Comparison

PlainLock vs PawLock

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

Head to head
About

PlainLock

Features
Read full description

PlainLock is a deliberately simple screen-time self-control tool. TWO WAYS TO SET A LIMIT • Schedule blocks: choose days and times, then the selected apps are blocked. • Daily limits: after the minutes you set are used, the apps stay blocked until tomorrow. • Shared group limits: put distracting apps in one group so switching apps cannot bypass the limit. • Group app limit: each group supports up to 50 apps, with a clear message when the limit is exceeded. • Cooling-off period: when you really need temporary access, wait 5 seconds, then unlock for the short duration you chose. LANGUAGES • Available in Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Spanish. READ BEFORE YOU BUY • One purchase. No subscription. No in-app purchases. • Every rule stays on your device. The app makes no network requests and collects no app data. • This is a self-control tool, not a security tool. You can always remove restrictions by disabling its Screen Time permission in Settings. • Applying or clearing a block depends on iOS scheduling and can take one to two minutes. • Requires iOS 17.0 or later. Only iOS versions tested at release are supported; future compatibility and continuing updates are not guaranteed.

About

PawLock

Features
Read full description

Willpower is no match for billion-dollar social media algorithms. 5 to 6 hours. That’s the average time you’ll spend looking at your phone today, lost in endless scrolling. Feeds, Reels, and notifications are scientifically engineered to hijack your focus. PawLock is built to give you your life, time, and attention back using Apple’s official iOS 18 Screen Time framework. Reclaim an average of 2+ hours of productive, deep focus time every single day. WHY PAWLOCK IS DIFFERENT: Tired of soft blockers you can bypass in two taps, or apps that charge predatory /year subscriptions? PawLock delivers uncompromising discipline: • UNBYPASSABLE STRICT MODE: Once a lock session starts, you cannot edit, disable, or delete it inside the app until time expires. No cheats, no excuses. • DOOMSCROLLING SHIELD: Put an impenetrable wall between you and Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and X. • SAFARI & WEBSITE BLOCKER: Blocks distracting web domains and adult content directly inside Safari. • SCHEDULED ROUTINES & POMODORO: Set automated blocking schedules for deep work, study sessions, or bedtime digital detox. • 100% PRIVATE & ON-DEVICE: Built strictly on Apple’s FamilyControls framework. Your personal browsing and app activity never leave your iPhone. TRANSPARENT PRICING & LIFETIME ACCESS No hidden traps. Enjoy a 7-day free trial on monthly plans, or unlock lifetime access with a single, one-time payment. Requirements: Requires Apple Screen Time authorization to block apps and websites. No account or sign-up needed. Privacy Policy: https://pawlock.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://pawlock.app/terms

Screenshots

PlainLock4 screens
PawLock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PawLock at Free against PlainLock's $2.99. PlainLock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

PawLock is free to download; PlainLock costs $2.99 up front. PawLock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. PlainLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PlainLock ships an update every 5 days, PawLock every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
PlainLock versus PawLock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlainLockPawLock
Price$2.99Free — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB59 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChang Jhih YehSafak Selim Sofioglu

In-app purchases

None

PlainLock

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

PawLock

Subscriptions2
  • Pawlock Pro Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Pawlock Pro Yearly$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pawlock Pro Lifetime$19.99

Questions

Is PlainLock free?
PlainLock costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is PawLock free?
PawLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PlainLock or PawLock have ads?
Neither PlainLock nor PawLock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PlainLock or PawLock?
PlainLock ships an update every 5 days, and PawLock every 4 days. Most recently, PlainLock was updated on October 18, 2026 and PawLock on October 3, 2026.

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