Comparison

LOCKR vs TimeBack

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

Head to head
About

LOCKR

This app helps you regain control of your time by blocking distracting applications. It uses a personalized AI coach that evaluates your reasons for accessing blocked apps and grants time-limited access based on your set strictness. Track your progress and reclaim your focus with insightful analytics.

Highlights
  • AI focus coach
  • Instant app and website blocking
  • Personalized blocking configuration
  • Screen time usage analytics
  • Daily check-ins
  • Goal setting and tracking
  • Focus and pause mode
Features
Read full description

Stop doomscrolling today and reclaim your time! LOCKR is a screen time control app blocker that uses a personalized AI focus coach. You select the apps you want to block and whenever you open one of those apps, LOCKR intercepts it. To get access to an app, you have to provide a reason for the access. The coach will evaluate your reason and, based on the strictness that you set, it will decide on an appropriate amount of time for your access. When the timer ends, it will lock you out of the app again. It works with your screen time data to adapt your coach's strictness, track your progress, and show you exactly how much time you've reclaimed relative to your goal. Here are all of the features you get: - Instant app and website blocking - A personalized focus coach you can configure - Insights into your screen time usage through analytics - Daily check-ins that tell your coach how you're doing - A way to set and track your screen time goals - A focus and pause mode for adaptive blocking PRIVATE & SAFE * All features above require a subscription Terms of Service: https://trylockr.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://trylockr.com/privacy.html

About

TimeBack

Features
Read full description

Every time you open Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat on autopilot, TimeBack gets in your way. On purpose. Instead of blocking apps outright, TimeBack puts a mindful pause between you and the endless feed. Take a breath, tap the monster away, or solve a quick puzzle. If you still want to scroll after that, you're in. But most of the time, the impulsive urge passes. That's how you reduce doomscrolling naturally. No pure willpower required. HOW TO TAME THE MONSTER TimeBack intercepts impulsive app opens with a short exercise, a breathing pattern, a math challenge, or a playful monster-tap mechanic. Complete it, and the app unlocks. Each pause is a small win over a bad habit. You set a daily budget. The app tracks your streak. And there are no loopholes—the system is designed to stay firm so you don't have to. WHAT YOU GET Mindful Unlock Exercises: Break the autopilot loop with breathing, puzzles, or a monster tap. Daily Budgets: Set specific time limits for your most distracting apps. Streak Tracking: Build long-term, healthy habits and see your progress. Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and more. No Hard Blocks: Just intentional friction that makes you think twice. THE NUMBERS The average person spends 2+ hours a day doomscrolling. Cut that in half, and you get back more than 3 years over a lifetime. Reclaim your time tonight. NOT JUST ANOTHER BLOCKER Strict blockers create resentment, and you usually find a workaround in 10 minutes. TimeBack works differently. It builds awareness, not resistance. Over time, you stop reaching for your phone not because you can't, but because you don't want to. Break the habit. Starting now. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

LOCKR4 screens
TimeBack4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: TimeBack at none against LOCKR's shown. LOCKR's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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. LOCKR sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days and TimeBack sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LOCKR ships an update every 9 days, TimeBack every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
LOCKR versus TimeBack: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLOCKRTimeBack
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (327 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews18.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings327 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.2 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size188 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEthan HarbingerSergey Mast

In-app purchases

8 purchases

LOCKR

Subscriptions7
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1 Week)$8.997 Days
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1 Month)$14.991 Month
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1 Month)3 Days trial$14.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1 Year Discount)$24.991 Year
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1st Year Discount)1 Year trial$29.991 Year
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1 Year)$29.991 Year
  • LOCKR Unlimited (1 Year)3 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • LOCKR Lifetime$39.99
1 purchases

TimeBack

Subscriptions1
  • TimeBack Premium Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is LOCKR free?
LOCKR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TimeBack free?
TimeBack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do LOCKR or TimeBack have ads?
LOCKR shows ads; TimeBack does not.
Which is updated more often, LOCKR or TimeBack?
LOCKR ships an update every 9 days, and TimeBack every 3 weeks. Most recently, LOCKR was updated on September 25, 2026 and TimeBack on September 9, 2026.

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