Comparison

ReadLock vs Reading App Blocker

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

Head to head
About

ReadLock

This app requires users to read a page from a selected text before granting access to blocked apps, categories, or websites. It utilizes Apple's Screen Time system to enforce focus and offers a library of public-domain classics for reading material.

Highlights
  • Earn app access through reading
  • Block apps, categories, and websites
  • Schedule reading locks
  • Manual app locking
  • Built-in reader with public-domain classics
  • Track local reading progress
Features
Read full description

ReadLock makes you read before you scroll. If app blockers are too easy to ignore, ReadLock gives your phone a real forcing function: your selected apps, categories, and websites stay blocked until you read one page. Choose what you want to block, set your reading times, then let ReadLock hold the line. When it is time to read, ReadLock uses Apple's Screen Time and Family Controls system to shield your selected distractions. Finish one page in the built-in reader, and your apps unlock. Why people use ReadLock: - Earn access instead of relying on willpower - Block chosen apps, app categories, and websites - Schedule reading locks for morning, midday, or evening - Lock apps manually when you need a reset - Read bundled public-domain classics like Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Crime and Punishment, and Sherlock Holmes - Track local reading progress in a simple library - Get optional reading reminders and unlock notifications ReadLock is for the moment when you catch yourself opening the same app again and again, even though you meant to do literally anything else. Instead of another dismissible reminder, it turns one page of reading into the key that gets you back in. Read first. Scroll later. Notes: - App blocking requires Screen Time permission and a selected app, category, or website. - Blocking behavior can vary based on iOS, device settings, and the selections you choose. - Full access requires an auto-renewing subscription. Trial, price, and renewal details are shown before purchase. - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Reading App Blocker

Features
Read full description

Read more. Scroll less. PageWard is a reading app blocker that turns real book progress into screen time. • Earn app time by reading pages • Smart proof for book covers and page progress • Lock apps, categories and websites with Apple Screen Time • Track books, streaks, sessions and completed reads • Widgets for book progress and available time • Leaderboards for extra motivation Made for students, readers and anyone looking for a practical digital detox. PageWard uses Apple's secure Screen Time picker and does not see the apps you select. Terms & Conditions: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://pageward.tengrx.com/tr/privacy

Screenshots

ReadLock3 screens
Reading App Blocker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ReadLock at Free against Reading App Blocker's $6.99. On update cadence, 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

ReadLock is free to download; Reading App Blocker costs $6.99 up front. ReadLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Reading App Blocker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ReadLock ships an update every 5 days, Reading App Blocker every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
ReadLock versus Reading App Blocker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReadLockReading App Blocker
PriceFree — better$6.99
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB22 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMATTHEW HENRY FOSTERFuat Tarik ISLAM

In-app purchases

2 purchases

ReadLock

Subscriptions2
  • Read Lock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Read Lock Pro Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
3 purchases

Reading App Blocker

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Yearly$34.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$99.99

Questions

Is ReadLock free?
ReadLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Reading App Blocker free?
Reading App Blocker costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Do ReadLock or Reading App Blocker have ads?
Neither ReadLock nor Reading App Blocker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ReadLock or Reading App Blocker?
ReadLock ships an update every 5 days, and Reading App Blocker every 4 days. Most recently, ReadLock was updated on October 31, 2026 and Reading App Blocker on November 5, 2026.

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