Short answer
iOS Screen Time is free and can limit apps, but it is easy to bypass with your passcode and has no real focus mode. The dedicated blockers people reach for — Freedom, Opal and similar — are mostly monthly subscriptions, and some tools only add a pause or delay rather than truly locking an app. LockHour Pro takes a calmer, pay-once approach: you pick the distracting apps and a length of time, it locks them for that window and unlocks them automatically when the time is up — no willpower or ongoing fee required. It is a one-time purchase with a clean, calm interface, so focus is not another monthly bill.
Try LockHour Pro on a real example first, and check the current App Store listing for exact features and pricing before you decide.
What to look for before choosing
- Locks the apps you choose for a set time, then unlocks them automatically
- A real focus window, not just a tappable Screen Time limit
- Calm, simple interface — set it and stop negotiating with yourself
- One-time purchase, unlike most app blockers that charge monthly
- No account required; focus without a subscription
A practical decision process
- Define the job you need done most often.
- Test the app with real content or a realistic scenario.
- Check privacy labels and account requirements.
- Confirm export and backup options.
- Choose the pricing model you are comfortable maintaining.
Quick comparison
| Need | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Check whether useful features require a subscription, a one-time unlock, or neither. | The cheapest app on day one may not be cheapest after a year. |
| Privacy model | Prefer on-device work when the content is sensitive. | Private documents, resumes, study data, and family content deserve careful handling. |
| Export / lock-in | Confirm file formats, sharing, backup, and deletion controls. | A good app should help you finish the task, not trap your work. |
Where LockHour Pro fits
LockHour Pro is built for exactly this — use the checklist above and test it on a real example.
Pay onceNo adsOn-device
This page is an independent buying guide. App Store features and prices can change, so confirm details on the listing before purchase.