LatchAn Unpluq alternative without the subscription
Unpluq and Latch share an idea: apps stay blocked until you tap a physical tag with your phone. Unpluq pairs its Tag with a Premium subscription. Latch uses any few-cent NFC sticker, a printed QR code or a walk, and Latch Pro is $9.99 once.
We make Latch, so read this with that in mind. Unpluq details come from unpluq.com as of September 2026 and link to their source.
Our verdict
Same tag idea, no subscription: Latch is the better value
Unpluq and Latch both lock your apps behind a physical tag. Latch Pro is $9.99 once instead of a recurring Premium plan, any few-cent NFC sticker or printed QR code works as a key, and a steps key covers the days you're away from home. Unpluq is the better pick if you want its range of digital unlock options, or you're on an iPhone that can't run iOS 17.
Latch vs Unpluq at a glance
| Feature | Latch | Unpluq |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Latch Pro is $9.99 once | Premium subscription for 3, 6 or 12 months, from $29 (unpluq.com) |
| The tag | Any NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 sticker, a printed QR code, or a number of steps | The Unpluq Tag, sold with or without the subscription |
| Other ways to unlock | Break glass, 3 times a month, for 5 to 15 minutes | Up to 7 "digital barriers" instead of the Tag |
| Locks on its own | Schedules, arriving at a place, while driving, Siri or Google Assistant | Custom schedules |
| Phones | iOS 17+ and Android 9+ | iOS 16+ and Android |
| Guarantee | Free version to try first | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Available | Now on iPhone, iPad and Android | Now |
Prices in US dollars. Unpluq is a trademark of its owner; Latch isn't affiliated with Unpluq.
What Unpluq does well
Unpluq gives you choices. Besides tapping the Tag, you can pick from up to seven digital barriers, so you can match the effort of unlocking to how strict you want to be. It works on older iPhones back to iOS 16, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It's on sale today.
Where Latch is different
No subscription
Unpluq's Premium is sold in 3, 6 and 12 month plans. Latch Pro is a single $9.99 payment that never renews, and the free version covers one key, three profiles and two places.
Keys are cheap enough to have several
Any NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 sticker works as a Latch key, and they cost a few cents each. A printed QR code costs nothing. So you can keep one on the fridge, one at your desk and one in the car. Latch writes each sticker for you and locks it with a password so no one can write over it. If you'd rather not buy stickers separately, the Latch Key Kit has three stickers and three QR keys for $7.99.
A walk can be the key
Latch's steps key opens your apps once you've walked a number of steps you choose, from 500 to 20,000. It's handy when the sticker is at home and you're not.
It locks when your day changes
Latch can lock when you arrive at a place and unlock when you leave, lock while you're driving, and lock from a sentence like "Siri, Latch my phone". Commitment mode keeps you locked for a set time, and not even your key opens it early.
Setting each one up
With Unpluq, you order the Tag, install the app, choose the apps to block and your schedules, and subscribe to Premium. With Latch, you install the app and allow Screen Time access (the accessibility service on Android). Latch comes with Work, Social and Bedtime profiles filled in, so you mostly pick your own apps. Then you add a key: hold your phone to any NTAG sticker and Latch writes and locks it, or print a QR code and scan the paper once. If you print, nothing has to be shipped and you can lock within minutes.
Which should you choose?
Choose Unpluq if
- you want several digital ways to unlock besides a tag
- you have an older iPhone on iOS 16
- you want to start today
Choose Latch if
- you'd rather pay $9.99 once than subscribe
- you want keys in more than one place
- you want a steps key, or locking by place or while driving
Common questions
Can I use my Unpluq Tag with Latch?
We haven't tested it. Latch writes its own key to NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 stickers and locks them, so a plain sticker or the Latch Key Kit is the reliable choice.
Is Latch cheaper than Unpluq?
Latch Pro is a one-time $9.99, and keys are stickers that cost a few cents or QR codes you print. Unpluq's Premium is a subscription sold in 3, 6 and 12 month plans.
Does Latch need a special tag?
No. Any NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216 NFC sticker works, or a printed QR code, or a number of steps.
A tag without the subscription
Latch is out now on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play (Android 9 and later). The key kit ships now.
Last updated September 28, 2026.