# BarBlock vs Anchor App Blocker

The clearest difference is price: Anchor App Blocker at Free against BarBlock's $0.99. BarBlock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Anchor App Blocker is free to download; BarBlock costs $0.99 up front. Anchor App Blocker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. BarBlock asks for nothing beyond the download.

BarBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, Anchor App Blocker every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BarBlock | Anchor App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **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 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NAVON HAIM SOUSSAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859059122) | [Ryan Tinklepaugh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883444651) |

## 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


### Anchor App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-app-blocker/id6760245776)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anchor Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Anchor Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Anchor Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BarBlock free?

BarBlock costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Anchor App Blocker free?

Anchor App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do BarBlock or Anchor App Blocker have ads?

Neither BarBlock nor Anchor App Blocker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BarBlock or Anchor App Blocker?

BarBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Anchor App Blocker every 3 weeks. Most recently, BarBlock was updated on October 31, 2026 and Anchor App Blocker on October 28, 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.*