# Focus Lock vs Refocus

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against Focus Lock's 23%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (12K vs 294). Focus Lock's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus Lock sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 294, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of Focus Lock's written reviews are positive against 93% of Refocus's.

Focus Lock ships an update every 2 weeks, Refocus weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus Lock | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (294 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-lock-screen-time-limit/id1494966346/reviews) | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 294 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 22.8% of reviews | **93.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 68 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flipd Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719329275) | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) |

## What reviewers say

### Focus Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-lock-screen-time-limit/id1494966346)

This app helps you limit screen time and block distracting applications to improve focus and productivity. It allows you to set schedules, block specific apps, and track your progress towards reducing digital distractions.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Limit screen time, Set automatic schedules, Digital detox without deleting apps, Track weekly progress, Save session shortcuts

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| The Success Bundle | $12.49 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription - 7 days free | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription - 3 days free | $59.99 | per year |
| The Success Bundle | $87.99 | per year |
| Focus Lock Premium Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helps with focus and productivity
- 🔒 Effective at blocking distracting apps
- 👍 Useful for studying and work
- 💡 Customizable lock durations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Apps don't return to original order
- 🐛 Inconsistent app locking functionality
- 🐛 Resets notification settings
- 💰 Expensive subscription model

**Reported bugs**

- Apps not returning after lock duration
- Inability to unlock or reactivate apps
- Frequent crashes or glitches

**Requested features**

- Allow selective app locking
- Provide scheduling options for automatic locks
- Improve app organization after lock ends


### Refocus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers various methods to limit screen time, set schedules, and track your usage, promoting better focus and productivity.

**Highlights:** Block any app or website, Strict Mode with multiple unblocking challenges, Set app timers and time limits, Schedule blocking for specific times, Location-based blocking, Screen time analytics, macOS app available

**Features:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refocus Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $9.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro (Family) | $12.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| Refocus Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| Refocus Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| Refocus Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| Refocus Pro | $59.99 | per year |
| Reset Strict Mode | $1.00 | one-time |
| Reset Strict Mode | $5.00 | one-time |
| Reset Strict Mode | $10.00 | one-time |
| Reset Strict Mode | $50.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🚀 Effective at blocking distractions
- 💡 Customizable blocking schedules
- 🔒 Prevents mindless scrolling
- 🚀 Improved productivity and focus

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 🔓 Too easy to bypass the blocking
- 💰 Some features require paid subscription
- 🔓 Ability to delete app and remove restrictions

**Reported bugs**

- Blocking issues after phone restart
- Inconsistent behavior when pausing/unpausing sessions
- Crashing when trying to block apps in certain categories

**Requested features**

- Passcode or biometric lock to prevent bypassing
- More advanced blocking options (e.g., math problems to unblock)
- Ability to purchase a one-time license instead of subscription
- Notification warnings before blocking sessions end
- Search function to find apps to block more easily


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus Lock free?

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

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Focus Lock or Refocus?

Refocus is rated higher. Focus Lock averages 4.3 out of 5 from 294 ratings, while Refocus averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.

### Do Focus Lock or Refocus have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Focus Lock does not.

### Which is updated more often, Focus Lock or Refocus?

Focus Lock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Refocus weekly. Most recently, Focus Lock was updated on October 26, 2026 and Refocus on October 27, 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.*