Short answer
Screen-time and app-blocking apps are usually subscriptions: Freedom is around $40/year (about $8.99/month, or a ~$100 lifetime), and Opal runs a Pro subscription. A pay-once blocker lets you schedule focus sessions and block distracting apps for a single price, on device with no account. Confirm competitors' current prices, as they change.
LockHour Pro is a pay-once option here — you buy it once with no subscription. Check the current App Store listing for exact features and pricing before you decide.
What to look for before choosing
- Freedom: ~$40/yr (or ~$100 lifetime).
- Opal: Pro subscription.
- A pay-once blocker = one price.
- On-device, no account.
- Confirm current competitor prices.
A practical decision process
- Work out what you'd pay over a year for the service/subscription.
- Compare it with a one-time app purchase.
- Try LockHour Pro on a realistic task first.
- Check it covers the features you need.
- Choose the option that's cheaper for your real usage.
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 a strong fit when you'd rather pay once than keep paying a service or subscription.
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.