Comparison

Runlock vs Squat Lock

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

Head to head
About

Runlock

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by converting physical activity into unlockable app usage. Instead of relying on willpower, it uses a coin-based system where exercise earns you time back on your chosen apps.

Highlights
  • App locking via Screen Time API
  • Exercise-based screen time earning
  • AI rep counting for push-ups/squats
  • GPS run tracking with route visualization
  • Achievement system with streaks
  • Daily activity and coin log
  • Limited emergency unlocks
Features
Read full description

The Algorithm is Winning. Take Your Brain Back. You've tried willpower. You've tried deleting apps. You've tried those blockers that let you bypass with one tap. Nothing sticks. Because the problem isn't you. it's billion-dollar engagement algorithms designed to keep you scrolling. Runlock is different. It's not a blocker. It's a currency exchange. HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose the apps you want to limit (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) 2. They're locked by default 3. Want your apps back? Move. 4. Do push-ups, squats, or go for a run 5. Your physical effort converts to screen time That's it. No willpower required. Just a simple transaction: sweat for screen time. REAL EXERCISE TRACKING • Push-ups & Squats: Computer vision tracks your reps using your front camera. No faking it. The AI counts every proper rep. • Running: GPS tracks your distance and pace. Watch your route appear on the map as you earn coins. • Coins Economy: Earn coins through exercise. Spend coins to unlock screen time. Simple. WHY IT ACTUALLY WORKS Traditional blockers fail because they rely on willpower, which is finite. They also create a void: you stop a habit without replacing it. This leads to the binge-purge cycle: block apps, eventually bypass, feel guilty, repeat. Runlock replaces the dopamine hit of scrolling with the endorphin hit of exercise. It's habit replacement, backed by neuroscience. FEATURES • Block any app using Apple's Screen Time API • Earn time through verified physical activity • Real-time GPS run tracking with route visualization • AI-powered rep counting for push-ups and squats • Achievement system with streaks and milestones • Daily activity log with coins earned • Emergency unlock (limited uses per year; for when you truly need it) • Beautiful, minimal dark UI THE PHILOSOPHY We're not anti-phone. We're anti-brain-hijacking. Social media companies spend billions engineering dopamine loops to steal your attention. Runlock gives you a fighting chance. Think of it as your personal bodyguard against the algorithm. WHO IT'S FOR • Anyone who's failed with traditional blockers • People who want more exercise but lack motivation • Students who need focus but keep picking up their phone • Anyone tired of wasting hours doom-scrolling • People who want to actually feel good about their screen time THE DEAL You're not giving up your apps. You're earning them. And in the process, you're getting fitter, healthier, and more in control of your attention. Half the screen time. Double the gains. Download Runlock. The algorithm won't know what hit it. NOTE: All app features require a subscription. Find out more at: https://runlock.app/terms/

About

Squat Lock

This app locks your phone's most time-wasting apps until you complete real squats. It uses motion sensors to detect movement, offering a unique way to build consistency and reduce screen time. Features include ghost mode for increased difficulty during vulnerable hours and progress tracking.

Highlights
  • App blocking until squats are completed
  • Real squat detection via motion sensors
  • Ghost Mode for increased difficulty
  • Streaks and achievements for consistency
  • Progress tracking with stats and Apple Health sync
  • Privacy-focused on-device motion detection
Read full description

Your phone won't unlock until you move. Squat Lock blocks the apps you waste the most time on — and only unlocks them after you complete real squats. Place your phone on your thigh and squat. The app detects your movement using motion sensors. No camera. No video. Just you and gravity. HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose which apps to block (social media, games, etc.) 2. When you open a blocked app, a lock screen appears 3. Place your phone on your thigh and do your squats 4. Your apps unlock for 5–60 minutes It's simple friction that actually works. REAL SQUAT DETECTION Squat Lock uses your phone's accelerometer to detect genuine squat motion. It tracks your descent, depth, and ascent in real time with a visual fill animation — so you know exactly where you are in each rep. Anti-cheat measures prevent shaking or fake movements from counting. GHOST MODE Set "vulnerable hours" (like late-night scrolling) where the squat requirement increases 1.5x to 2.5x. Make it harder to mindlessly scroll when your willpower is lowest. STREAKS & ACHIEVEMENTS Build consistency with a daily streak system. Hit 7-day milestones and the app suggests leveling up your squat count. Earn 33 achievements across 4 categories — from your first squat to a 365-day streak. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly stats • Squats completed, calories burned, unlock count • Syncs with Apple Health • Past 7 days visualized on your home screen PRIVACY FIRST All motion detection happens on your device. No camera access. No cloud uploads. No data leaves your phone. BUILT ON APPLE SCREEN TIME Uses Apple's official FamilyControls and Screen Time API — the same technology behind Screen Time parental controls. No workarounds, no jailbreak. YOUR SETTINGS, YOUR RULES • 5–50 squats per unlock • 5–60 minute unlock windows • Choose specific apps or entire categories • Ghost Mode for late-night protection • Daily reminders and streak warnings IN ONE YEAR, YOU COULD • Save hundreds of hours of screen time • Complete thousands of squats effortlessly • Build a genuinely healthier relationship with your phone Start with a 3-day free trial (yearly plan). Cancel anytime. • Terms of Service: https://squatlockapp.com/terms.html • Privacy Policy: https://squatlockapp.com/privacy.html Subscription Details: • Squat Lock Pro Weekly: $9.99/week • Squat Lock Pro Annual: $39.99/year (With 3 day free trial) • Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period • Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period • You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your App Store account settings after purchase

Screenshots

Runlock4 screens
Squat Lock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Runlock at 100% against Squat Lock's 0%. Squat Lock's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Runlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Squat Lock sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Runlock ships an update every 2 weeks, Squat Lock weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Runlock versus Squat Lock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRunlockSquat Lock
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.617.6
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB8 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperBedroomlabs SRLYusuke Hatano

Customer experience

Runlock

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Squat Lock

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Runlock

Subscriptions3
  • Runlock+ Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Runlock Club Annual7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Runlock+ Annual$39.991 Year
4 purchases

Squat Lock

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly 50% OFF Discount Offering$4.997 Days
  • Squat Lock Pro Weekly$9.997 Days
  • Annual 50% OFF Discount Offering3 Days trial$19.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Squat Lock Pro Annual3 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Runlock free?
Runlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Squat Lock free?
Squat Lock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Runlock or Squat Lock have ads?
Runlock shows ads; Squat Lock does not.
Which is updated more often, Runlock or Squat Lock?
Runlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Squat Lock weekly. Most recently, Runlock was updated on October 9, 2026 and Squat Lock on October 15, 2026.

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