Comparison

Focus Lab Blocker vs HKPAX

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

Head to head
About

Focus Lab Blocker

This app introduces a moment of friction before accessing distracting applications, requiring users to complete a small ritual to earn entry. It offers various unlock methods and a virtual pet that thrives on self-control, encouraging users to reduce screen time.

Highlights
  • Customizable unlock rituals (breathe, timer, intention, math, exercise, photo, NFC, PIN)
  • Virtual pet that grows with self-control
  • Daily app open/time budget
  • On-device processing for privacy
  • No account or sign-up required
  • Ad-free experience
Features
Read full description

Focus Lab Blocker puts a moment of friction between you and the apps that pull at you — so opening them becomes a choice, not a reflex. Most blockers are just a wall with an "off" switch. Focus Lab Blocker is different: when you hit a blocked app, you have to earn your way in with a small ritual. By the time you're done, the urge has usually passed. CHOOSE YOUR FRICTION Every app gets its own unlock ritual: • Breathe — a few slow breaths before you go in • Cooldown — wait out a short timer • Intention — type why you need this app right now • Math — solve a few quick problems • Sweat — pushups, squats, or jumping jacks, counted live by the camera • Photo quest — go photograph grass, a book, the sink… something real • NFC tag — tap a physical tag you left in another room • Guardian PIN — a trusted person sets a PIN you don't know • Daily budget — a fixed number of opens, or minutes, per day A COMPANION THAT LIVES OFF YOUR WILLPOWER Adopt a pet that hatches from an egg and lives off your self-control. Every urge that hits a shield dings one of its meters — and every urge you resist earns the care item that heals it. No urges means a healthy pet and nothing to do: it never nags you into opening the app. But let its meters sit empty and it gets sick, and eventually leaves. BUILT TO RESPECT YOU • No account, no sign-up. • No ads. • Nothing leaves your phone. Photo and exercise checks run entirely on-device with Apple's Vision framework. No servers, because there's no network. Focus Lab Blocker uses Apple's Screen Time to enforce blocking, so it's as reliable as iOS itself. Reclaim the ten seconds before the scroll. That's usually all it takes.

About

HKPAX

Features
Read full description

Your gateway to the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX). Explore programmes, plan your schedule, and stay up to date throughout the event. Connect with arts professionals and delegates from around the world, exchange messages, arrange meetings, and discover new opportunities for collaboration. Whether you're seeking industry insights, touring opportunities, creative partnerships, or inspiring performances, the HKPAX App puts everything you need in one place. Join the global performing arts community and make the most of your HKPAX experience.

Screenshots

Focus Lab Blocker4 screens
HKPAX3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: HKPAX at every 3 days against Focus Lab Blocker's every 3 weeks. On price, 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focus Lab Blocker ships an update every 3 weeks, HKPAX every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Focus Lab Blocker versus HKPAX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocus Lab BlockerHKPAX
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.4
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB149 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSzu-Yu WangHong Kong Arts Development Council

In-app purchases

None

Focus Lab Blocker

No in-app purchases

None

HKPAX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Focus Lab Blocker free?
Focus Lab Blocker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HKPAX free?
HKPAX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Focus Lab Blocker or HKPAX have ads?
Neither Focus Lab Blocker nor HKPAX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focus Lab Blocker or HKPAX?
Focus Lab Blocker ships an update every 3 weeks, and HKPAX every 3 days. Most recently, Focus Lab Blocker was updated on October 31, 2026 and HKPAX on October 31, 2026.

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