# FocusBox vs PaperWords

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FocusBox at 95% against PaperWords's 50%. FocusBox also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (13 vs 4). PaperWords's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and rating (4.5 vs 4.2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FocusBox sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and PaperWords sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PaperWords holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 4 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 95% of FocusBox's written reviews are positive against 50% of PaperWords's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

FocusBox ships an update every 3 days, PaperWords every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FocusBox | PaperWords |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbox-timebox-focus-timer/id1467573992/reviews) | **[4.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paperwords/id1508348642/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **95.5% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 14 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [志强 王](https://appshunter.io/developer/654642765) | [洪跃 管](https://appshunter.io/developer/1363417345) |

## What reviewers say

### FocusBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbox-timebox-focus-timer/id1467573992)

This app provides a peaceful sanctuary to help you rest your mind and grow your focus amidst the noise of the digital world. Unlock all paid features and enjoy future updates with a membership subscription.

**Highlights:** Focus timer, Peaceful sanctuary, Mind rest, Focus growth, Unlock paid features, Future updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $7.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $13.99 | one-time |


### PaperWords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paperwords/id1508348642)

Capture thoughts and memories with a simulated paper writing experience. Decorate notes with patterns, stickers, and photos to make recordings more personal and ceremonial. Generate unique images for social media sharing.

**Highlights:** Simulated paper writing experience, Decorate notes with patterns and stickers, Attach photos to notes, Generate personalized images for social media, Multiple writing modes, iCloud multi-device synchronization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Storage | $0.99 | one-time |
| Single-line Mode | $1.99 | one-time |
| Paper-photo Mode | $2.99 | one-time |
| PaperWords PRO | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FocusBox free?

FocusBox is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PaperWords free?

PaperWords is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, FocusBox or PaperWords?

PaperWords is rated higher. FocusBox averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while PaperWords averages 4.5 from 4 ratings.

### Do FocusBox or PaperWords have ads?

Neither FocusBox nor PaperWords shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FocusBox or PaperWords?

FocusBox ships an update every 3 days, and PaperWords every 4 months. Most recently, FocusBox was updated on October 25, 2026 and PaperWords on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*