Svala vs LockBuddy
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Svala
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Take back control of your screen time—without giving up the apps you enjoy. Svala is a calm, flexible app blocker that helps you use distracting apps and websites more intentionally. Choose what you want to limit, set a daily allowance for each day of the week, and let Svala step in when your time is up. When you reach a limit, Svala shows a clear shield that interrupts automatic scrolling. You can close the app and move on, or make a deliberate choice to unlock a little more time with a quick challenge. WHY SVALA? • Set daily limits for selected apps and websites • Choose different allowances for different days • Block distractions automatically when a limit is reached • Unlock optional extra time with quick challenges • Use an emergency unlock when you really need access • Keep your limits and Screen Time selections on your device BUILT FOR BETTER SCREEN HABITS Svala adds a small, intentional pause between impulse and action. That moment of friction can help you scroll less, avoid automatic app opens, and build healthier habits—without complicated routines or rigid focus sessions. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Svala does not collect, track, or sell your personal data. Your limits and Screen Time selections stay on your device. There are no ads, subscriptions or accounts. HOW IT WORKS Svala uses Apple’s Screen Time technologies to monitor the apps and websites you select and display a shield when a daily limit is reached. Screen Time authorization is required for these features. Your time. Your limits. Your choice.
LockBuddy
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LockBuddy helps you protect your own Screen Time rules when willpower is not enough. Choose distracting apps, set daily limits, and let iPhone shield those apps when their time is up. For stronger accountability, add a trusted person as your Guardian and let them hold the local Guardian Code for sensitive changes. LockBuddy is built for adults who want fewer loopholes: - Per-app daily limits - Strict Lock for no-change days - Local Guardian Code for protected edits - Break passes for limited emergencies - Shareable unlock request messages - Shareable local event log - No account required - No backend required LockBuddy uses Apple's Screen Time frameworks. App selections are private system tokens, and your settings stay on your device.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is iOS requirement: LockBuddy at 16.0 against Svala's 26.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Svala | LockBuddy |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Weekly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sebastian Kalita | KRISHNA PINNAMANENI |
In-app purchases
Svala
No in-app purchases
LockBuddy
No in-app purchases









