Daily goal-gate · Apple Watch · $19.99 lifetime
Looking for a
Steppin alternative?
Steppin earns you 1 minute of screen time for every 100 steps — a vending-machine model. EarnLock takes a different approach: you commit to a daily goal in the morning, and the apps unlock when you cross it. Two valid theories of behavior change. EarnLock additionally ships a first-class Apple Watch app, a $19.99 lifetime tier (Steppin is subscription-only at $29.99/yr or $7.99/mo), a custom shield with the exact count remaining on every blocked app, and 39 locales including Arabic and Hebrew RTL.
How does EarnLock compare to Steppin?
Compared against Steppin's public App Store listing (developer: Boston Venture Studio, Inc., app ID 6737981423). Re-verify before switching — competitor offerings change frequently.
| Feature | EarnLock | Steppin |
|---|---|---|
| How blocked apps unlock | Daily activity goal hit (steps / active minutes / active calories) — one commitment per day | Linear earning — 1 minute of screen time per 100 steps (configurable) |
| Custom shield with live progress ring on the blocked app | Yes — ShieldConfiguration extension paints a ring + "X steps until unlock" | Not described in public listing — verify in the app |
| Apple Watch app + complications | Yes — first-class, reads HealthKit on the Watch, complications on every face style | No — iPhone only |
| Cheapest one-time / lifetime tier | $19.99 lifetime (one-time) | No lifetime — subscription only |
| Cheapest paid yearly tier | $9.99 / year (7-day free trial; Family Sharing eligible across 5 family members) | $29.99 / year (Pro Annual) |
| Cheapest paid monthly tier | $1.99 / month (7-day free trial) | $7.99 / month; or Weekly $2.99 |
| Account or sign-up required | No — no email, no Apple ID required | Not explicitly disclosed on App Store listing — check the app |
| App Privacy label (Apple-verified) | Data Not Collected — every release | Data Not Collected — developer reports no data collection |
| Languages | 39 locales (incl. Arabic + Hebrew RTL) | 4 — English, German, Japanese, Spanish |
| Platforms | iOS 17+ · watchOS 10+ | iOS 17+ · iPhone only |
| Family Sharing eligible | Yes — every paid tier (Monthly, Yearly, Lifetime); one purchase covers up to 5 family members | Not disclosed on App Store listing — check per-IAP setting before buying |
Verified 2026-05-23 against Steppin's public App Store listing (apps.apple.com/us/app/steppin-steps-for-screen-time/id6737981423). Mechanism descriptions reflect each app's own published documentation; re-verify before switching.
When should I pick Steppin instead?
Honest answer — pick Steppin if any of these matter more than Apple Watch, the lifetime tier, and the daily goal-gate model:
- You prefer continuous micro-rewards over a single daily commitment — walking a little to earn a little is the design Steppin owns, and it matches some people's habit-loop better than a goal-gate.
- You're already comfortable with Steppin's per-step exchange rate and don't want to switch unlock mental models.
- You don't wear an Apple Watch and only need iPhone-side step tracking — Steppin's iPhone-only footprint may feel simpler.
EarnLock is built for the person who tried Steppin's vending-machine model and found it became a constant negotiation — earn a few minutes, scroll, earn a few more, scroll. The daily-goal model demands one decision in the morning and then gets out of the way.
About EarnLock
Questions
FAQ
What is the best alternative to Steppin?
How is EarnLock different from Steppin?
Is EarnLock cheaper than Steppin?
Does Steppin work on Apple Watch?
Steppin gives me minutes per step. Why does EarnLock use a daily goal instead?
Which is more private — EarnLock or Steppin?
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Try EarnLock.
Movement is the unlock. Apple Health is the proof. $19.99 lifetime — pay once, no subscriptions, no account.