Comparison

App Blocker vs Hold On

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

Head to head
About

App Blocker

Read full description

App Blocker: Lockscreen helps you stop opening distracting apps on autopilot. Pick the apps or websites you want to block, choose a small task, and start a lock. Your task gate keeps the selected distractions blocked until the timer is finished and you mark the task complete. Use it for work, study, bedtime, morning routines, or any moment when one tap turns into twenty minutes. Main features: - Block selected apps and websites with Apple's Screen Time permission - Choose common unlock tasks like clear desk, drink water, write one sentence, breathe, or open homework - Add custom tasks and custom timers - Pick gentle, timed, or stricter lock styles - Use quick lock templates for work, study, sleep, and emergency moments - Track private stats like completed locks, tasks, and protected minutes - Restore purchases and manage subscription status from Settings The app is ADHD-aware but not medical treatment. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure ADHD or any health condition. It is a practical productivity tool for creating friction before distracting apps. Privacy: the app is designed to keep lock rules, task choices, and stats on device. It does not read messages, passwords, or content inside the apps you block. Terms of use: https://smartaitomation.github.io/appblockerlockscreen/terms.html

About

Hold On

This app helps you regain control of your screen time with strict blocking features. Set custom schedules, time limits, and use a shield to prevent access to distracting apps. Track your progress with real usage data and maintain your focus routines.

Highlights
  • App groups for blocking distracting apps
  • Customizable schedules for blocking
  • Time limits with shield activation
  • Daily passes for limited app access
  • Review of hours and days held
  • Social media and website blocking
Read full description

Hold on. Start enjoying life again. Soft Screen Time limits are easy to ignore. Hold On is a native iOS app blocker built for blocks that actually hold — schedules, time limits, and a clear shield when you reach for a distracting app. WHAT YOU GET • App groups — block the apps that steal your focus • Schedules — nights, work hours, evenings, or your own window • After time — use an app for a stretch, then the shield comes up • After times — a few opens through the shield, then you’re done for the day • Daily passes — a small unlock allowance; your streak still holds • Review — hours held and days held from real block windows, not scare stats BUILT FOR REAL FOCUS • Social media blocker for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more • Website blocking with Apple Screen Time • Sleep, work, and wind-down routines without a soft escape hatch • One shield screen: go back, or use a pass PRIVACY Hold On uses Apple’s Screen Time / Family Controls APIs. Blocking stays on your device. We don’t upload your Screen Time to a server. Privacy Policy: https://useholdon.app/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://useholdon.app/terms-of-use Subscriptions are available via the App Store. Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID settings.

Screenshots

App Blocker4 screens
Hold On4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hold On at daily against App Blocker's every 2 months. App Blocker's advantage is iOS requirement (18.2 vs 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. App Blocker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Hold On sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

App Blocker ships an update every 2 months, Hold On daily. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
App Blocker versus Hold On: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterApp BlockerHold On
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.2 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSmart Automation SRLShaigexp LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Yearly$24.991 Year
2 purchases

Hold On

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hold On free?
Hold On is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do App Blocker or Hold On have ads?
Neither App Blocker nor Hold On shows ads.
Which is updated more often, App Blocker or Hold On?
App Blocker ships an update every 2 months, and Hold On daily. Most recently, App Blocker was updated on November 5, 2026 and Hold On on November 6, 2026.

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