Comparison

LOCKD vs Pause

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

Head to head
About

LOCKD

Features
Read full description

Take Your Time Back LOCKD is your personal focus and screen-time protector. Block the apps that steal your attention, set your own unlock rules, and stay accountable with sharp, no-excuses reminders โ€” all designed to help you break the scroll cycle for good. KEY FEATURES App Blocking Choose exactly which apps distract you most โ€” social media, games, or anything else โ€” and lock them behind LOCKD's shield. When you try to open a blocked app, LOCKD stops you in your tracks. Custom Unlock Duration Set how long you can access an app when you need to โ€” 10 seconds to 10 minutes โ€” so you stay intentional instead of falling back into autopilot scrolling. Accountability Quotes Every block screen delivers a sharp, honest reminder โ€” no fluffy affirmations, just the truth about what your time is actually worth. Choose from categories like Focus, Family, and Business to match what motivates you. Progress Tracking See your streaks and stay motivated as you build real focus habits, day after day. PERFECT FOR Anyone who loses hours to mindless scrolling Students and professionals who need real focus time Parents wanting to be present instead of distracted Anyone who's tried willpower alone and needs backup People tired of screen time tools that are too easy to ignore WHY LOCKD? Real blocking, not just tracking Unlock durations you control Quotes that hold you accountable, not coddle you Clean, distraction-free interface Privacy-first: your data stays yours Stop lying to yourself about "just one more scroll." Download LOCKD today and get your time back. A LOCKD SUBSCRIPTION is required to access app-blocking features and full app functionality. If you choose a LOCKD subscription, payment will be charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscription in your Apple Account Settings. Your Apple Account will be charged upon purchase confirmation. If you subscribe before your free trial ends, the remaining trial period will be forfeited. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://junnybunnyprivacypolicy.blogspot.com/2026/07/lockd-privacy-policy.html

About

Pause

Features
Read full description

Pause: Break the Doomscrolling Loop Break free from the doomscrolling loop and reclaim your time with Pause. Pause isn't another screen time blocker. Instead of locking you out of your phone or making you feel guilty, Pause interrupts your autopilot habits at the exact moment they happen. Whenever you instinctively open a distracting app, Pause steps in first with a mandatory 60-second mindful breathing exercise. It takes just one minute to break the cycle of mindless scrolling. Take a breath, identify what you're actually looking for, and decide intentionally whether you still want to open the app. HOW IT WORKS Create Intervention Plans: Select the apps that trigger your distracting or compulsive usage, such as Instagram, TikTok, or X. The 60-Second Intercept: When you open a targeted app, Pause appears first. Complete a 60-second mindful breathing exercise before continuing. Identify Your Triggers: Log how you're feeling in the moment โ€” Bored, Anxious, Procrastinating, or another trigger โ€” to better understand what drives your scrolling habits. Make a Choice: After 60 seconds, you're in control. Choose to continue to the app or step away and reclaim your time. BUILD HEALTHIER HABITS Evening Reflections: gentle reminder at the end of the day to check in with your mood and reflect on your screen time. Weekly Insights: Track your progress over time. Discover your most common trigger apps, peak urge times, and your Pause Success Rate the percentage of times you chose to step away. Privacy First: Your intervention plans and check-ins are private and securely tied to your account. TAKE BACK YOUR ATTENTION Stop letting algorithms control your attention. Add a little friction to distracting habits, build awareness around your screen time, and get your focus back. Take a breath. Take a Pause.

Screenshots

LOCKD3 screens
Pause4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pause at none against LOCKD's 2. Pause also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). LOCKD's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. LOCKD sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per year. Pause asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LOCKD ships an update every 3 weeks, Pause every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences ยท 2 level
LOCKD versus Pause: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLOCKDPause
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days โ€” better
AdsNo โ€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS16.615.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size110 MB35 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperFabian-Remus PlavatUPSTART INNOVATION, LLC

In-app purchases

2 purchases

LOCKD

Subscriptions2
  • LOCKD PREMIUM3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • LOCKD PREMIUM3 Days trial$49.991 Year
None

Pause

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is LOCKD free?
LOCKD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pause free?
Pause is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do LOCKD or Pause have ads?
Pause shows ads; LOCKD does not.
Which is updated more often, LOCKD or Pause?
LOCKD ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pause every 4 days. Most recently, LOCKD was updated on October 8, 2026 and Pause on October 11, 2026.

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