Flow vs TimeUp
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
Flow
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Flow's blocking concept relies on putting a physical object - the Flow Key - between you and your mobile distractions. Tap it to start a session, and your chosen apps and websites will block instantly. The only way back in is to tap the key again, so the moment you put it out of reach, those distractions go with it. That's where the magic happens. The Flow Key is a premium, matte black metal NFC card that pairs with the Flow app. It's solid, can fit in your pocket or wallet, and is built to be the one thing standing between you and your phone. Flow creates the kind of friction that actually sticks, so you can spend less time on your device and more time on what actually matters in your life. HOW IT WORKS - Set up a mode by choosing which apps or websites to block, or flip it and only allow the apps you need, blocking everything else. - Tap your Flow Key to your phone to instantly start the session. - Place your key somewhere out of reach and where you won't have the urge to grab it. - When you're ready to finish, simply tap the Flow Key again to end your session. The concept is simple, yet highly effective. FEATURES - Modes: Create custom modes for every part of your day. Choose specific apps and websites to block, or switch it around and only allow the apps you need, blocking everything else. Mix and match for Work, Study, Sleep, Gym, or anything else your routine demands. - Schedules: Set recurring focus sessions that start automatically at the times you choose. Your blocks kick in without you having to think about it. - Website Blocking: Block distracting websites alongside your apps. You can block specific domains, all websites at once, or enable adult content filtering, giving you full control over what you can and can't access during a session. - Emergency Overrides: Life happens. Flow includes a limited number of emergency overrides so you can regain access when you genuinely need to, without completely bypassing the system. Use them responsibly. - Personal Stats: Track your focus habits over time with detailed stats. See your daily, weekly, and all time focus time, your current streak, your best days, and how your output trends week over week. The more you use Flow, the clearer your patterns become. - Friends and Community Leaderboard: Add friends and compete on a shared leaderboard. See who's putting in the most focus time each week and use the accountability to push yourself further. YOUR PRIVACY All app blocking runs through Apple's Screen Time framework. Flow never sees which apps you use, what websites you visit, or how you spend your time. That data will always stay on your personal device. Flow is for anyone who's serious about reclaiming their time. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to be more present - the companion Flow Key gives you a tangible way to draw the line between distraction and focus. Welcome to your flow state.
TimeUp
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TimeUp turns your screen time into real rewards. Create your own rules, earn minutes by moving, walking, sleeping, or completing mini-challenges, then use your balance to unlock time on the apps you choose. Every rule is fully customizable: set what earns time, the limits, and track your progress over the days. When your balance is empty, the limit automatically resumes. Protect your sleep, work, or study time with scheduled app blocking. Add multiple schedules and choose the days and hours when selected apps stay blocked, even if you have minutes left. Overlapping schedules work together: apps stay blocked until all active schedules have ended. Outside these hours, access still depends on your available minutes. With TimeUp, you can: ⢠Earn time with your exercise, steps, sleep, or mindfulness minutes, if you allow access to Apple Health. ⢠Launch an express challenge: do 5 push-ups or 5 squats to add 5 minutes. The camera analyzes your movements locally on the iPhone; no images are saved. ⢠Customize rules, time, and limits per activity. ⢠Choose which apps to manage with Apple's Screen Time features. ⢠Schedule app blocking for sleep, work, or study, independently of your minute balance. ⢠View your balance, history, and a summary of the last 7 days. ⢠Use a simple interface, with no account and no ads.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Flow at every 8 days against TimeUp's every 5 weeks. Flow also leads on iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Flow ships an update every 8 days, TimeUp every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Flow | TimeUp |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days ā better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad ā better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 ā better | 26.0 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rhys Nackman | Gabriel Langon Maomy |
In-app purchases
Flow
No in-app purchases
TimeUp
No in-app purchases









