Comparison

Blocus vs HandsOff

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

Head to head
About

Blocus

This app helps you break distraction habits and regain control of your time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers various enforcement modes, from gentle nudges to strict, irreversible blocks, and allows unlocking distractions only after completing specific tasks or challenges.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Set daily limits and smart schedules
  • Extreme Mode for irreversible blocking
  • Unlock distractions via challenges or tasks
  • PIN Code Mode for external accountability
  • Integrates with system Screen Time
Read full description

Blocus – The Focus App That Actually Stops You From Cheating Blocus is a powerful focus and productivity app designed to help you break distraction habits and regain control of your time. Whether you need gentle nudges or absolute enforcement, Blocus adapts to your willpower — or replaces it when needed. Block distracting apps and websites using Blocklists or Allowlists, set daily limits, or automate focus with smart schedules. Blocus integrates seamlessly with Screen Time, ensuring reliable and system-level blocking you can trust. For moments when discipline isn't enough, Blocus offers strict enforcement modes: Extreme Mode A fully irreversible block. Once activated, it cannot be ended early — no tricks, no loopholes, no excuses. Challenges & Unlock Tasks Unlock distractions only after completing meaningful actions: • Steps or workout challenges • Push-ups, squats, planks • Pomodoro sessions • Sudoku or math challenges • Location-based unlocks PIN Code Mode A trusted friend receives a unique unlock code — so only someone else can free you. Perfect for real accountability. Advanced Control & Convenience • Smart schedules by time or day • Flexible or ultra-strict configurations Whether you're studying, working, training your focus, or fighting phone addiction — Blocus gives you the structure you need and the freedom you earn. Stop negotiating with distractions. Block them. Commit. Focus with Blocus. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.blocus-app.com/privacy

About

HandsOff

Read full description

Stop doomscrolling. Take back your attention. HandsOff helps you finally spend less time on your phone. Instead of relying on willpower, HandsOff makes you earn your screen time. Focus first. Scroll later. Put your phone face-down, earn coins while you stay focused, then use those coins only when you intentionally choose to unlock your favorite apps. Less scrolling. More living. ## WHY HANDSOFF? Unlike traditional app blockers, HandsOff doesn't simply lock your apps. It creates healthy friction. Every minute of focus becomes something valuable. Every unlock becomes a conscious decision instead of an impulse. That's how habits change. ## HOW IT WORKS Block the apps that steal your attention Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube—or any app you choose. Focus to earn coins Place your phone face-down or start a focus session manually. Every focused minute rewards you. Unlock intentionally Want Instagram for a few minutes? Spend the coins you've earned. Build lasting habits Complete daily goals, grow your streak, level up, unlock achievements, and reduce your screen time over time. ## FEATURES • Smart app blocking powered by Apple Screen Time • Automatic face-down focus detection • Custom schedules for work, study, bedtime, or weekends • Coin-based unlocking system • Daily goals that adapt to your progress • Streaks, XP, levels and achievements • Beautiful focus garden that grows with your consistency • Live Activities & Dynamic Island support • Mindful breathing before every unlock • Detailed focus statistics and progress tracking ## MONK MODE (PRO) Need absolute focus? Monk Mode is a true commitment. Once activated: • No early exit • No spending coins • No disabling protection • No uninstall workaround The only way out is to finish what you started. Perfect for exams, deep work, studying, reading, or your digital detox. ## YOUR PRIVACY COMES FIRST HandsOff uses Apple's Family Controls framework. Your selected apps, Screen Time information, and activity stay on your device. We never know what apps you use, what you do inside them, or collect your personal browsing data. ## HANDSOFF PRO Unlock powerful features including: • Monk Mode • Unlimited focus history • Future premium tools and improvements Subscriptions • Monthly — $4.99 • Annual — $29.99 (includes a 7-day free trial) • Lifetime — $59.99 (one-time purchase) Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal. You can manage or cancel them anytime in your Apple ID settings. Privacy Policy: https://tryhandsoff.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://tryhandsoff.com/terms

Screenshots

Blocus4 screens
HandsOff4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Blocus at every 3 days against HandsOff's weekly. On price, ads, 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. Blocus sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and HandsOff sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Blocus ships an update every 3 days, HandsOff weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Blocus versus HandsOff: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBlocusHandsOff
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (226 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews9.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings226 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size148 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDiyar DirikJUAN MANUEL GALLICCHIO ANTELO

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Blocus

Subscriptions4
  • Monthly plan$9.991 Month
  • Yearly plan$29.991 Year
  • Yearly$39.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Yearly plan7 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time6
  • Unlock$0.99
  • Unlock$3.99
  • Unlock$8.99
Show 3 more
  • Unlock$17.99
  • Unlock$44.99
  • Unlock$89.99
3 purchases

HandsOff

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Pro Annual7 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$49.99

Questions

Is Blocus free?
Blocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HandsOff free?
HandsOff is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Blocus or HandsOff have ads?
Neither Blocus nor HandsOff shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Blocus or HandsOff?
Blocus ships an update every 3 days, and HandsOff weekly. Most recently, Blocus was updated on September 13, 2026 and HandsOff on September 9, 2026.

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