Comparison

TapLock vs TapLock card

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

Head to head
About

TapLock

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TapLock turns a physical NFC card into the only key that unlocks your apps. Tap your card to lock your iPhone's distracting apps behind a Screen Time shield. To get them back, you have to physically tap the card again. The card has to be in your hand. There are no shortcuts. HOW IT WORKS Choose which apps to block, then tap "Lock Now" Apps stay blocked until you tap your registered NFC card to the top of your phone Need a break? Pause the session and it picks up right where you left off Set a timer to auto-unlock after a focus session ends WHAT CARDS WORK Any NFC card you already carry: transit cards, hotel keys, student IDs, office keycards, or cheap NFC stickers. If your iPhone can read it, TapLock can use it. FEATURES NFC card unlock, tap to lock, tap to unlock Timed locks with auto-unlock countdown Pause and resume a session without losing your remaining time Custom blocking profiles, block specific apps and websites or allow only a selected few Lock Now widget and Control Center button, lock in one tap without opening the app Siri and Shortcuts, start a lock by voice or build automations by time, place or Focus Multiple cards supported, each with its own name Block app deletion while locked so you can't cheat by uninstalling Session stats, see your total focus time and how long your last session ran Live Activity and Dynamic Island timer visible from your lock screen Your cards and settings sync across your devices via iCloud Remote Key, unlock a family iPad or second iPhone by tapping your card on your own iPhone Native iPad app with a landscape layout REMOTE KEY AND IPAD Lock a family iPad or a second iPhone, then open it by tapping your card on your own iPhone. Both devices just need the same Apple ID. iPads have no NFC reader, so they pair as a kept device and are always opened from your iPhone. EMERGENCY ACCESS A 6-digit PIN is available if you lose your card. It works, but it is deliberately slow, so you will want to keep your card nearby. TapLock does not replace your iPhone's lock screen. It uses Apple's Screen Time framework to shield apps while your phone stays accessible for calls and emergencies. Free 7-day trial. One-time purchase. No subscription, ever. Terms of Use: https://www.aimakecoolstuff.com/legal/taplock/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.aimakecoolstuff.com/legal/taplock/privacy

About

TapLock card

Read full description

TapLock helps you put a real step between you and the apps or websites you want to stop checking. Choose the apps, categories, or websites that pull you in. Pair an NFC card. When TapLock is locked, your chosen distractions stay blocked until you scan that card again. What you can do: โ€ข Block selected apps, app categories, and websites with Screen Time โ€ข Pair a physical NFC card to lock and unlock your list โ€ข See weekly Screen Time stats inside the app โ€ข Track locks, protected time, and your daily streak โ€ข Keep your setup local on your device, with no account required TapLock is built for people who want less scrolling and fewer impulse opens, without making their phone harder to use for everything else.

Screenshots

TapLock4 screens
TapLock card4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TapLock card at none against TapLock's 2. TapLock's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.5). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. TapLock sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. TapLock card asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
TapLock versus TapLock card: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTapLockTapLock card
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysโ€”
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPad โ€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.0 โ€” better26.5
Further details โ€” not scored
Size13 MB2 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperSze Yuen HOASHISH K JAIN

In-app purchases

2 purchases

TapLock

One-time2
  • TapLock Free TrialFree
  • TapLock Lifetime$4.99
None

TapLock card

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TapLock free?
TapLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TapLock card free?
TapLock card is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do TapLock or TapLock card have ads?
Neither TapLock nor TapLock card shows ads.

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