# Cairn vs Strict App Blocker

The clearest difference is update cadence: Strict App Blocker at every 3 days against Cairn's every 2 weeks. Strict App Blocker also leads on iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cairn sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Strict App Blocker sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cairn ships an update every 2 weeks, Strict App Blocker every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cairn | Strict App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strict-app-blockerblock-apps/id6804847493/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 22 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dennis Hodgson](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776312396) | [Casebuddy Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783544368) |

## What reviewers say

### Cairn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cairn-screen-time-blocker/id6790536467)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cairn Unlock | $19.99 | one-time |


### Strict App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strict-app-blockerblock-apps/id6804847493)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by setting daily limits or blocking specific applications during designated hours. Features include a countdown timer, a strict "hard mode" for complete blocking, and a grayscale option to discourage usage. It offers a ten-day training period to build new habits.

**Highlights:** Daily time limits for apps, Scheduled app blocking (Hard Mode), Grayscale mode for usage deterrence, Strict training mode to lock settings, Sixty-day usage history, No account required, data stays on device

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A small tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| A good tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| A generous tip | $9.99 | one-time |
| A very generous tip | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cairn free?

Cairn is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Strict App Blocker free?

Strict App Blocker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Cairn or Strict App Blocker have ads?

Neither Cairn nor Strict App Blocker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cairn or Strict App Blocker?

Cairn ships an update every 2 weeks, and Strict App Blocker every 3 days. Most recently, Cairn was updated on October 31, 2026 and Strict App Blocker on October 10, 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.*