Comparison

ZoneBlock vs NoStim

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

Head to head
About

ZoneBlock

Features
Read full description

LOCATION-BASED APP BLOCKING ZoneBlock automatically blocks distracting apps and websites when you enter specific locations. Create zones at work, school, gym, or anywhere you need to stay focused. WEBSITE BLOCKING Block distracting websites across all browsers and apps. Add individual domains or choose from preset categories: - Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok) - Video Streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch) - News Sites - Shopping Sites - Gaming Sites SMART ZONE MANAGEMENT - Set custom radius for each zone (50m to 5km) - Choose between Block mode or Allow Only mode - View detailed zone information and history - Edit zones only when disabled for safety - 3-hour delay for zone changes (or instant for $0.99) STRAIGHT MODE Quick-access blocking without location requirements. Perfect for spontaneous focus sessions. - Select apps and websites to block - One-tap activation from home screen - 3-hour delay before turning off (free) - Instant turn-off available for $0.99 DRIVING MODE Automatically blocks apps while driving to keep you safe on the road. Uses motion detection to activate. MEETING MODE Block distractions during calendar events. Integrates with your calendar for automatic activation. PREMIUM FEATURES - Unlimited zones (free users get 3) - Advanced analytics and charts - Smart suggestions based on usage - Achievement system - Priority support PRIVACY FIRST - All blocking happens on your device - No data collection or tracking - Screen Time API for secure app blocking - Local DNS filtering for website blocking Perfect for: - Students staying focused during study sessions - Professionals blocking distractions at work - Parents managing screen time - Anyone building better digital habits Download ZoneBlock and take control of your digital life. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

NoStim

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking addictive app features while preserving essential functions like direct messages. It offers customizable blocking, a unique portal to websites with distractions removed, and flexible modes for different needs.

Highlights
  • App feature blocking
  • Website portal with distractions removed
  • Customizable blocking budgets
  • Ratchet mechanism for stricter settings
  • Comfort, Driving, and Vacation modes
  • Optional social accountability circles
  • Partner lock feature
Features
Read full description

NoStim blocks the parts of your apps that pull you back, and keeps the parts that are about people. THE PORTAL — the feature nothing else on iOS has. Open Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or Twitch as their real websites with the addictive surfaces stripped out: no Reels, no endless feed, no Shorts — you choose what's hidden, per platform. Log in once, stay logged in. Your DMs still work. The posts your friends share still open. REAL BLOCKING — Apple's own Screen Time shields on the native apps you choose, with budgets that mean something: opens per day, minutes per open, opening odds if you want the dice to decide, locked hours, and a waiting room that offers you doors instead of a lecture. A RATCHET, NOT A CAGE — making NoStim stricter is instant; making it looser waits out a delay you chose in advance. Lock your settings for a weekend, a week, or with no end date at all — and if you want out early, the price is one you set for yourself when you were thinking clearly. KIND WHERE IT COUNTS — Comfort Mode for chronic-illness bad days, with no guilt copy and no interrogation. Driving Mode that's never held by any lock. Vacation mode you book a day ahead. Streaks that measure commitment, not abstinence: using your whole budget is a day held. TOGETHER — an optional circle of a few people who care, sharing only your streak and your stumbles, person to person through your own iCloud. A partner lock where someone you trust holds the key. Partner mode is free forever. THE BLOCKER IS FREE, FOREVER. No ads, no account, no analytics. NoStim Pro adds Circles and your full history — nothing that blocks is ever behind the paywall. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sashalawrence13.github.io/NoStim/privacy.html

Screenshots

ZoneBlock4 screens
NoStim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: NoStim at every 3 days against ZoneBlock's every 2 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. ZoneBlock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and NoStim sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ZoneBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, NoStim every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
ZoneBlock versus NoStim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZoneBlockNoStim
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPavlo HurkovskyiWilliam Lawrence

In-app purchases

2 purchases

ZoneBlock

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Premium Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year
7 purchases

NoStim

Subscriptions2
  • NoStim Pro (Monthly)$2.991 Month
  • NoStim Pro (Yearly)$19.991 Year
One-time5
  • Tip the developer$0.99
  • Tip the developer$4.99
  • Tip the developer$9.99
Show 2 more
  • Tip the developer$14.99
  • Tip the developer$19.99

Questions

Is ZoneBlock free?
ZoneBlock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is NoStim free?
NoStim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ZoneBlock or NoStim have ads?
Neither ZoneBlock nor NoStim shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ZoneBlock or NoStim?
ZoneBlock ships an update every 2 weeks, and NoStim every 3 days. Most recently, ZoneBlock was updated on September 23, 2026 and NoStim on September 18, 2026.

Other comparisons