Comparison

Don't Scroll vs Gate

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

Head to head
About

Don't Scroll

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Ever gone to bed intending to sleep, only to realize it's 2 a.m. and you're still scrolling? Don't Scroll helps you stop doomscrolling before bed—without relying on willpower alone. Choose the apps that keep you awake. Set a lock schedule, and they'll be blocked automatically when it's time to wind down. Unlike a typical app blocker, Don't Scroll doesn't stop at "no." When you try to open a blocked app, you can take a three-minute pause with calming sounds. Sometimes that small interruption is enough to break the scroll and put the phone down. WHEN WILLPOWER ISN'T ENOUGH Every app blocker has the same weak point: you can turn it off. Late at night, that can be all too easy. Power Lock closes that loophole. Give the unlock code to someone you trust—a partner, friend, or family member. They receive it by email, and from then on, they hold the key—not you. If you force an override, they'll be notified. Scroll less. Sleep more. HOW IT WORKS • Choose the apps that keep you awake • Set your lock schedule • When you reach for a blocked app, take a three-minute pause or call it a night FEATURES • Automatic bedtime app blocking • Calming sleep sounds • Purpose-based locks for delivery apps, work distractions, and more • Nightly reports, patterns, and streaks DON'T SCROLL PLUS • Power Lock—let someone you trust hold the unlock code • Nightly pattern insights—see when you're most likely to reach for blocked apps • Premium sleep sounds—waves, airplane cabin, and pink noise • Streak protection for the occasional off night • Multiple lock schedules and unlimited app selection • PIN-protected settings • Ad-free experience Your selected apps, usage data, and sleep history stay on your device. We can't see which apps you choose. If you enable Power Lock, the email address of the person you choose is sent to our server only to deliver the unlock code and the alerts you enable. Monthly and yearly plans are available. Cancel anytime. —— Don't Scroll Plus is an auto-renewing subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel your subscription anytime in Settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://jyminter.github.io/privacy-policy

About

Gate

This app helps you block distracting applications with customizable strictness levels. It offers a free version with basic features and an optional Pro upgrade for advanced control and statistics. Focus on your tasks without unwanted interruptions.

Highlights
  • Customizable app blocking strictness
  • Three blocking levels: Mindful, Committed, Iron
  • Optional community features for shared goals
  • Transparent pricing with no subscription traps
  • Reliable blocking against known weaknesses
  • Honest focus time statistics
  • Privacy-focused with no tracking or ads
Features
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"Block the apps that distract you — as strict as you want. GATE blocks distracting apps in three strictness levels, from a gentle pause to an iron lock. Fair pricing, no subscription traps, no tracking. GATE is for people who genuinely want to cut their screen time — without being tricked. You decide which apps get blocked and how hard the block is. Three levels — you choose how strict • Mindful — A short pause instead of a block: GATE interrupts the autopilot and asks whether you really need the app right now. • Committed — A real block with a waiting period. Unlocking only happens deliberately, through GATE; after that, everything locks again automatically. • Iron — Sealed until the time you set. No self-unlock. As hard as iOS allows — honest, never "unbreakable". Why GATE • Fair pricing — A transparent price, cancel anytime in your App Store settings. No subscription traps, no hidden costs. • Reliable — Built defensively against the known weaknesses of other blockers, so the block actually holds. • Honest stats — Your focus time, shown plainly: no guilt-tripping, no made-up numbers. • Privacy — No tracking, no ads, no forced account. What you block and how long you spend on your phone never leaves your device. Together in Communities (optional) If you like, create a community with friends around a shared rule or join a public one. You only see who's keeping it up today, never which apps anyone blocks. Optional, uses only your iCloud, deletable anytime. Start for free GATE is free to use: one profile, two apps, all three levels. With Pro you block as many apps as you like, whole categories and websites, create multiple profiles, and see the full stats. GATE Pro • Start with a 14-day free trial, then an affordable yearly plan. • Or pay once and keep GATE forever — no subscription. Have a question? Email support@getgateapp.com — a human replies, usually within 24 hours. Subscription details: GATE Pro (yearly) is an auto-renewable subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store settings; the exact price is shown in the App Store. "Forever" is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy: https://www.getgateapp.com/datenschutz.html"

Screenshots

Don't Scroll4 screens
Gate4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Gate at none against Don't Scroll's shown. On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. Don't Scroll sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Gate sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Don't Scroll ships an update every 4 days, Gate every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Don't Scroll versus Gate: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDon't ScrollGate
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS26.026.0
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYUMI JUNGLukasz Piotr Karwot

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Don't Scroll

Subscriptions2
  • Don't Scroll Plus7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Don't Scroll Plus7 Days trial$24.991 Year
3 purchases

Gate

Subscriptions2
  • GATE Pro – Monthly$3.991 Month
  • GATE Pro – Yearly14 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • GATE Pro – Lifetime$49.99

Questions

Is Don't Scroll free?
Don't Scroll is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Gate free?
Gate is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Don't Scroll or Gate have ads?
Don't Scroll shows ads; Gate does not.
Which is updated more often, Don't Scroll or Gate?
Don't Scroll ships an update every 4 days, and Gate every 5 days. Most recently, Don't Scroll was updated on October 24, 2026 and Gate on October 28, 2026.

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