# Core Time vs Smart Lock

The clearest difference is ads: Core Time at none against Smart Lock's shown. Core Time also leads on iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Core Time sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Smart Lock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Core Time ships an update weekly, Smart Lock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Core Time | Smart Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-time-cold-turkey-blocker/id6759100692/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 37 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.2 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [coreground](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876875741) | [상상스퀘어](https://appshunter.io/developer/1765981265) |

## What reviewers say

### Core Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-time-cold-turkey-blocker/id6759100692)

This app provides a strict approach to blocking distracting applications and websites, helping users regain focus and manage screen time. It offers customizable lock durations and schedules, ensuring boundaries are enforced without negotiation.

**Highlights:** Strict app blocking, Customizable lock durations, Automatic scheduling, Cold turkey focus mode, Dopamine detox support, ADHD-friendly focus aid, One-tap recovery

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Core Time Pro (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Core Time Pro (Annual) | $24.99 | per year |
| Core Time Pro (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |


### Smart Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-lock-and/id6812153813)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Premium | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Core Time free?

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

### Is Smart Lock free?

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

### Do Core Time or Smart Lock have ads?

Smart Lock shows ads; Core Time does not.

### Which is updated more often, Core Time or Smart Lock?

Core Time ships an update weekly, and Smart Lock every 2 weeks. Most recently, Core Time was updated on November 5, 2026 and Smart Lock on November 10, 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.*