Comparison

GamblePause vs Anchor

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

Head to head
About

GamblePause

This utility app helps users take a break from gambling by enforcing timed self-exclusion from gambling sites and apps. It operates locally on your device, blocking access until the selected timer expires, with no option to pause or shorten the exclusion period. Designed for privacy, it tracks no user data and requires no personal information.

Highlights
  • Timed self-exclusion
  • Device-wide blocking
  • No pausing or shortening
  • Local on-device operation
  • Zero data tracking
  • Privacy-focused
Features
Read full description

Take a break from gambling with a timed self‑exclusion you can’t pause or shorten. Once you start an exclusion, access to gambling sites, betting apps, and related services is blocked until the timer ends. How it works: - Uses iOS’s native Network Extension API (Packet Tunnel Provider) to enforce device‑wide blocking locally on your device. All network filtering happens directly on-device; none of your web traffic is routed to external servers. - Starts immediately after you select a duration and confirm, and stays active until the timer expires. Key Controls: - You cannot pause, restart, disable, or shorten an active self-exclusion. To end the block, you must wait for the selected timer to expire. - Exact on-device timing is used to ensure the exclusion ends precisely when you chose. Privacy First: - Zero data tracking: No browsing history or web traffic is sent to external servers or third parties. - The app operates entirely locally on your phone and does not require access to your location, camera, photos, or contacts. Notes and limitations: - Blocking focuses on gambling domains from a locally maintained blocklist. While the blocklist is regularly updated, new gambling sites appear frequently, and block coverage may vary. - Only one active Packet Tunnel VPN configuration can run at a time on iOS. - This tool is designed to support healthier habits but cannot guarantee every single source is blocked. For maximum efficacy, consider combining GamblePause with your iOS built-in Screen Time restriction features.

About

Anchor

Features
Read full description

Anchor is a powerful self-control app designed to help you add friction to gambling websites and apps so you can stop impulsive behavior and regain control of your digital life. Built with Apple Screen Time technology, Anchor creates a secure barrier between you and gambling content — helping you stay consistent even when motivation is low. 3 Day free trial Requires a subscription Terms of Service https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

GamblePause4 screens
Anchor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GamblePause at none against Anchor's 2. GamblePause also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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. Anchor sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. GamblePause asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GamblePause ships an update every 6 weeks, Anchor monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
GamblePause versus Anchor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGamblePauseAnchor
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksMonthly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGAMBLEPAUSE INITIATIVE FOR ADDICTS AWARENESSEthan Seidel

In-app purchases

None

GamblePause

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Anchor

Subscriptions2
  • Anchor Monthly3 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Anchor Yearly3 Days trial$79.001 Year

Questions

Is GamblePause free?
GamblePause is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Anchor free?
Anchor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GamblePause or Anchor have ads?
Anchor shows ads; GamblePause does not.
Which is updated more often, GamblePause or Anchor?
GamblePause ships an update every 6 weeks, and Anchor monthly. Most recently, GamblePause was updated on October 24, 2026 and Anchor on October 17, 2026.

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