# OnLock vs DeskTabby

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OnLock at none against DeskTabby's 9. DeskTabby's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DeskTabby sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. OnLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for OnLock against 5.0 for DeskTabby. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively.

OnLock ships an update every 5 weeks, DeskTabby every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | OnLock | DeskTabby |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onlock-study-timer/id6770142774/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktabby/id6800743192/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 48 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ting Ting Xu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896719164) | [军 郭](https://appshunter.io/developer/6800364129) |

## What reviewers say

### OnLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onlock-study-timer/id6770142774)

This app enforces focus by locking distracting applications at the operating system level. It uses AI to verify study sessions with photos, ensuring your progress is genuine and building an earned streak. Features include scheduled blocks, intent journaling, and focus intelligence insights.

**Highlights:** OS-level distraction blocking, AI-verified study sessions, Streak building, Scheduled recurring blocks, Intent journaling, Focus intelligence insights, Home screen widgets

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 OnLock free?

OnLock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DeskTabby free?

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

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

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

### Do OnLock or DeskTabby have ads?

Neither OnLock nor DeskTabby shows ads.

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

OnLock ships an update every 5 weeks, and DeskTabby every 4 days. Most recently, OnLock was updated on October 24, 2026 and DeskTabby on October 24, 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.*