moss vs AppBlock
Blocks apps and sites by time, place or Wi-Fi network. Android first, with a free tier.
Checked 11 November 2026 against MobileSoft s.r.o.'s own pages. We make moss, so we have linked every source below.
What AppBlock is
AppBlock blocks apps, websites and keywords on Android and iPhone, with browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Brave. Profiles can switch on by time, day, location or the Wi-Fi network you are connected to, and a Strict Mode can require another person's approval to unlock. On iPhone the free plan allows a quick block of up to 4 hours, 2 schedules and Strict Mode for up to 12 hours. Premium is a subscription, with a lifetime option.
What moss is
moss is an iPhone app that comes with a small physical stone. You choose the apps that distract you, tap your phone on the stone, and those apps stay locked until you tap the stone again. People who live together can link their phones to share schedules and put their phones down at the same time, while each person keeps control of their own phone. Locking is free in the app, the stone is a one-time purchase, and the household features are a paid add-on.
Side by side
| Feature | moss | AppBlock |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$49 stone, free app | Free tier. Premium subscription or lifetime purchase |
| Subscription | None to lock your own phone. Household features are a paid add-on | Yes for Premium |
| Works on | iPhone only, iOS 17 or later | Android, iPhone, iPad, and Chrome, Edge and Brave |
| How you lock | Tap the stone, or start from the app, a Shortcut, the lock screen or the Action Button. Schedules by day of week | Profiles triggered by time, location or Wi-Fi network |
| How you unlock | Tap the stone, in the app | In the app, or after a cooldown or another person's approval in Strict Mode |
| If you need back in | 3 emergency unlocks a month, refilled automatically | Depends on the Strict Mode settings |
| Locking together as a household | Yes, as a paid add-on. Shared schedules, sessions others join in one tap, a view of whose phone is down, a streak. Nobody controls anyone else | Another person can be the approver. No shared sessions |
| Whose key opens your phone | Only your household's own stone, card and sprigs unlock your phones | No key, or a person you nominate |
Where AppBlock is better
- Works on Android and in desktop browsers.
- Location and Wi-Fi triggers: it can lock when you arrive at work.
- A usable free tier.
- Blocks websites and keywords.
Where moss is better
- A physical key that is not on the phone.
- One purchase, with every feature.
- Households lock together.
Who should pick which
Pick AppBlock if
You use Android, or you want blocking that follows your location.
Pick moss if
You use an iPhone and want the off switch in another room.
Sources
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
moss is a stone that locks the apps you choose.
Tap to lock, tap to unlock. One price, and locking needs no subscription.
