Comparison

Held vs LockBuddy

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

Head to head
About

Held

Features
Read full description

Held helps you turn intentions into repeatable focus rituals, then protects that time by blocking distracting apps while your ritual is active. Create rituals manually, by voice, or simply tell the in-app AI coach what you want to do and how long you have. Held turns it into a clear, step-by-step ritual you can follow. What you can do with Held Create focus rituals in seconds (manual, voice, or AI-guided) Block selected apps or block everything during a ritual (so you can’t “accidentally” drift) Build streaks and stay consistent with gentle momentum Track your progress and see how your habits evolve over time Get coaching when you feel the urge to unlock, quick prompts, not essays Perfect for Deep work, studying, evening shutdown routines, workouts, reading, journaling, anything you want to protect from distractions. Make focus automatic. Protect your time. Build your streak. Privacy Policy URL: https://held-app.framer.website/legals/privacy-policy Terms of Service (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

LockBuddy

This app helps you enforce your own Screen Time limits by locking distracting applications. It allows you to set daily limits, create strict lock days, and even designate a trusted person as a Guardian for added accountability. It's designed for adults seeking fewer loopholes in managing their digital habits.

Highlights
  • Per-app daily limits
  • Strict lock for no-change days
  • Local Guardian Code for protected edits
  • Break passes for emergencies
  • Shareable unlock request messages
  • Local event log
Features
Read full description

LockBuddy helps you protect your own Screen Time rules when willpower is not enough. Choose distracting apps, set daily limits, and let iPhone shield those apps when their time is up. For stronger accountability, add a trusted person as your Guardian and let them hold the local Guardian Code for sensitive changes. LockBuddy is built for adults who want fewer loopholes: - Per-app daily limits - Strict Lock for no-change days - Local Guardian Code for protected edits - Break passes for limited emergencies - Shareable unlock request messages - Shareable local event log - No account required - No backend required LockBuddy uses Apple's Screen Time frameworks. App selections are private system tokens, and your settings stay on your device.

Screenshots

Held4 screens
LockBuddy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LockBuddy at none against Held's 2. LockBuddy also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads 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. Held sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. LockBuddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
Held versus LockBuddy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHeldLockBuddy
PriceFreeFree
Rating—2.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRelja BulajicKRISHNA PINNAMANENI

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Held

Subscriptions2
  • Held Premium$5.991 Month
  • Held Premium$49.991 Year
None

LockBuddy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Held free?
Held is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LockBuddy free?
LockBuddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Held or LockBuddy have ads?
Neither Held nor LockBuddy shows ads.

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