Pagelock vs ReadLock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Pagelock
This app helps you build a reading habit by replacing mindless scrolling with engaging with a physical book. It requires you to read and answer a question about a scanned book page before you can access distracting apps, promoting focus and reducing screen time.
- Block distracting apps until reading
- Unlock phone through reading
- Scan printed book pages
- Complete reading checks
- Timed reading sessions
- Set daily reading goals
- Track reading progress
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Pagelock helps you read more and scroll less. A simple way to stop doomscrolling and build a real reading habit. When a distracting app calls for your attention, Pagelock puts something better in the way. A real book. Open a page. Read it. Scan it. Answer a quick question. Then decide if you still want to continue. That small pause changes the moment. Instead of falling straight into mindless scrolling, you stop, read, and come back with more focus and control. Pagelock is for people who want: • less doomscrolling and more real reading • a distraction blocker that actually helps you grow • a calmer, more mindful relationship with their phone • to reduce screen time without deleting apps What you can do with Pagelock: • block distracting apps until you read a real page • unlock your phone through reading, not willpower • scan a printed book page with your camera • complete a quick reading check to verify you read • run timed reading sessions and build a daily habit • set daily reading goals and track streaks • choose how unlocks work • track your reading progress and history over time Pagelock is not another screen time app that shames you into putting your phone down. It is a digital detox tool that replaces the scroll with something real. A book. Read to unlock. Build a reading habit. Take back your focus. *All features described above and shown in screenshots require a subscription* Terms of Use: https://pagelock.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://pagelock.app/privacy
ReadLock
This app requires users to read a page from a selected text before granting access to blocked apps, categories, or websites. It utilizes Apple's Screen Time system to enforce focus and offers a library of public-domain classics for reading material.
- Earn app access through reading
- Block apps, categories, and websites
- Schedule reading locks
- Manual app locking
- Built-in reader with public-domain classics
- Track local reading progress
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ReadLock makes you read before you scroll. If app blockers are too easy to ignore, ReadLock gives your phone a real forcing function: your selected apps, categories, and websites stay blocked until you read one page. Choose what you want to block, set your reading times, then let ReadLock hold the line. When it is time to read, ReadLock uses Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls system to shield your selected distractions. Finish one page in the built-in reader, and your apps unlock. Why people use ReadLock: - Earn access instead of relying on willpower - Block chosen apps, app categories, and websites - Schedule reading locks for morning, midday, or evening - Lock apps manually when you need a reset - Read bundled public-domain classics like Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Crime and Punishment, and Sherlock Holmes - Track local reading progress in a simple library - Get optional reading reminders and unlock notifications ReadLock is for the moment when you catch yourself opening the same app again and again, even though you meant to do literally anything else. Instead of another dismissible reminder, it turns one page of reading into the key that gets you back in. Read first. Scroll later. Notes: - App blocking requires Screen Time permission and a selected app, category, or website. - Blocking behavior can vary based on iOS, device settings, and the selections you choose. - Full access requires an auto-renewing subscription. Trial, price, and renewal details are shown before purchase. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ReadLock at 5.0 against Pagelock's 3.0. ReadLock also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Pagelock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and ReadLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
ReadLock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 2 respectively.
Pagelock ships an update every 4 weeks, ReadLock every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Pagelock | ReadLock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (4 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Subscription | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 35 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Omar Darwish | MATTHEW HENRY FOSTER |
Customer experience
Pagelock
ReadLock
In-app purchases
Pagelock
- PageLock Pro Weekly$9.997 Days
- PageLock Pro Annual$9.991 Year
- PageLock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
ReadLock
- Read Lock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Read Lock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year





