# Holdback vs Relock

The clearest difference is rating: Holdback at 5.0 against Relock's 4.5. Holdback also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Relock's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Holdback sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and Relock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Holdback holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Holdback ships an update every 2 weeks, Relock every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Holdback | Relock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdback-app-blocker-and-steps/id6793691152/reviews)** | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relock-block-apps-and-focus/id6809028039/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 262 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Raman Pazdniakou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787426975) | [Yaya Mouhamad Nourouddine](https://appshunter.io/developer/6784512359) |

## What reviewers say

### Holdback

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdback-app-blocker-and-steps/id6793691152)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by locking chosen apps until you meet a daily step goal, adhere to a schedule, or stay within a set time limit. It offers a 'never allowed' option for apps you wish to permanently block. Focus sessions can lock your entire phone for dedicated work periods.

**Highlights:** Unlock apps with step goals from Apple Health, Schedule app availability, Set daily time limits for apps, Permanently block apps, Focus sessions to lock entire phone, Hard mode to prevent changing settings, Track walking history and milestones

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Holdback Pro Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Holdback Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### Relock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relock-block-apps-and-focus/id6809028039)

This app creates a deliberate pause before you open distracting applications, helping you regain control of your time. It allows you to set custom rules and schedules based on your daily routine and Apple Screen Time controls.

**Highlights:** Customizable app blocking rules, Schedule-based restrictions, Purposeful interruption screen, Flexible rule management, Progress tracking and insights, Privacy-focused design

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Relock premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly promo | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium access | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Holdback free?

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

### Is Relock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Holdback or Relock?

Holdback is rated higher. Holdback averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Relock averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do Holdback or Relock have ads?

Neither Holdback nor Relock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Holdback or Relock?

Holdback ships an update every 2 weeks, and Relock every 3 days. Most recently, Holdback was updated on November 5, 2026 and Relock on October 31, 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.*