moss vs VantaFocus
An iPhone blocker and focus timer that works with any NFC sticker, card or fob.
Checked 11 November 2026 against Tim Haerle's own pages. We make moss, so we have linked every source below.
What VantaFocus is
VantaFocus is an iPhone and iPad app that blocks apps and runs a focus timer, using any NFC sticker, card or fob you assign. You tap the tag to start a session, and tap again or let the timer finish to end it. A session can start without a tag, but a tag is still needed to stop it. The App Store lists Monthly at $3.99, Yearly at $24.99, Lifetime at $44.99 and a Lifetime Launch Offer at $24.99. It needs iOS 18.2 or later.
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 | VantaFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$49 stone, free app | App Store lists Monthly $3.99, Yearly $24.99, Lifetime $44.99 (launch offer $24.99) |
| Subscription | None to lock your own phone. Household features are a paid add-on | Optional, with a lifetime alternative |
| Works on | iPhone only, iOS 17 or later | iPhone and iPad (iOS 18.2+) |
| 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 | Tap your tag to start a session and timer, or start without a tag |
| How you unlock | Tap the stone, in the app | Tap the tag again, or let the timer finish |
| If you need back in | 3 emergency unlocks a month, refilled automatically | Not stated |
| 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 | None stated |
| Whose key opens your phone | Only your household's own stone, card and sprigs unlock your phones | Any NFC tag you assign |
Where VantaFocus is better
- It works with a tag you already own.
- A built-in focus timer and stats.
- No proprietary hardware to buy.
Where moss is better
- Locking is free, with no subscription or lifetime fee on top of the hardware.
- moss runs on iOS 17. VantaFocus needs iOS 18.2.
- Three emergency unlocks a month that refill automatically.
- Households can lock together and see whose phone is down.
Who should pick which
Pick VantaFocus if
You want a timer for focused work and already have an NFC tag.
Pick moss if
You want a stone with free locking, and the option to share it with your household.
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.
