SelfBlock vs Latch
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
SelfBlock
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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 โ and they decide. No friend available? Ask the anonymous community instead. Someone always answers. โบ 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. โบ 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. โบ 5 BLOCKING MODES โ Full Block: Completely prevent app access โ Schedule: Auto-block during work, study, or sleep hours โ Usage Limit: Set daily time limits per app โ Open Limit: Control how many times you open an app โ Solo Mode: Manage with your own willpower โบ BLOCK ANY APP Block YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X (Twitter), Facebook, Reddit, WhatsApp, Discord and any distracting app or website. โบ LIVE FOCUS TRACKING โ Daily focus moment counter and day streak โ Weekly report with progress summary โ Daily check-in to track your mood โ Home screen widgets and Live Activity support โบ APPLE WATCH Approve or reject requests from your wrist. Track focus stats right from your watch face. โบ CUSTOM SHIELD THEMES Personalize your block screen with 6 themes and custom colors. โบ STRICT MODE Prevent bypassing blocks with PIN code, wait timer, or time lock. Extra protection options: block app installs, deletions, and in-app purchases. โบ PRIVACY FIRST SelfBlock uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls). Your data stays on your device. No tracking, no ads. โบ 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
Latch
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Some apps you open on purpose. Others just open themselves โ you reach for them before you even decide to. Latch is for the second kind. Pick the apps that pull you in, lock them for a window you set in advance, and Latch holds the line โ even when you're tempted to peek. It isn't a timer you can dismiss; it's a commitment you make to yourself, on purpose, and keep. HOW IT WORKS 1. Pick your apps. Choose the ones you open without thinking. Latch works through your iPhone's own Screen Time controls โ it never sees which apps you picked. 2. Set the lock. Once, on a weekly schedule, a date range, or specific days each month. Your call, made with a clear head. 3. Add friction to change your mind. Opening early means waiting it out, or slowly typing a passage by hand โ no paste, no shortcuts. Just enough of a pause to choose on purpose. WHY LATCH Most urges are loud, then gone in a few minutes. A soft timer you can skip doesn't help in that moment. Latch is built to hold โ short of the deliberate exits you set up yourself โ so the decision you made calmly is the one that stands. - Four lock types โ once, weekly, date range, or monthly. - Your choice of exit โ wait it out, type a passage, both, or no early exit at all (Locked mode). - Paste-blocked typing test โ real typing, not a clipboard shortcut. - A calm shield, never a lecture โ just a reminder of your own decision. - Private by design โ no account, no login. The apps you lock never leave your device. FREE & PRO Your first latch is free. Latch Pro unlocks unlimited latches, every lock type, Locked mode, and a customizable shield. - Latch Pro Monthly โ $3.99/month - Latch Pro Yearly โ $24.99/year Subscriptions auto-renew until cancelled; manage anytime in your App Store account. Prices may vary by region. Terms of Use: https://latch-aqq.pages.dev/terms Privacy Policy: https://latch-aqq.pages.dev/privacy PRIVACY Latch has no account and no server-side profile of you. The apps you choose to lock stay on your device. The only data collected is anonymous, aggregate analytics โ none of it linked to your identity.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Latch at every 4 days against SelfBlock's monthly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. SelfBlock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month and Latch sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SelfBlock ships an update monthly, Latch every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SelfBlock | Latch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 4 days โ better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch โ better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 17.0 โ better |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 58 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | ismail Hakki Palali | ilhan karabay |
In-app purchases
SelfBlock
- Pro Monthly$4.491 Month
- Pro Yearly3 Days trial$27.491 Year
- Pro Lifetime$82.99
Latch
- Latch Pro (Monthly)$3.991 Month
- Latch Pro (Yearly)$24.991 Year








