# Ember vs BlockLab

The clearest difference is monetization model: BlockLab at free against Ember's freemium. BlockLab also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ember sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and BlockLab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Ember ships an update every 3 weeks, BlockLab every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ember | BlockLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blocklab/id6760190990/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 28 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lahiru Chathuranga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1830723819) | [Daniel Catinella](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867908194) |

## 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 |


### BlockLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blocklab/id6760190990)

This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications during designated work or study periods. It utilizes system-level protections to ensure uninterrupted concentration, offering customizable profiles and scheduled blocking for consistent productivity.

**Highlights:** System-level app blocking, Customizable Focus Profiles, Scheduled blocking, Manual focus sessions, Grace period before blocking, No subscriptions or ads

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BlockLab Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ember free?

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

### Is BlockLab free?

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

### Do Ember or BlockLab have ads?

Neither Ember nor BlockLab shows ads.

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

Ember ships an update every 3 weeks, and BlockLab every 2 weeks. Most recently, Ember was updated on October 31, 2026 and BlockLab on October 31, 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.*