Comparison

Runlock vs GritMode

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

GritMode

Features
Read full description

GritMode helps you pause before opening distracting apps. Choose an app to block with Apple Screen Time, complete a short activity, and earn minutes of access. When the granted time ends, the restriction returns. HOW DOES IT WORK? 1. Pick the apps you want to use more intentionally. 2. Choose an activity and earn minutes: for example, push-ups or a walk. 3. Spend earned minutes on access. Your selected apps are restricted again when time runs out. WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN I USE? GritMode supports push-ups, squats, crunches, plank, steps, and a breathing exercise. Camera-based repetition counting runs on your iPhone. Steps use Apple Health when you choose that option. You can adjust exercise rates and see your earned balance and activity history. IS GRITMODE FREE? Yes. Every feature is free, with no subscription, trial, or in-app purchase. WHAT ACCESS DOES IT NEED? Screen Time / Family Controls is required to choose apps, apply restrictions, and grant access for earned time. Camera access is used for supported exercise counting. Apple Health access is optional and only needed for steps. Notifications are optional. GritMode is for anyone who wants a simple pause between an impulse and opening an app.

Screenshots

Runlock4 screens
GritMode3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: GritMode at none against Runlock's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Runlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and GritMode sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Runlock ships an update every 2 weeks, GritMode weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Runlock versus GritMode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRunlockGritMode
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.617.6
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB14 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperBedroomlabs SRLOleksandr Biriulin

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
3 purchases

GritMode

Subscriptions3
  • GritMode Premium3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • GritMode Premium7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • GritMode Premium7 Days trial$79.991 Year

Questions

Is Runlock free?
Runlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GritMode free?
GritMode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Runlock or GritMode have ads?
Runlock shows ads; GritMode does not.
Which is updated more often, Runlock or GritMode?
Runlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and GritMode weekly. Most recently, Runlock was updated on October 9, 2026 and GritMode on October 24, 2026.

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