# Ember vs Rappel

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Rappel at none against Ember's 2. Rappel also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ember sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Rappel asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ember ships an update every 3 weeks, Rappel every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ember | Rappel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 28 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lahiru Chathuranga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1830723819) | [Boris Luis Rodriguez Perez](https://appshunter.io/developer/1779495689) |

## What reviewers say

### Ember

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ember-focus-and-app-blocker/id6757117435)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $2.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $14.99 | per year |


### Rappel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rappel-reminders/id6758588736)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ember free?

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

### Is Rappel free?

Rappel is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Ember or Rappel have ads?

Neither Ember nor Rappel shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ember or Rappel?

Ember ships an update every 3 weeks, and Rappel every 2 days. Most recently, Ember was updated on October 15, 2026 and Rappel on October 20, 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.*