Comparison

Focus Blocks vs Screen Time Blocker

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

Head to head
About

Focus Blocks

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Focus Blocks is an app blocker for iPhone and iPad that puts distracting apps out of reach during the time you set aside to focus. Choose the apps. Choose the rule. Block during focus hours, allow only inside chosen windows, or set a daily app budget. When a rule applies, selected apps are hidden system-wide until they are allowed again. No willpower games, no streaks, no social layer — just one clear setting that gives you your attention back. Built on Apple's Screen Time APIs, Focus Blocks works entirely on your device. It has no backend and no account. Your rules sync between your own devices through iCloud, under your own Apple ID. Screen Time app selections are private device-local tokens, so each device asks you to confirm the apps it should block before enabling a synced rule there. WHAT YOU CAN DO • Create as many focus blocks as you want — mornings, weekdays, deep-work afternoons • Pick specific apps and whole categories in one tap • Block during a schedule, allow only during a schedule, or set a daily limit • Enable synced rules separately on each device after confirming local app selections • Add a weekly setup window so blocks cannot be edited on impulse • Enable or disable any inactive block from one screen PRIVACY BY DEFAULT • No sign-up, no account • No analytics, no ads, no third-party SDKs • Uses Apple's Screen Time framework — selections and usage stay on-device • iCloud Key-Value Store is the only remote storage, and it lives in your own Apple ID Focus Blocks is self-directed. It is not a parental-control product and does not monitor or manage other people's devices. Requires iOS 18 or later.

About

Screen Time Blocker

Features
Read full description

Take control of your screen time with Otama, an app blocker, focus timer, social media limiter, and digital wellbeing companion designed to help you use your phone with intention. Instead of instantly opening distracting apps, Otama adds a thoughtful pause before they launch. Brain Games act as your shield between you and your distraction, giving you a real opportunity to decide whether using them is worth your time. Rather than relying on simple app blocks that are easy to disable, Otama makes access a deliberate choice. Choose the apps you want to control, select an unlock challenge, adjust the difficulty, and decide how long you can use an app after completing it. Daily screen time allowances let you set a shared limit across locked apps or create individual limits for each one. Unlock durations have limited daily uses, so every session becomes a more intentional decision. When you finish using an app early, Otama can return your unused time to Saved Allowance. Use that saved time later when it matters most, rewarding intentional use instead of encouraging longer sessions. After each unlocked session, an optional cooldown temporarily locks the app again, helping prevent repeated open-close-reopen habits that often lead to unnecessary screen time. #Features • Block distracting apps with customizable unlock challenges • Set daily screen time limits for individual apps or groups of apps • Choose how long each unlock lasts with limited daily unlocks • Recover unused time with Saved Allowance • Add cooldown periods between sessions to discourage repeated checking • Create Routines for work, study, mornings, evenings, or bedtime • Start Focus Sessions with customizable timers and distraction-free app blocking • Use Urge Support for short guided exercises when you're tempted to open an app • Track attempts, resisted urges, intentional unlocks, time saved, and weekly trends • Switch between Casual Mode for flexibility or Committed Mode for stronger accountability • Adaptive app screen limits, let otama study your usage and help you reduce your screen time Otama is built for students who want to study without constant interruptions, professionals protecting deep work, creators trying to stay present, parents building healthier phone habits, and anyone tired of opening social media without thinking. It isn't about abandoning useful apps or chasing the lowest screen time possible. It's about creating enough friction to pause, make a conscious choice, and spend your attention where it matters most. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Focus Blocks4 screens
Screen Time Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus Blocks at none against Screen Time Blocker's 2. Focus Blocks also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Screen Time Blocker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Focus Blocks asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focus Blocks ships an update every 4 days, Screen Time Blocker fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
Focus Blocks versus Screen Time Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocus BlocksScreen Time Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMikhail NemilovSKRANEIX DEVELOPMENT STUDIOS

In-app purchases

None

Focus Blocks

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Screen Time Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Otama Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Otama Yearly7 Days trial$34.991 Year

Questions

Is Focus Blocks free?
Focus Blocks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Screen Time Blocker free?
Screen Time Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focus Blocks or Screen Time Blocker have ads?
Neither Focus Blocks nor Screen Time Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focus Blocks or Screen Time Blocker?
Focus Blocks ships an update every 4 days, and Screen Time Blocker fortnightly. Most recently, Focus Blocks was updated on October 31, 2026 and Screen Time Blocker on October 24, 2026.

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