unhookd vs AppBlock: I Built One of These. Here's an Honest Comparison.

I built unhookd, so let me get the bias disclosure out of the way immediately: I have obvious financial incentive to tell you unhookd is better. I'll try not to do that. Instead, I'll tell you what each app does well, where each falls short, and let you decide based on your actual needs.

AppBlock is one of the most popular blockers on the market — over 10 million downloads. It offers every blocking feature imaginable: schedules, geofencing, keyword blocking, Pomodoro timers, Strict Mode, and more. unhookd takes the opposite approach: fewer features, one powerful idea.

Let's see which one actually helps.

The Core Philosophy Difference

unhookd: One rule — blocked by default. Your distracting apps are blocked 24/7 unless you've scheduled specific access windows. You create Slots (recurring calendar-style access windows) and use Peeks for timed emergency access. That's the entire app. No keyword blocking, no geofencing, no Pomodoro timers — just automatic restriction.

I designed it this way because every app I tested before building unhookd gave me too many ways to negotiate with myself. More features meant more paths to access. I wanted one path: scheduled Slots.

AppBlock: Every tool in one app. AppBlock is the Swiss Army knife of app blocking. Scheduled blocking, location-based blocking, keyword website blocking, Pomodoro timers, usage limits, open limits, quick block, Strict Mode, allowlists, detailed statistics. If there's a way to block something, AppBlock probably has it.

Feature Comparison

App Blocking Mechanics

unhookd:

• Apps blocked by default — always on, no activation needed
• Access only through scheduled Slots or timed Peeks
• Apple Screen Time API for system-level blocking
• Block up to 50 apps
• No need to "start" or "enable" blocking — it's just on

AppBlock:

• Create blocking schedules with multiple time ranges
• Quick Block for instant ad-hoc blocking
• App Open Limits (e.g., max 5 opens per day for Instagram)
• Location-based blocking (block social media at the office, unblock at home)
• Keyword-based website blocking in Safari
• Strict Mode prevents changing settings or uninstalling
• Pomodoro timer with built-in blocking

The honest assessment: AppBlock has more features. Full stop. If you need location-based blocking or website blocking, unhookd doesn't offer that. But more features also means more configuration, more decisions, and — in my experience — more ways to avoid restriction.

The Willpower Problem

This is where the philosophical difference becomes practical.

unhookd:

• No willpower needed — apps are just locked, all the time
• You made the decision once when setting up Slots
• Future-you can't override past-you's decision (except through a deliberate Peek, which requires stating a reason)
• The default state is restriction

AppBlock:

• Requires setting up and maintaining schedules
• Multiple options can create decision fatigue
• Easy to over-customize and accidentally create loopholes
• Strict Mode helps, but must be actively enabled
• The default state is access — you must configure restrictions

I kept finding ways to bargain with feature-rich blockers. "I'll just adjust this schedule." "I'll add an exception for this one situation." Each small adjustment eroded the system until it wasn't really blocking anything. That experience is why unhookd has deliberately fewer features.

Website Blocking

unhookd: Not available. unhookd blocks apps exclusively.

AppBlock: Blocks specific websites, entire categories, and URLs containing certain keywords. Works in Safari via extension.

Winner: AppBlock, clearly. If you need website blocking, unhookd can't help. This is the biggest feature gap. If you scroll Instagram in Safari when the app is blocked, you need AppBlock (or Freedom, which handles websites across all browsers).

Scheduling

unhookd:

• Calendar-style Slots define when apps are accessible
• Different Slots for different days
• Recurring schedules that repeat automatically
• Everything outside Slots is locked

AppBlock:

• Schedules define when apps are blocked (inverse of unhookd)
• Multiple time ranges per schedule
• Location-based schedules (geofencing)
• Different profiles for work, home, gym

Both offer strong scheduling. The key difference is the default: unhookd schedules access (blocked by default), AppBlock schedules blocking (accessible by default). Same coin, different side. But the psychology matters — defaulting to blocked means you only think about when you WANT access. Defaulting to accessible means you have to think about every situation where you need blocking.

Emergency Access

unhookd:

• Peeks: timed access (2, 5, 10, or 20 minutes)
• Must state a reason before accessing
• Optional friction (breathing exercise, stretching)
• Creates a log of your temptation patterns over time

AppBlock:

• Can disable schedules temporarily
• Quick Block can be turned off
• Strict Mode prevents all overrides (but must be pre-enabled)
• No structured emergency access system

I'm obviously biased here, but I think Peeks solve a real problem. Total lockdown doesn't work for everyone — sometimes you genuinely need to check something. But "turn off blocking entirely" isn't a good emergency system. Peeks give you 2-20 minutes of access with accountability and friction. It's structured flexibility rather than all-or-nothing.

Cross-Platform Support

unhookd: iOS only.

AppBlock: iOS, Android, and desktop.

Winner: AppBlock. If you use multiple platforms or you're on Android, the choice is made for you. unhookd's iOS-only limitation is real.

Pricing

AppBlock is cheaper at every tier and offers Family Sharing and student discounts. If budget matters, this is significant.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: You want to stop scrolling Instagram

• AppBlock: Set a 30-minute daily limit, block after 10 opens, schedule blocks during work hours, enable Strict Mode.
• unhookd: Instagram is locked. You have a Slot from 7-8 PM. That's your Instagram time.

The AppBlock approach gives you more granularity. The unhookd approach gives you less to think about. Which you prefer depends on whether customization helps you or gives you negotiation room.

Scenario 2: Office productivity

• AppBlock: Geofencing blocks social media when you arrive at the office, unblocks when you leave. Add Pomodoro scheduling. Configure keyword blocking for Reddit.
• unhookd: Social media is already locked. No office-specific configuration needed. Your Slots are set for personal time — work hours are blocked by default, 24/7.

AppBlock's location features are genuinely cool here. If your problem is office-specific, geofencing is smart.

Scenario 3: Studying

• AppBlock: Start a Pomodoro timer with app blocking. Take breaks on schedule. Add website blocking for Reddit and YouTube.
• unhookd: Apps are already locked during your study hours. Study without thinking about it.

Who Should Choose unhookd?

• You want one simple rule: apps blocked by default
• Feature-rich blockers give you too many ways to negotiate with yourself
• You value simplicity over configurability
• You want structured emergency access (Peeks) rather than all-or-nothing
• Privacy matters (fully on-device, no accounts needed)
• Your problem is specifically social media apps on iPhone

Who Should Choose AppBlock?

• You need website blocking (unhookd doesn't offer it)
• Location-based blocking would genuinely help (office, school)
• You use Android or need cross-platform support
• You want a Pomodoro timer integrated with blocking
• You're sharing with family members
• Budget is a priority (AppBlock is cheaper)
• You enjoy granular control and won't over-customize

My Honest Take

If you've tried comprehensive blockers before and kept finding ways around them — adjusting schedules, adding exceptions, disabling Strict Mode "just this once" — unhookd's simplicity is designed for you. Fewer features means fewer escape routes.

If you haven't tried comprehensive blockers, AppBlock might be the right starting point. It has more tools, costs less, and works cross-platform. If AppBlock's feature set works for you, that's great.

And if you need website blocking or Android support, AppBlock wins by default. I can't compete with features I don't have.

AppBlock gives you every tool to fight distractions. unhookd makes one bet: the best fight is the one you don't have to have because apps are already blocked.

---

Try blocked-by-default blocking? Download unhookd — apps blocked automatically, Peeks for when you genuinely need access. No configuring, no managing. Set your Slots and go.

Compare more options: See how unhookd stacks up against Freedom, one sec, and all major screen time apps.