# Friction vs Anchor App Blocker

The clearest difference is update cadence: Friction at every 6 days against Anchor App Blocker's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Friction sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Anchor App Blocker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Friction ships an update every 6 days, Anchor App Blocker every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Friction | Anchor App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/friction-reduce-screen-time/id6758893858/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **329** | — |
| Positive reviews | 23.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 65 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **18.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TalkUp LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1767264111) | [Ryan Tinklepaugh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883444651) |

## What reviewers say

### Friction

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/friction-reduce-screen-time/id6758893858)

This app helps you break free from mindless scrolling by requiring you to complete quick physical challenges before accessing distracting apps. Earn scrolling time through exercise and build healthier digital habits with a privacy-first approach.

**Highlights:** Complete physical challenges to earn screen time, Connect to Screen Time for app control, Track progress and build discipline, Privacy-first design with on-device detection, Breaks impulsive scrolling loops, Customizable app blocking

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |


### Anchor App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/anchor-app-blocker/id6760245776)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anchor Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Anchor Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Anchor Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Friction free?

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

### Is Anchor App Blocker free?

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

### Do Friction or Anchor App Blocker have ads?

Neither Friction nor Anchor App Blocker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Friction or Anchor App Blocker?

Friction ships an update every 6 days, and Anchor App Blocker every 3 weeks. Most recently, Friction was updated on October 31, 2026 and Anchor App Blocker on October 31, 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.*