# Anchor vs Ember

The clearest difference is ads: Anchor at none against Ember's shown. Anchor also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Anchor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Ember sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Anchor ships an update every 4 days, Ember every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Anchor | Ember |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-focus-timer-and-blocker/id6758787495/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 62 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lassi Kotamaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1869405296) | [ABUZAR MUNIR](https://appshunter.io/developer/6803996276) |

## What reviewers say

### Anchor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-focus-timer-and-blocker/id6758787495)

This app enforces focus by blocking distracting applications at the system level, eliminating willpower reliance. It offers various focus modes, ambient soundscapes, and progress tracking to help users build better habits. Optional cloud sync ensures data privacy.

**Highlights:** System-level app blocking, Multiple focus modes (Pomodoro, Deep Work), Ambient soundscapes, Progress tracking and analytics, Task and project management, Dynamic Island and Lock Screen integration, Achievements and streaks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anchor Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Anchor Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Anchor Pro Lifetime | $69.99 | one-time |


### Ember

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ember-flip-clock-study-timer/id6806629449)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ember Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Ember Pro Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Anchor free?

Anchor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Ember free?

Ember is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Anchor or Ember have ads?

Ember shows ads; Anchor does not.

### Which is updated more often, Anchor or Ember?

Anchor ships an update every 4 days, and Ember every 3 weeks. Most recently, Anchor was updated on September 23, 2026 and Ember on October 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*