Comparison

Basic Mode vs App Blocker

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

Head to head
About

Basic Mode

Transform your phone into a focused device on a schedule. Block distracting apps, categories, and websites while keeping essential functions accessible. Create custom modes for work, sleep, or family time, with an emergency unlock option.

Highlights
  • Customizable focus modes
  • Block apps, categories, and websites
  • Scheduled blocking sessions
  • Emergency app unlock
  • Essential app access
  • Privacy-focused design
Features
Read full description

Basic Mode turns your iPhone into a dumb phone — on your schedule. Pick a mode — Work, Night, Family, Deep Reset, or your own — choose which apps, categories, and websites go quiet, and start a session. Distractions get blocked. Essentials like calls, messages, maps, and camera stay available. • Saved modes for work, sleep, family time, and deeper resets • Block by app, category, or website — you decide • Timeboxed emergency unlock when you truly need it • Always reversible — restore app access anytime • 100% private: no account, no tracking, everything stays on your device Built on Apple's Screen Time. Basic Mode is free to use. Pro is an optional subscription that unlocks scheduled sessions, Commitment Lock, and custom modes. Cancel anytime. Terms of Use (EULA): https://probabilityapps.com/basic-mode/terms Privacy Policy: https://probabilityapps.com/basic-mode/privacy

About

App Blocker

Features
Read full description

The app blocker that actually holds the line. A Screen Time limit you can dismiss in one tap isn't really blocking anything. Grindly is the app blocker that physically locks the apps wrecking your focus — until you've done what matters. No willpower required. Just lock in. HOW IT WORKS • Pick the apps to block — socials, games, whatever hijacks your focus • Set your daily non-negotiables — gym, deep work, reading… • Finish them to unlock, and watch your streak grow A REAL BLOCKER, NOT JUST A TIMER Grindly uses Apple Screen Time to actually shield your apps. Run a hard Lock-In Session (a focus timer you can't casually dismiss) or a task-gate that keeps apps locked until your non-negotiables are done. Everything runs on-device and private — your app selections are never readable by us. BLOCK APPS, BUILD STREAKS • A "don't break the chain" streak grid • Current and best streak, completion rate, and a discipline score • Locked-in hours plus weekly and monthly momentum BUILT TO BEAT DISTRACTION Doomscrolling. Phone addiction. Exam grind. A real dopamine detox. Whatever you're locking in for, Grindly keeps you accountable — and makes showing up feel good. HONEST PRICING Grindly Free is genuinely useful: a block profile, your non-negotiables, and the full lock-in and streak loop. Go Pro for unlimited tasks and block profiles, multiple Lock-In Sessions, advanced discipline analytics, optional Anti-Cheat photo check-ins, an AI discipline coach, and premium themes. Simple monthly or annual pricing with a clear free trial — no predatory weekly billing, cancel anytime. Block the apps. Lock in. For real. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://betteryouknow.github.io/grindly/privacy.html

Screenshots

Basic Mode4 screens
App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: App Blocker at 17.0 against Basic Mode's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Basic Mode sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and App Blocker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Basic Mode ships an update monthly, App Blocker every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Basic Mode versus App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBasic ModeApp Blocker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPROBABILITY LLCTaylan Karadeniz

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Basic Mode

Subscriptions3
  • Basic Mode Weekly Lite$2.997 Days
  • Basic Mode Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Basic Mode Weekly Plus$7.997 Days
2 purchases

App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Grindly Pro Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Grindly Pro Annual3 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Basic Mode free?
Basic Mode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is App Blocker free?
App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Basic Mode or App Blocker have ads?
Neither Basic Mode nor App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Basic Mode or App Blocker?
Basic Mode ships an update monthly, and App Blocker every 3 weeks. Most recently, Basic Mode was updated on October 31, 2026 and App Blocker on November 7, 2026.

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