BarBlock vs Markdown Notes Editor
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
BarBlock
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.
- 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
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BarBlock reduces screen time by adding real-world friction to app blocking. Instead of relying on willpower or screen time limits, you lock distracting apps by scanning a barcode you already have, like one on a book or a food package. Those apps stay blocked until you scan the same barcode again. Setup is super easy: choose the apps you want to block, scan any barcode, and they stay locked until you rescan it. No extra devices, nothing new to buy, no subscriptions, no accounts, no sign-ups. You can block unlimited apps, and the app works fully offline with all data stored locally. Nothing is tracked, collected, or sent to any server. BarBlock is built for people who want to cut screen time, anyone who's outgrown standard app blockers and screen time limits, and anyone looking for a simple, private, reliable focus tool without the complexity or cost.
Markdown Notes Editor
A privacy-focused markdown editor and writing app that keeps all your files locally. It offers real-time syntax highlighting, AI writing assistance, and robust task management features. Designed for distraction-free writing and secure document handling.
- Markdown editing with syntax highlighting
- AI writing assistant (BYO API key)
- Full offline support
- AES-256 file encryption
- Todo.txt task management
- Version history
- Focus mode with Pomodoro timer
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Markden is a privacy-first markdown editor and writing app designed for people who value ownership of their words. Every file stays on your device. No account required. No cloud lock-in. Just your thoughts in plain text. Markdown editing with real-time syntax highlighting AI writing assistant powered by Claude (bring your own API key) Full offline support with no internet required for core features AES-256 file encryption for sensitive documents Todo.txt task management with priorities, contexts, and projects Version history with up to 50 snapshots per file Focus mode with Pomodoro timer and word count goals 13 file formats supported including Markdown, JSON, YAML, CSV, Org-Mode, and AsciiDoc Dark and light terminal-inspired themes Quick note capture for instant ideas Daily notes with auto-generated templates Find and replace with full regex support Kanban board view for task management Live markdown preview with math (KaTeX) and diagrams (Mermaid) Export to HTML for sharing and publishing Customizable editor with multiple fonts, sizes, and spacing options AI WRITING TOOLS Fix grammar and spelling Rewrite for clarity Summarize long documents Change tone (formal or casual) Continue writing from where you left off Explain code blocks Generate tables and todo lists from text You pay Anthropic directly for AI usage. Markden never touches your API key or data. PRIVACY BY DESIGN All files stored locally in your app sandbox API key secured in iOS Keychain No analytics, no tracking, no telemetry No third-party SDKs that collect data No account or sign-up required Uninstalling removes everything. Nothing persists elsewhere. BUILT FOR PRODUCTIVITY 6 built-in templates: meeting notes, blog post, journal, weekly review, Cornell notes, and project readme Smart auto-save with configurable intervals File browser with favorites, search, and sort options Breadcrumb navigation for nested folders Swipe actions for quick file management Custom keyboard toolbar with format-specific shortcuts DESIGNED FOR IPHONE AND IPAD Sidebar navigation on iPad with split view editor and preview Adaptive layouts that use the full screen on every device Keyboard shortcuts and external keyboard support Markden is free to download with all editing features included. AI features require your own Anthropic API key which you can get at console.anthropic.com. Whether you write meeting notes, journal entries, blog posts, code documentation, or manage daily tasks, Markden gives you a fast, private, distraction-free space to think and write. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: BarBlock at 100% against Markdown Notes Editor's 0%. BarBlock also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#195 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, monetization model 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
BarBlock costs $0.99 and Markdown Notes Editor $1.99 up front. Markdown Notes Editor sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. BarBlock asks for nothing beyond the download.
BarBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, Markdown Notes Editor every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BarBlock | Markdown Notes Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 4.9 (15 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 15 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #195 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NAVON HAIM SOUSSAN | Aneesh Pradeep |
Customer experience
BarBlock
Markdown Notes Editor
In-app purchases
BarBlock
No in-app purchases
Markdown Notes Editor
- Small Coffee$1.99
- Big Coffee$4.99
- Generous Supporter$9.99
Questions
Is BarBlock free?
Is Markdown Notes Editor free?
Do BarBlock or Markdown Notes Editor have ads?
Which is updated more often, BarBlock or Markdown Notes Editor?
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