Comparison

SelfBlock vs climbr

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

climbr

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by blocking distracting applications and setting dedicated focus sessions. It gamifies your progress towards goals with a virtual mountain climb and encourages reflection through daily journaling.

Highlights
  • Block any app
  • Automatic schedules
  • On-demand focus sessions
  • Gamified progress tracking
  • Nightly journaling
  • Streak maintenance
Features
Read full description

Your phone keeps getting in the way. climbr helps you get back to your goals. climbr is the screen-time app for people who are ready to start chasing their goals...because your phone is standing in the way. BLOCK WHAT STEALS YOUR TIME Pick the apps that pull you in (social, video, games, etc) and climbr shields them behind a wall. Set schedules so the wall goes up automatically, or start a focus session on demand. MAKE BAILING COST SOMETHING Anyone can turn off a blocker. So climbr makes quitting deliberate. Choose your door: breathe through a forced pause before you're let back in, or, with hardcore mode armed, pay for a 15-minute break. Every bypass costs $4.99, logged, and subtracted from your progress on the mountain. WATCH YOURSELF CLIMB Your goal becomes a mountain. Every protected day moves you up the slope toward the summit; every bypass slides you back. REFLECT, AND KEEP THE STREAK A nightly journal turns each day into a decision: did you get closer, hold the line, or slip? Claim the day, keep your streak alive, and become someone who follows through. WHAT YOU GET • Block any app • Automatic schedules + on-demand focus sessions • Two exit doors: a breathing pause (free) or hardcore ($4.99 buys a 15-minute break) • A living mountain that tracks real progress toward your goal • Nightly journaling, streaks, and ranks from Base Camp to Summit • Private by design — your blocked-app choices never leave your phone MEMBERSHIP climbr is a subscription: $39.99/year with a 7-day free trial, or $12.99/month. Cancel anytime. Privacy Policy: https://jaczuck.github.io/summit/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

SelfBlock4 screens
climbr4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: SelfBlock at 18.6 against climbr's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 climbr sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SelfBlock ships an update monthly, climbr every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and August 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
SelfBlock versus climbr: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSelfBlockclimbr
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Subscription
DevicesiPhone, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size58 MB7 MB
Age rating4+12+
Developerismail Hakki PalaliJacob Simangunsong

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
3 purchases

climbr

Subscriptions2
  • Summit Weekly$5.997 Days
  • Summit Monthly$19.991 Month
One-time1
  • Hardcore (End Block Early)$4.99

Questions

Is SelfBlock free?
SelfBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is climbr free?
climbr is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SelfBlock or climbr have ads?
Neither SelfBlock nor climbr shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SelfBlock or climbr?
SelfBlock ships an update monthly, and climbr every 3 weeks. Most recently, SelfBlock was updated on September 17, 2026 and climbr on August 18, 2026.

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