Two puzzle-unlock apps for the same scroller.
SmartBlock vs Unslop
Unslop is a puzzle-unlock screen time app for iPhone. Its pitch is "Stop Scrolling. Start Thinking." and "Your screen time isn't free anymore. You earn it." SmartBlock works the same way: you block distracting apps and solve a puzzle to open them. This page is about where they differ.
Where SmartBlock wins
- Seven puzzle types (Arithmetic, NumberCrunch, WordFinder, WordSpin, Cryptic, Anagrams and Suguru), so the pause does not get stale.
- 5.0 from 5 ratings (UK App Store). Unslop had no ratings on the UK App Store on 27 October 2026.
- Usage stats per app group, week on week, so you can see whether it is working.
- Schedules by day and time, and a difficulty setting so the puzzle fits the moment.
- Shipping since August 2025, with version 2.1 released in October 2026.
Where Unslop wins
- Habit features alongside the blocker, going by its listing.
- A sharper one-line hook. If "earn your screen time" is all you need to hear, it says it faster.
Side by side
| SmartBlock | Unslop | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanic | Block apps, solve a puzzle to continue | Block apps, solve a puzzle to continue |
| Puzzle types | 7 | Not stated on the listing |
| Price | £29.99 / $29.99 a year, 7-day free trial, or £4.99 a week | Check its App Store listing |
| App Store rating | 5.0 from 5 ratings (UK App Store) | No ratings yet (UK) |
| Usage stats | Yes, per app group | Not stated |
| Platforms | iPhone and iPad | iPhone |
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 you want variety in the puzzles, usage stats, schedules and an app with a public track record.
Pick Unslop if
Pick Unslop if you want habit tracking in the same app as the puzzle gate.