# Orient vs DeskTabby

The clearest difference is monetization model: DeskTabby at free with in-app purchases against Orient's subscription. DeskTabby also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.2). Orient's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 2). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Orient sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and DeskTabby sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. 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 Orient against 5.0 for DeskTabby. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively.

Orient ships an update weekly, DeskTabby every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Orient | DeskTabby |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orient-beyond-app-blocking/id6761029540/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktabby/id6800743192/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 116 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The ilium group LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887392082) | [军 郭](https://appshunter.io/developer/6800364129) |

## What reviewers say

### Orient

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orient-beyond-app-blocking/id6761029540)

This app guides users toward a healthier phone relationship through behavioral psychology and ACT principles. It offers interactive tools to interrupt unhealthy habits and build momentum towards personal goals, rather than just blocking apps.

**Highlights:** Interactive 'Stop Distraction' sequence, Build momentum with streaks, Cultivate self-awareness, Enhance impulse control, App blocking functionality

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Orient Monthly Plan | $5.99 | per month |
| Orient Yearly Plan | $44.99 | per year |


### DeskTabby

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktabby/id6800743192)

This app uses a charming virtual cat to help you stay focused using the Pomodoro technique. It offers a gentle, non-judgmental approach to productivity, rewarding your progress with in-game growth and customization options. Enjoy offline functionality and privacy-focused features.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro focus sessions, Live Activity on Dynamic Island and Lock Screen, Cat growth and customization, Offline functionality, Daily goals and streaks, Optional cosmetic in-app purchases

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Eyewear Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Headwear Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Patterns Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Neckwear Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Sleep Scene Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Desk Scene Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pastel Coat Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Sidekicks Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Everything, Forever | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Orient free?

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

### Is DeskTabby free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Orient or DeskTabby?

Orient and DeskTabby are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do Orient or DeskTabby have ads?

Neither Orient nor DeskTabby shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Orient or DeskTabby?

Orient ships an update weekly, and DeskTabby every 5 days. Most recently, Orient was updated on November 5, 2026 and DeskTabby on October 31, 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.*