# App Blocker vs Sanctum

The clearest difference is update cadence: Sanctum at every 6 days against App Blocker's every 2 months. Sanctum also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. App Blocker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Sanctum sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

App Blocker ships an update every 2 months, Sanctum every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | App Blocker | Sanctum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sanctum-screen-time-control/id6796927209/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 134 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smart Automation SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1822502270) | [Clovinyx](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896467775) |

## What reviewers say

### App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-lockscreen/id6773295533)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


### Sanctum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sanctum-screen-time-control/id6796927209)

This app helps you regain focus by locking your phone during designated sessions with no easy bypass. It offers scheduled blocking and daily limits to manage app usage and includes a reflective practice for early exits.

**Highlights:** Unbreakable session lock, Scheduled blocking, Daily app limits, Reflective early exit practice, Immersive themes, Zero configuration

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sanctum Pro Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Sanctum Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Sanctum Pro Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Sanctum Pro Lifetime | $179.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is App Blocker free?

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

### Is Sanctum free?

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

### Do App Blocker or Sanctum have ads?

Neither App Blocker nor Sanctum shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, App Blocker or Sanctum?

App Blocker ships an update every 2 months, and Sanctum every 6 days. Most recently, App Blocker was updated on October 5, 2026 and Sanctum on October 16, 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.*