Compared
Best iPhone
app blockers.
Five of the best, compared honestly — with the right pick for each kind of user.
Full disclosure: we make Deadbolt. So take our #1 with a grain of salt — but we’ve laid out exactly where every rival genuinely wins, because a comparison you can’t trust is worthless.
| Feature | Deadbolt | Opal | ScreenZen | One Sec | Jomo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard blocking (not just a nudge) | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ✓ |
| Scheduled auto-blocks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ |
| On-device via Apple Screen Time | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deliberate emergency exit | ✓ | ~ | ~ | ~ | — |
| Walk-to-unlock (physical steps) | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| No account required | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | Free · $4.99/mo or $29.99/yr | $99.99/yr | Free | Free · ~$19.99/yr | $29.99/yr · $99.99 lifetime |
✓ full · ~ partial / different model · — none. Competitor details from public reviews & App Store listings (2026) and can change — always check the latest.
Deadbolt
People who cheat every other blocker Free · $4.99/mo or $29.99/yrThe most bypass-resistant of the bunch — strict sessions, a cooldown, and a 200-step walk-to-unlock. If you cheat every other blocker, this is the one. (Yes, it’s ours.)
See Deadbolt’s features →ScreenZen
The best free option FreeThe best free option, full stop. A pause-before-you-open model that’s gentle but effective, with zero paywall. If a nudge is enough for you, start here.
Deadbolt vs ScreenZen →Opal
Analytics + gamification (if you’ll pay) $99.99/yrThe most feature-rich if you’ll pay for it — deep analytics, gamification and cross-platform. The $99.99/yr price and required account are the trade-offs.
Deadbolt vs Opal →One Sec
Lightweight mindful friction Free · ~$19.99/yrThe best "mindful friction" app — a breath before you open anything, plus optional hard blocks. Cheap and well-designed for lighter habits.
Deadbolt vs One Sec →Jomo
Category blocking + lifetime option $29.99/yr · $99.99 lifetimeDeep, privacy-minded, and the only one here with a lifetime purchase option. Great for category blocking if you don’t need a physical-friction exit.
Deadbolt vs Jomo →How to choose
Want it to be genuinely hard to cheat? Deadbolt — strict mode + walk-to-unlock.
Want it free? ScreenZen.
Want deep analytics and don’t mind paying? Opal.
Want a gentle nudge, not a lockdown? One Sec.
Want a one-time lifetime purchase? Jomo.
FAQ
What is the best app blocker for iPhone?
It depends on your habit. Deadbolt is the most bypass-resistant (strict mode + walk-to-unlock). ScreenZen is the best free option. Opal is the most feature-rich if you’ll pay. One Sec is best for gentle friction. Jomo is best for category blocking with a lifetime option.
What’s the best free iPhone app blocker?
ScreenZen — it’s completely free, donation-supported, with no paywall. Deadbolt also has a free tier for core blocking if you want harder limits.
Which app blocker is hardest to bypass?
Deadbolt is built specifically for this: Strict Mode removes the instant exit, and leaving early costs a ten-minute cooldown or 200 steps. That physical friction is unique among these apps.
Do these app blockers see my data?
The good ones don’t. Deadbolt, Jomo and others build on Apple’s Screen Time framework, which keeps your app selections private on-device. Opal requires an account; the rest largely don’t.
Take back your attention.
Free to start. Bolt your first distraction in under a minute.