LatchAn AppBlock alternative with a key you have to walk to
AppBlock is a solid, long-running blocker with schedules, limits and a Strict Mode, sold as a Premium subscription. Latch works differently: your apps stay locked until you scan a key you keep somewhere else, and Latch Pro is $9.99 once.
We make Latch, so read this with that in mind. AppBlock details come from its App Store listing and appblock.app, checked October 2026, and link to their sources.
Our verdict
Latch is the simpler lock, and you pay for it once
Both apps block on a schedule and by place. The difference is how you get back in. With Latch, it takes a walk to your key or a set number of steps, and Pro costs $9.99 once against $29.99 a year for AppBlock Premium. AppBlock is the better pick if you want browser extensions on your computer or Wi-Fi-based rules.
Latch vs AppBlock at a glance
| Feature | Latch | AppBlock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Latch Pro is $9.99 once | Free; Premium from $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year (App Store) |
| How you get back in | Scan a key you keep elsewhere: an NFC sticker, a printed QR code, or a set number of steps | When the schedule or limit ends, or by changing it; Strict Mode stops you bypassing blocks |
| Strictest setting | Commitment mode: locked for 30 minutes to 8 hours, and not even your key opens it early | Strict Mode, "built for the moments when willpower is not enough" (source) |
| Locks on its own | Schedules, arriving at a place, while driving, Siri or Google Assistant | By time, location or Wi-Fi |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, Android | Android, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, plus Chrome, Edge and Brave extensions (source) |
| Available | Now on iPhone, iPad and Android | Now; 4.6 stars from 6.8K ratings on the App Store |
Prices in US dollars from AppBlock's US App Store listing, which shows several Premium prices; we list the lowest monthly and yearly ones. AppBlock is a trademark of its owner; Latch isn't affiliated with it.
What AppBlock does well
AppBlock covers a lot of ground. It can block apps and websites on a schedule, by location or by Wi-Fi network, cap how long you use an app, keep an allowlist of essentials open, and block everything with one tap. Strict Mode makes the blocks hard to bypass. It's on Android and iPhone, with browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Brave, so it reaches your computer too.
Where Latch is different
The way out is physical
In most blockers, the way back in is a setting on the phone, even if Strict Mode makes it slower. With Latch, it's your key: a sticker on the fridge, a QR code in a drawer, or a walk. Getting up and going there gives you time to decide you didn't need the app.
The key can be a few-cent NFC sticker, a QR code you print, or a number of steps between 500 and 20,000. If you'd like it ready to go, the Latch Key Kit is three stickers and three QR keys for $7.99.
You pay once
Latch Pro is $9.99 and doesn't renew. The free version covers one key, three profiles and two places.
No account, no ads, no analytics
Latch has no sign-up. On iPhone, your app choices stay in Apple's Screen Time on the device; on Android, Latch uses the accessibility service and keeps nothing.
Emergencies are built in
Break glass lets you open your apps for 5 to 15 minutes, three times a month, without your key. They lock again on their own, and your session carries on.
What you'd give up
Latch has no browser extension for your computer, no Apple Watch app, and no Wi-Fi-based rules. If you want one tool for your phone and your desktop browser, AppBlock covers more.
Which should you choose?
Choose AppBlock if
- you want browser extensions on your computer
- you want rules by Wi-Fi network
- you're fine with a subscription
Choose Latch if
- you want the way back in to be a walk to a key
- you'd rather pay $9.99 once
- you want a steps key or locking while driving
- you don't want an account
Common questions
How much does AppBlock cost?
AppBlock is free to download. On the US App Store, Premium starts at $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year, and the listing shows several other prices. Latch is free to start, and Latch Pro is $9.99 once.
Does AppBlock unlock with an NFC tag?
AppBlock's website and App Store listing don't mention an NFC or QR unlock. Latch unlocks when you scan an NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 NFC sticker, a printed QR code, or walk a number of steps.
Can both lock by location?
Yes. AppBlock can block by time, location or Wi-Fi. Latch can lock when you arrive at a place, on a schedule that only runs at a place, and while you drive.
Does Latch block websites on my computer?
No. Latch blocks apps and websites on iPhone, iPad and Android. AppBlock has browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Brave.
Try a key instead of a setting
Latch is out now on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play (Android 9 and later).
Last updated by Sudarshan Neupane, founder of Lukla Logic. See also: all app blockers compared.