TouchGrass Screen Time Control vs ReadLock
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
TouchGrass Screen Time Control
This app encourages you to reduce screen time by nurturing a virtual plant that grows based on your usage habits. Build focus streaks and commit to dedicated sessions where you can set personal stakes for accountability.
- Virtual plant growth based on screen time
- Focus session commitment
- Streak building
- Accountability stakes
- App blocking
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Touch Grass helps you reduce screen time by growing a plant that reflects your habits. Stay off distracting apps, build streaks, and commit to focus sessions where you put something on the line to stay accountable.
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 update cadence: TouchGrass Screen Time Control at daily against ReadLock's every 5 days. On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. TouchGrass Screen Time Control sells 6 one-off in-app purchases 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.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for TouchGrass Screen Time Control against 5.0 for ReadLock. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 2 respectively.
TouchGrass Screen Time Control ships an update daily, ReadLock every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | TouchGrass Screen Time Control | ReadLock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Daily — better | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.4 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | JOSEPH SAMUEL GRZYB | MATTHEW HENRY FOSTER |
Customer experience
TouchGrass Screen Time Control
ReadLock
In-app purchases
TouchGrass Screen Time Control
- 20 Seeds$0.99
- 100 Seeds$4.99
- 200 Seeds$9.99
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- 500 Seeds$24.99
- 1,000 Seeds$49.99
- 2,000 Seeds$99.99
ReadLock
- Read Lock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Read Lock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Questions
Is TouchGrass Screen Time Control free?
Is ReadLock free?
Which has better reviews, TouchGrass Screen Time Control or ReadLock?
Do TouchGrass Screen Time Control or ReadLock have ads?
Which is updated more often, TouchGrass Screen Time Control or ReadLock?
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