Focus Lab Blocker vs HKPAX
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
HKPAX
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Focus Lab Blocker ships an update every 3 weeks, HKPAX every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | Focus Lab Blocker | HKPAX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 149 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Szu-Yu Wang | Hong Kong Arts Development Council |
In-app purchases
Focus Lab Blocker
No in-app purchases
HKPAX
No in-app purchases









