TaskGate vs unhookd
unhookd offers aggressive default blocking at ~$40–60/year. TaskGate is completely free with partner app tasks and custom habit building.
TL;DR
unhookd excels at stricter default blocking than opal without session setup. TaskGate is built for budget-conscious users who refuse to pay subscriptions. Choose unhookd if users who want apps blocked by default. Choose TaskGate if budget-conscious users who refuse to pay subscriptions.
At a glance
| Feature | TaskGate | unhookd |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Lower than Opal (~$40–60/yr estimated) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Approach | Task-based friction + partner apps | Locked-by-default blocking with Slots and Peeks system — stricter than Opal by default |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| Data storage | Local device only | Cloud sync |
Detailed comparison
Approach
TaskGate
Prevents impulsive app opens by requiring a quick task (breathing, reflection, flashcards, fitness, partner app challenges) before access
unhookd
Locked-by-default blocking with Slots and Peeks system — stricter than Opal by default
Feature comparison
| Category | TaskGate | unhookd |
|---|---|---|
| Friction / Mindful Pause | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hard Blocking | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Custom Tasks | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Partner App Integration | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Progress Tracking | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Analytics | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Privacy (Local Data) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| No Account Required | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Gamification | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cross-Platform | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Pricing
TaskGate
Free
All features. No subscription. No ads. No account.
unhookd
Lower than Opal (~$40–60/yr estimated)
Subscription required for full features
Who should choose unhookd
- Users who want apps blocked by default
- People who found Opal too expensive
- Those who want stricter enforcement than One Sec
Who should choose TaskGate
- Budget-conscious users who refuse to pay subscriptions
- People who want to build positive habits, not just block negative ones
- Privacy-conscious users who want zero data collection
- Language learners, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants productive micro-moments
- Users who want variety in their intervention (not just breathing)
Honest limitations
TaskGate limitations
- Newer app with smaller user base and less brand recognition
- No hard blocking — determined users can still skip through
- Analytics are simpler than Opal's dashboard
- No desktop or browser extension (mobile only)
- Partner app ecosystem is still growing
unhookd limitations
- No task-based friction or habit building
- Still requires subscription for full use
- Newer app with smaller user base
- Can feel too restrictive for some users
Switching from unhookd to TaskGate
What transfers easily
Your app selection list can be manually recreated in TaskGate in a few minutes. TaskGate setup is fast because no account is required.
What does not transfer
Slots configuration, stats. Since TaskGate stores everything locally, you will start fresh with stats and streaks.
Migration effort
Estimated time: 10–15 minutes. Open TaskGate, select the apps you want to add friction to, choose your tasks, and you are done.
Try TaskGate for free
No subscription. No account. No data collection. Download TaskGate and see if task-based friction works for you.