Comparison

Pagelock vs ReadLock

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Pagelock4 screens
ReadLock3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Pagelock versus ReadLock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPagelockReadLock
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB27 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperOmar DarwishMATTHEW HENRY FOSTER

Customer experience

Pagelock

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

ReadLock

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Pagelock

Subscriptions3
  • PageLock Pro Weekly$9.997 Days
  • PageLock Pro Annual$9.991 Year
  • PageLock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
2 purchases

ReadLock

Subscriptions2
  • Read Lock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Read Lock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Pagelock free?
Pagelock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ReadLock free?
ReadLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Pagelock or ReadLock?
ReadLock is rated higher. Pagelock averages 3.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while ReadLock averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Pagelock or ReadLock have ads?
Neither Pagelock nor ReadLock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pagelock or ReadLock?
Pagelock ships an update every 4 weeks, and ReadLock every 5 days. Most recently, Pagelock was updated on September 6, 2026 and ReadLock on September 20, 2026.

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