Normal vs Lockmeout
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Normal
This app helps you reduce phone usage by blocking selected applications by default. To access blocked apps, you must physically scan an NFC tag, QR code, or barcode, or be at a specific location. It offers granular control, timed unblocks, and scheduling to help you regain control of your screen time.
- Block apps via NFC, QR codes, and barcodes
- Use any NFC tag, QR code, or barcode
- Unblock/block specific apps
- Timed unblocks
- Scheduling
- Granular control
- Bypass prevention options
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Normal actually makes you use your phone less by keeping selected apps blocked by default. To unblock you have to physically scan an NFC Tag, QR Code or use a Location. This can be any NFC Tag, QR Code, Barcode, Location you set in the app. This 'opt-in' approach is backed by research and actual use. Normal is made to be the most powerful screen time app available. Saving your hours of your day. It's fully open-source and no features are behind paywalls. It can also be made to be impossible to bypass. Highlights of Normal: - Block Apps via NFC Tags, QR Codes and Barcodes - Use ANY NFC Tag, QR Code or Barcode - Unblock/Block specific Apps - Timed Unblocks - Emergency Unblocks - Scheduling - Complete Granular Control - Can make it as easy or as hard to bypass Normal was made because of issues with some other screen time apps. - Other screen time apps are easy to bypass. Normal can be made to be impossible to bypass, or easy to bypass. You have complete control. - Most other screen time apps work on opt-out strategy, where you have access to all apps, then lose access through usage. - Normal works on opt-in strategy. The apps you have blocked are always blocked, to use them you have to physically get up and scan your NFC tag or QR Code. - Most screen time apps are paid, either one-time or more commonly, subscriptions. There are no paid features. Everything is free and open-source. - Normal is privacy-focused. We don't log any data, everything stays on device. Since we're open source, you can check our code and confirm. - Normal allows timed unlocks. Other NFC/QR Code blockers don't have this. If you want to use an app for 15min, you can unlock it for 15min only. You don't have to remember to reblock. Normal was made by actual users, research on smartphone addiction and developments in dumbphones in-mind. If you want to turn your iPhone into a dumbphone, you can. Block all smart apps, block the app store, prevent disabling normal (via preventing delete and the shortcuts trick). Now you have a dumbphone, which you can't make smart without your NFC Tag (which you can make as difficult as you need). If you want a semi-dumbphone, you can. Do the above but have some apps like maps, music, messaging, etc. If you're a professional who needs access to apps distracting sometimes, Normal is for you! Block all distractions with Normal. Set schedules for you work apps or used timed unblocks. Need 15min to post content or check email? You can do that! You just have to physically get up and scan your NFC Tag, QR Code, or Barcode. The apps will automatically reblock after your timer is over. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Lockmeout
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Lockmeout is the iOS companion app for lockmeout.online — a service that lets you seal away secrets (phone PINs, passwords, text) inside time locks that only open when you decide. USE CASES • Lock your phone's screen PIN away during work hours so you can't unblock yourself early • Store a game or social media password in a lock during a study or focus session • Set up any self-imposed restriction with a guaranteed, time-based release HOW IT WORKS 1. Create a time lock at lockmeout.online and store a secret inside it 2. Add your lock to this app using its 7-character ID or by scanning a QR code 3. The app monitors your lock — and reveals the secret the moment it opens LOCK SCREEN WIDGET Add a widget directly to your iPhone lock screen. It shows your lock's name and status at a glance, and displays the secret as soon as the lock opens — no need to even unlock your phone. SIRI INTEGRATION Ask Siri hands-free while your phone is locked: • "What is my lock code in Lockmeout?" • "When does my lock open in Lockmeout?" • "Is my lock open in Lockmeout?" MULTIPLE LOCKS Track several locks at once. The cycling widget rotates through all your locks every 20 seconds. A long-press on any lock in the list copies the secret to your clipboard. REQUIREMENTS • Locks must be set to public visibility within lockmeout.online website so the app can fetch them without signing in • No signup or account needed (but recommended for easier management of locks)
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lockmeout at none against Normal's 9. Lockmeout also leads on iOS requirement (16.7 vs 18.0). Normal's advantage is update cadence (daily vs fortnightly). On price, ads 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. Normal sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $5.00 per month. Lockmeout asks for nothing beyond the download.
Normal ships an update daily, Lockmeout fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Normal | Lockmeout |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (24 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 24 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Daily — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 16.7 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Normal Engineering Inc. | Timo Dorr |
In-app purchases
Normal
- Monthly Support$5.001 Month
- Monthly Support$10.001 Month
- Monthly Support$20.001 Month
- One-time Donation$5.00
- One-time Donation$10.00
- One-time Donation$20.00
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- One-time Donation$50.00
- One-time Donation$100.00
- One-time Donation$200.00
Lockmeout
No in-app purchases









