Comparison

BarBlock vs Markdown Notes Editor

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

BarBlock3 screens
Markdown Notes Editor4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
BarBlock versus Markdown Notes Editor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBarBlockMarkdown Notes Editor
Price$0.99 — better$1.99
Rating4.9 (15 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings15 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
Best chart rank#195 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNAVON HAIM SOUSSANAneesh Pradeep

Customer experience

BarBlock

All ratings15 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Markdown Notes Editor

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

BarBlock

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Markdown Notes Editor

One-time3
  • Small Coffee$1.99
  • Big Coffee$4.99
  • Generous Supporter$9.99

Questions

Is BarBlock free?
BarBlock costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Markdown Notes Editor free?
Markdown Notes Editor costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Do BarBlock or Markdown Notes Editor have ads?
Neither BarBlock nor Markdown Notes Editor shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BarBlock or Markdown Notes Editor?
BarBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Markdown Notes Editor every 3 weeks. Most recently, BarBlock was updated on October 8, 2026 and Markdown Notes Editor on October 5, 2026.

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