AppBlock vs Blackout Lighting Console
AppBlock
appblock.appBlackout Lighting Console
blackout-app.comSide by side
| Figure | AppBlock | Blackout Lighting Console |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $24.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Distraction Blocking Software | 8.2 (#6) | 8.6 (#3) |
| Data handling | The policy says installed-app package names are sent to servers to categorize apps for category-based blocking, and backups upload blocking configuration when that feature is used. | The company says it does not sell personal data and that payment card information is handled by Stripe rather than stored by Blackout. |
| Integrations | The privacy policy lists Google, Facebook, and Apple sign-in options, plus Google Play services, Firebase, AppsFlyer, RevenueCat, Superwall, and Freshdesk among third-party services. | The product lists native integrations for Astera, Cerise, Stardust, and Stream Deck. |
| Intended users | The maker presents use cases for work, students, parents, ADHD, mental health, and well-being. | The founder describes Blackout as a tool for lighting work on set, in theater, and at live events, and identifies himself as a working lighting programmer. |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says core blocking, configured rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally and are not accessible to the operator, subject to stated exceptions. | The company says it does not access or analyze showfile creative content except when the user requests technical support and consents to review. |
| Purpose | AppBlock helps manage screen time and block distracting apps, websites, URLs, and keywords. | Blackout is a professional lighting console designed to run on iPad for lighting work on set, in theaters, and at live events. |
| Support | The site links to Android, iOS, and extension help pages, contact support, and feature requests, and invites users to join its Discord community. | Blackout provides a help center, feature documentation, structured training, and a user community. |
Plans
Blackout Lighting Console
- Core$24.99 a month
- Advanced$49.99 a month
- Pro$83.33 a month
- Command$124.99 a month
In their own words
AppBlock
AppBlock helps manage screen time by blocking distracting apps, websites, URLs, and keywords. Users can create profiles that start automatically by time, day, location, or connected Wi-Fi. Strict Mode makes blocks harder to bypass and includes Cooldown and third-party approval options. Usage limits, app and website tracking, and reports show screen-time habits over time. Allowlist Mode blocks everything except selected essential apps. The iOS feature list includes schedules, Strict Mode, Quick Block, Allowlist, approval access, and Pomodoro sessions. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Brave offer Quick Block and scheduled website blocking. The maker presents uses for work, students, parents, ADHD, mental health, and well-being. Its privacy policy says core blocking rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally, subject to stated exceptions. Installed-app package names are sent to servers for category-based blocking, and backups upload blocking configuration when that feature is used. The Free plan costs nothing and has platform-specific limits; a 7-day trial is listed.
Blackout Lighting Console
Blackout Lighting Console has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.