# BarBlock vs Cortex

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BarBlock at none against Cortex's 1. BarBlock also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cortex sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BarBlock asks for nothing beyond the download.

BarBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, Cortex every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BarBlock | Cortex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barblock-barcode-app-blocker/id6757250972/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **15** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 84 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NAVON HAIM SOUSSAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859059122) | [Ippocode Technologies LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852421273) |

## What reviewers say

### BarBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barblock-barcode-app-blocker/id6757250972)

This app helps reduce screen time by requiring users to scan a real-world barcode to unlock selected apps. It adds friction to app usage, encouraging conscious choices and breaking automatic habits. Setup is simple, with no subscriptions or in-app purchases required.

**Highlights:** Block apps by scanning real-world barcodes, Unlock apps by rescanning the same barcode, Reduces screen time and automatic phone use, Privacy-first design, no accounts or sign-ups, Works offline, all data stored locally, Unlimited app blocking

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-local-ai/id6757537386)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortex Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BarBlock free?

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

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Do BarBlock or Cortex have ads?

Neither BarBlock nor Cortex shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BarBlock or Cortex?

BarBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cortex every 4 months. Most recently, BarBlock was updated on October 28, 2026 and Cortex on October 2, 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.*