App Blocker at fortnightly against Self Notify's every 5 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. App Blocker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Self Notify sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

App Blocker ships an update fortnightly, Self Notify every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 7 level
App Blocker versus Self Notify: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterApp BlockerSelf Notify
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS26.026.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB9 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperLahiru ChathurangaDayana Networks Ltd

In-app purchases

2 purchases

App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Plan3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Annual Plan$14.991 Year
1 purchases

Self Notify

Subscriptions1
  • Premium14 Days trial$5.991 Year

Questions

Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Self Notify free?
Self Notify is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do App Blocker or Self Notify have ads?
Neither App Blocker nor Self Notify shows ads.
Which is updated more often, App Blocker or Self Notify?
App Blocker ships an update fortnightly, and Self Notify every 5 weeks. Most recently, App Blocker was updated on September 19, 2026 and Self Notify on September 12, 2026.

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