Cross-platform blocklists against an iPhone puzzle gate.
SmartBlock vs Freedom
Freedom is a distraction blocker that runs on Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android and in the browser. You build blocklists and run sessions, and it has years of press from Lifehacker, Time and Mashable. SmartBlock is iPhone-only and swaps the hard block for a puzzle. The right choice depends on where your distraction lives.
Where SmartBlock wins
- Price. £29.99 / $29.99 a year against Freedom's $39.99 / £39.99 a year. Both come with a 7-day free trial, so SmartBlock is 25% less for the same commitment.
- A puzzle instead of a lockout, so every block is also a bit of mental maths or wordplay.
- Usage stats per app group on the phone, with no account or cloud sync.
- A weekly plan at £4.99 / $4.99 if you only need it for a short stretch. Freedom's shortest plan is a month.
Where Freedom wins
- Platforms. If your scrolling happens on a laptop, Freedom covers it. SmartBlock does not.
- Proof. 6,048 ratings at 4.4 on the US store, and press coverage SmartBlock does not have yet.
- Locked mode for people who want a block they cannot talk themselves out of.
- Syncs blocklists and sessions across all your devices.
Side by side
| SmartBlock | Freedom | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanic | Block apps, solve a puzzle to continue | Blocklists and sessions, optional locked mode |
| Yearly price | £29.99 / $29.99 | £39.99 / $39.99 |
| Shorter plan | Weekly £4.99 / $4.99 | Monthly £7.99 / $8.99 |
| Lifetime | None | £199 / $199 |
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| App Store rating | 5.0 from 5 ratings (UK App Store) | 4.4 from 6,048 ratings (US) |
| Platforms | iPhone and iPad | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android, browser |
| Brain training | 7 puzzle types | None |
Prices and ratings are from the UK and US App Store listings on 27 October 2026 and may have changed since.
Pick SmartBlock if
Pick SmartBlock if your problem is your phone, you want the cheaper option, and you would rather earn your way back in than be locked out.
Pick Freedom if
Pick Freedom if you need the same blocks on your computer and your phone, or you want a block you cannot override.