Movement-based · Lifetime price · Apple Watch
Looking for a
Time Out alternative?
Time Out: App Lock and Blocker pioneered the "exercise to unlock" mechanic on the App Store. EarnLock ships the same idea with three things Time Out doesn't: a $19.99 one-time lifetime tier (Time Out is subscription-only), a first-class Apple Watch app with complications (Time Out is iPhone + visionOS only), and a custom shield with a live progress ring on every blocked app ("3,412 steps until unlock") instead of Apple's generic restriction screen. Plus 39 locales versus English-only.
How does EarnLock compare to Time Out?
Compared against Time Out's public App Store listing (developer: Matthew Pierce, app ID 6738120947) and pricing page. Re-verify before switching — competitor offerings change frequently.
| Feature | EarnLock | Time Out |
|---|---|---|
| How blocked apps unlock | Daily activity goal hit (steps / active minutes / active calories), measured by Apple Health | Daily exercise goal (steps, calories, workouts) or schedule |
| Custom shield with live progress ring on the blocked app | Yes — ShieldConfiguration extension paints a ring + "X steps until unlock" | Generic Family Controls restriction screen |
| Apple Watch app + complications | Yes — first-class, reads HealthKit on the Watch, complications on every face style | No — iPhone + visionOS only |
| Cheapest one-time / lifetime tier | $19.99 lifetime (one-time) | No lifetime — subscription only |
| Cheapest paid monthly tier | $1.99 / month (or $9.99 / year) — 7-day free trial on either | $3.99–$5.99 / month (varies); Weekly $1.99; Yearly $34.99–$39.99 |
| Account or sign-up required | No — no email, no Apple ID required | Not disclosed on App Store listing — check the app |
| App Privacy label (Apple-verified) | Data Not Collected — every release | Data Not Linked — Usage Data + Diagnostics collected |
| Languages | 39 locales (incl. Arabic + Hebrew RTL) | English |
| Platforms | iOS 17+ · watchOS 10+ | iOS 17+ · visionOS 1.0+ |
| Family Sharing eligible | Yes — every paid tier (Monthly, Yearly, Lifetime); one purchase covers up to 5 family members | Subscription model — Family Sharing eligibility depends on Apple's per-IAP setting; check before buying |
Verified 2026-05-23 against Time Out's public App Store listing (apps.apple.com/us/app/time-out-app-lock-and-blocker/id6738120947). Mechanism descriptions reflect each app's own published documentation; re-verify before switching.
When should I pick Time Out instead?
Honest answer — pick Time Out if any of these matter more than lifetime pricing, Apple Watch, and the custom shield:
- You actively use Apple Vision Pro for screen-time-blocked sessions — Time Out ships a visionOS build today; EarnLock is iOS + watchOS only.
- You want completion-based goals like "do a workout" rather than a goal-gate. Time Out's workout-recognition mode is more granular than EarnLock's steps / active minutes / active calories.
- You're an early adopter of a brand-new app and prefer to support a developer with a short release history. Both apps launched in 2025 — Time Out has been on the store slightly longer.
EarnLock is built for the person who wants the same exercise-gate mechanic but also wants a one-time price, the count on their wrist, and the exact step number visible on the lock screen — without paying $34.99–$39.99 every year.
About EarnLock
Questions
FAQ
What is the best alternative to Time Out: App Lock and Blocker?
How is EarnLock different from Time Out?
Is EarnLock cheaper than Time Out?
Does Time Out support Apple Watch?
Which is more private — EarnLock or Time Out?
Can EarnLock block the same apps Time Out can?
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Try EarnLock.
Movement is the unlock. Apple Health is the proof. $19.99 lifetime — pay once, no subscriptions, no account.