Aside vs Deadbolt
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Aside
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Aside helps you block distracting apps, reduce doomscrolling, and stay focused when it matters most. Whether you are studying, working deeply, sleeping better, or spending less time on social media, Aside gives you a calmer way to take control of your screen time. No login. No judgment. No pressure. Create intentional blocking sessions for social apps, video apps, games, and anything that pulls your attention. Start a focus session, put your phone aside, and let Aside help you stay committed through the moments that usually slip away. Aside is designed to feel simple, warm, and motivating. It is never strict or overwhelming. A small purple companion named Pip keeps you going, and gentle streaks show your consistency building over time, without guilt if you miss a session. KEY BENEFITS - Block distracting apps during focus sessions so you can actually start - Reduce doomscrolling and impulsive checking with simple, real-time limits - Set recurring schedules for the times you need focus most, like mornings or late nights - Build streaks and track your progress without pressure - Take short challenges that help you form better phone habits - See honest insights into your screen time trends so you know what is changing - Stay motivated with Pip, your friendly companion USE ASIDE WHEN YOU WANT TO - Stop wasting time on social media - Focus on work or study - Avoid late-night scrolling - Build a digital detox routine - Create healthier phone habits - Protect your attention during deep work Aside uses Appleβs Screen Time API to help you select and block distracting apps on your device. Your app selections and blocking activity stay private on your iPhone. No account. No cloud tracking. Take a break from distractions. Put them aside. Aside Premium Aside Premium is an auto-renewable subscription with weekly and yearly options. Pricing and duration are shown clearly before purchase in the app. No account is required to use Aside. Purchases are managed through your Apple ID. You can restore your subscription in the app if you reinstall or switch devices. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: https://asideblocker.com/en/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Support: https://asideblocker.com/en/help
Deadbolt
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Your phone works for you now. Deadbolt locks away the apps that eat your day β Instagram, TikTok, whatever your poison is β for exactly as long as you choose. Turn the dial, tap "Bolt it", and they're gone until the timer runs out. NO WILLPOWER REQUIRED That's the point. When you try to open a blocked app, Deadbolt turns you away β with a dry one-liner instead of a lecture. STRICT MODE No early exit, no "just five minutes." Sessions end when they end. AN EMERGENCY EXIT THAT COSTS YOU Really need out early? Request an emergency exit β then wait out a 10-minute cooldown while Deadbolt asks if you're sure. Impulses don't survive ten minutes. Emergencies do. DAILY BLOCKS Lock the same hours automatically, every day. Nights, work mornings, study blocks β they run even when Deadbolt is closed. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Built on Apple's Screen Time framework. The apps you block and how you use your phone never leave your device β we can't see them, and we never track them. No account required. Deadbolt is free to start β bolt your apps for 15 minutes, twice a day, no account needed. Deadbolt Pro unlocks everything: sessions up to 8 hours, Strict Mode with its exit challenges, daily schedules, location locks, allow-only mode, and your full focus history. The exact price and billing period are shown in the app before you subscribe. Subscriptions are billed to your Apple ID and renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://trydeadbolt.app/terms Privacy Policy: https://trydeadbolt.app/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Deadbolt at none against Aside's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Aside sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Deadbolt sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Aside ships an update every 3 days, Deadbolt every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.
| Parameter | Aside | Deadbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days β better | Every 4 days |
| Ads | Yes | No β better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 β better | 17.0 |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 58 MB | 15 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kioshi Okamoto | Akshit Kanaujia |
In-app purchases
Aside
- Aside Premium3 Days trial$2.997 Days
- Aside Premium7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Deadbolt
- Deadbolt Pro$4.991 Month
- Deadbolt Pro$29.991 Year









