# Basic Mode vs App Blocker

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Basic Mode | App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-mode-dumb-phone-detox/id6778641529/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 4 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PROBABILITY LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482354660) | [Taylan Karadeniz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1884442917) |

## What reviewers say

### Basic Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-mode-dumb-phone-detox/id6778641529)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Mode Weekly Lite | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Basic Mode Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Basic Mode Weekly Plus | $7.99 | per 7 days |


### App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-grindly/id6784666999)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Grindly Pro Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Grindly Pro Annual | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*