AuraLock vs other focus apps
Block-list apps ask what do you want to avoid? AuraLock asks what matters right now? Here is how the two philosophies compare — including where the other side genuinely wins.
| Capability | Typical blocker | AppBlock | AuraLock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Block-list: open by default, you block distractions | Block-list | Whitelist-first: closed by default |
| Price | Varies — full features usually need a subscription | Free + premium subscription | Completely free, no subscription |
| New distractions | You add each one manually | You maintain the list | Nothing to maintain — closed by default |
| Boundary strength | One block strength | Single block strength | Standard and Strict |
| Schedules | Varies | Yes | Yes — recurring Aura schedules |
| Silent-failure protection | Manual checks | Manual | Guardian automatic checks |
| Account / cloud | Varies | Optional | None — fully on-device |
| Works offline | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| Progress, XP & journal | — | — | Focus XP, levels, streaks, journal |
| Browser extension | — | — | Chrome & Firefox companion |
AppBlock details summarize our hands-on comparison — check current pricing in its Play Store listing, as plans change.
Where the other side wins
You know your distraction list cold
If you can name every app that steals your time and want granular per-app rules, a block-list you maintain is genuinely precise.
You want category blocking
Blocking whole categories at once (for example, all games) is a block-list strength — whitelisting means choosing survivors instead.
You are fine maintaining + subscribing
If tending the list and paying for premium feels fair for the control you get, that trade is legitimate.
Read the full comparisons
AppBlock vs AuraLock: two ways to protect focus
Block-list rules vs whitelist-first Auras, scheduling, Strict boundaries, privacy and pricing — the full hands-on comparison.
Read comparisonFree vs paid focus apps
What free actually covers in AuraLock, and which questions to ask before paying for any focus app.
Read comparisonStandard vs Strict focus
Two boundaries on the same Aura: flexible when life happens, unbreakable when the moment cannot be lost.
Read comparison