Comparison

SelfBlock vs LockPact

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

Head to head
About

SelfBlock

Features
Read full description

Every blocker fails the same way: you turn it off. SelfBlock doesn't let you. When you try to open a blocked app, a friend gets the request — and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. ► BUDDY SYSTEM When you try to open a blocked app, your buddy gets a request. They set the time and decide for you. They can respond instantly from a notification or Apple Watch. ► COMMUNITY MODE Don't want to assign a friend? Get anonymous support from the community. A random user reviews your request. Your identity stays hidden. ► 5 BLOCKING MODES – Full Block: Completely prevent app access – Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours – Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app – Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app – Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower ► BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. ► LIVE FOCUS TRACKING – Daily focus moment counter and day streak – Weekly report with progress summary – Daily check-in to track your mood – Home screen widgets and Live Activity support ► APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. ► CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. ► STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. ► PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. ► FREE TO START Download free and start using right away. Go Pro for unlimited buddy and community mode, custom themes, weekly reports, strict mode, and more. SelfBlock works as a screen time blocker, app blocker, phone addiction tool, digital detox app, focus timer, social media blocker, dopamine detox aid, website blocker, app lock, and productivity tool. Compatible with Apple Watch and Home Screen widgets. Terms of Use: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://ismailpalalii.github.io/selfblock-site/privacy.html

About

LockPact

This app pairs you with a trusted partner for mutual screen time accountability. You both select apps to lock on your own devices, and only your partner can approve unlocking them. It's designed to help users reduce phone usage through shared responsibility.

Highlights
  • Mutual app locking with a partner
  • Unlock requests require partner approval
  • Bypass notifications sent to partner
  • Private screen time data processing
  • Solo lock timer for practice
  • Pairing via 6-digit code
Read full description

Your partner holds the key. LockPact pairs you with someone you trust for mutual screen time accountability. You both choose which apps to lock on your own device. Only your partner can approve unlocking. Free. HOW IT WORKS Pair with a friend, partner, or roommate using a 6-digit code Each of you selects which apps to lock on your own device When you need access, send an unlock request — your partner approves or declines That's it. No subscriptions, no surveillance, no complicated setup. WHY IT WORKS Willpower runs out. Accountability doesn't. Every solo app blocker eventually fails — because you're the one who can turn it off. LockPact is different: your locked apps need your partner's approval to open. That one moment of friction changes everything. And yes — bypass is still possible. Apple makes bulletproof locking impossible on iOS. We're honest about that. But when you bypass LockPact, your partner gets notified. Bypassing isn't silent anymore. It's embarrassing. That's the point. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT • Mutual — you lock each other's apps, not just your own • Honest — no false promises about "bulletproof" blocking • Actually free — core accountability features cost nothing, forever • Private — your screen time data never leaves your device Every other app blocker is you vs. yourself. LockPact makes screen time a pact between two people. WHAT'S FREE Everything that matters for accountability: • Pair with a partner via 6-digit invite code • Select apps to lock on your own device • Send and receive unlock requests • Get notified when your partner bypasses • Solo lock timer (for solo practice before pairing) No subscription. No paywall on core features. One optional ad plays before an unlock request is sent — that friction is the whole product. PRIVACY Your screen time data never leaves your device. LockPact only syncs lock status and unlock requests — never which apps you use, when you use them, or how long. Screen Time API data is processed on-device only, as required by Apple. Built for adults who want to spend less time on their phones — together.

Screenshots

SelfBlock4 screens
LockPact4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: SelfBlock at none against LockPact'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. SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month and LockPact sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SelfBlock ships an update monthly, LockPact every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
SelfBlock versus LockPact: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSelfBlockLockPact
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.618.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size58 MB27 MB
Age rating4+12+
Developerismail Hakki PalaliRotate, LLC.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

SelfBlock

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
  • Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$82.99
4 purchases

LockPact

One-time4
  • Spark$2.99
  • Steady$6.99
  • Willpower Waiver$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Torch$14.99

Questions

Is SelfBlock free?
SelfBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LockPact free?
LockPact is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SelfBlock or LockPact have ads?
LockPact shows ads; SelfBlock does not.
Which is updated more often, SelfBlock or LockPact?
SelfBlock ships an update monthly, and LockPact every 3 weeks. Most recently, SelfBlock was updated on September 17, 2026 and LockPact on August 20, 2026.

Other comparisons