AppBlock

AppBlock is a screen-time manager for people who want to block distracting apps and websites on mobile and supported browsers. It suits users building recurring work, study, or well-being routines, especially those who need blocks that are harder to dismiss. Its main trade-off is a free tier with sharply different limits on iOS and Android.

Overview

AppBlock combines blocking with usage limits, tracking, and reports that show screen-time habits over time. Profiles can run on a schedule or respond to day, location, or connected Wi-Fi, so it can adapt to changing routines rather than relying on a single manual switch. That flexibility is useful for structured focus habits, but excessive if all you need is an occasional one-off block.

Strict Mode offers Cooldown and third-party approval options to make blocks harder to bypass. Allowlist Mode takes a broader approach, blocking everything except selected essential apps. Together, they support both targeted limits and sessions in which only a few tools should remain accessible.

Key features

• Recurring profiles: Automate blocks by time, day, location, or connected Wi-Fi. This suits routines that change across settings, though users with simple needs may not benefit from configuring context-aware schedules.
• App and web blocking: Block apps and websites, with support for URLs and keywords. The browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Brave add Quick Block and scheduled website blocking, extending the approach beyond the mobile apps.
• More restrictive sessions: Strict Mode offers Cooldown and third-party approval, while Allowlist Mode blocks everything except chosen essentials. These options give users different ways to add friction or narrow access rather than depending only on reminders.
• Usage feedback: Usage limits, app and website tracking, and reports help users review screen-time habits over time. That feedback is a practical complement to blocking for people trying to change repeated patterns.
• iOS tools: The iOS feature set includes Schedules, Strict Mode, Quick Block, Allowlist, approval access, and Pomodoro sessions. This gives iOS users several ways to structure focus, subject to the free plan's schedule and Strict Mode caps.

Pricing

AppBlock is freemium, with a free plan and a 7-day trial. The free tier is usable for modest needs, but its caps matter: iOS allows up to 2 schedules and 12-hour Strict Mode; Android allows up to 3 schedules, 5 blocked apps, and 5 websites or keywords per schedule, with 24-hour Strict Mode. Android's per-schedule target caps can constrain broader blocking, while the iOS cap on schedules may be limiting for people with several routines.

Premium removes the listed free-tier limits, and the page says users can cancel any time. It is the more suitable option for anyone whose schedules or blocks exceed the free caps. The price is custom pricing.

Platforms

AppBlock has Android and iOS apps, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Brave. The extensions support Quick Block and scheduled website blocking, making them relevant for users who want browser controls alongside mobile blocking. Platform-specific free limits mean users should compare their intended setup with the caps before choosing a plan.

Who it's for

AppBlock is a strong fit for people who want to build routines around work, study, parenting, ADHD, mental health, or general well-being. Context-aware schedules and usage reports suit users who want both restrictions and a way to observe habits; Strict Mode and approval options may help those who find ordinary blocks too easy to dismiss. It is less compelling for someone seeking only a basic blocker or whose intended free setup exceeds the platform's caps.

Its privacy policy says core blocking, configured rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally and are not accessible to the operator, subject to stated exceptions. Installed-app package names are sent to servers for app categorization, and blocking configuration is uploaded when the backup feature is used. The operator is MobileSoft s.r.o., based in Červený Kostelec, Czechia; the policy says personal data are handled under applicable data-protection laws, including the EU GDPR.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Profiles can respond to time, day, location, or Wi-Fi, supporting routines that vary by place or schedule.
• Pro: Strict Mode and Allowlist Mode offer distinct ways to make sessions more deliberate, from adding bypass friction to limiting access to essentials.
• Pro: Usage reports pair restrictions with a view of habits over time, useful for users who want to assess whether routines are changing.
• Con: Free limits differ by platform, and Android also caps blocked apps and websites or keywords per schedule; users with broad needs may need Premium.
• Con: The privacy policy says package names are sent for app categorization and configuration is uploaded when backups are used, which may matter to users seeking wholly local handling.

Alternatives

Consider Freedom if you want a free tier described as including app, website, or internet blocking, multi-device sync, custom blocklists, and website exceptions across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. StayFree is a fit if free cross-device screen-time tracking and usage control across a wider range of platforms is the priority. Choose Opal if its free plan's one rule, basic timers and soundscapes, app blocking, and same-day Opal Score meet your needs on iOS, Android, or macOS.

ScreenZen may suit someone who wants a free core app across Android, iOS, macOS, or Windows, with optional donations. YourHour is another Android and iOS option; its free download contains ads and in-app purchases. For Apple users who want a built-in free feature, Apple Screen Time supports managing a child's controls across a family group through Family Sharing and individual Apple Accounts. Focusly is worth considering if a free, offline, no-account tool for extension, macOS, or Windows is a better fit. Jomo offers a free plan with one session, one action or limit, one Screen Time Budget, Squads, and reports on iOS and macOS.

Browse more options in Screen Time Management Apps and Distraction Blocking Software.

Verdict

AppBlock is best for people who want automated, recurring focus rules, reporting, and extra friction against bypassing blocks. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of context-aware schedules, multiple blocking modes, and habit feedback across mobile and supported browsers. Look elsewhere if you need a broad free setup without platform-specific caps, or if sending app package names for categorization is a concern.