CleanBrowsing.org DNS vs Refocus
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CleanBrowsing.org DNS
This service provides DNS-based content filtering to create a safer browsing experience. It blocks unwanted websites based on your chosen filters, including adult content and malicious sites. Advanced options allow for custom blocking and network visibility.
- DNS-based content filtering
- Blocks adult content
- Blocks malicious sites
- Customizable filters
- Network visibility
- Safe Search enforcement
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CleanBrowsing is a DNS-based content filtering service that offers a safe way to browse the web without surprises. It intercepts domain requests and filter sites that should be blocked, based on your requirements. Our free family filter, for example, blocks adult content, while still allowing Google, Youtube, Bing, DuckDuckGo and the rest of the web to load safely. Our free filters are comprised of three predefined filters for global consumption (Security, Adult, and Family). The Family filter blocks adult / obscene content and applies Safe Search filters to Google, Bing, Yandex, etc. The security filter, however, only focuses on restricting access to malicious activity. Our custom filters give you full control on what should be blocked. You can pick from 14 predefined filters (Adult, Gaming, Gambling, Torrents, Weapons, Social Network, etc), but also make your own rules and block/allow any domains you wish. Custom block pages can also be created on the Pro plans and all the plans allow for network visibility (see which sites are being visited from your network).
Refocus
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.
- 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
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Refocus is an app blocker & website blocker that helps you limit screen time on apps! Refocus is easy to use, yet has powerful screen time control features: ▶ Various ways to restrict or lock apps and block websites. Choose what helps you focus! Block any app or site — from social media and games to messaging and news. ▶ "Strict Mode" feature prevents you from unblocking. Set a passcode, or use an NFC tag, or wait a duration (ex. 30 seconds), or do a copy text challenge, or utilize Pomodoro (limit unblocking to 5 times per day, for 25 minutes each, with a 5-minute cooldown between each unblock). ▶ Block for a specific duration (ex. app timer for 30 minutes). ▶ Block at specific times (ex. every weekday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). ▶ Set app limits (ex. after 10 minutes of using Instagram, block it). Set an app time limit! ▶ Hide Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts in Safari. ▶ Block at the location you pick — whether it be home, work or school. ▶ View your daily, weekly and monthly Screen Time analytics. Use Refocus as a screen time tracker! ▶ Mac app that also lets you block apps and websites on macOS. ▶ And more! --- Visit www.refocusapp.co for more information. Terms of Use: - https://refocusapp.co/terms-of-use
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against CleanBrowsing.org DNS's 38%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (12K vs 329). CleanBrowsing.org DNS's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and ads (none vs shown). On price and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. CleanBrowsing.org DNS asks for nothing beyond the download.
Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 329, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 38% of CleanBrowsing.org DNS's written reviews are positive against 93% of Refocus's.
CleanBrowsing.org DNS ships an update every 3 weeks, Refocus weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CleanBrowsing.org DNS | Refocus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (329 ratings) | 4.8 (12K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 38.2% of reviews | 93.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 329 | 12K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 51 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | CleanBrowsing, Inc | Labi, LLC |
Customer experience
CleanBrowsing.org DNS
Refocus
User reviews
CleanBrowsing.org DNS
From 329 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Helpful for fighting habits
- 👍 Great tool for families
- 👍 Forces safe search
- 👍 Simple and intuitive
- 👍 Easy setup
Room to improve
- 🐛 VPN disconnects frequently
- 🐛 Blocks internet access
- 🐛 App can be deleted easily
- 🐛 VPN can be disabled easily
- 🐛 Settings page won't open
Refocus
From 12K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🚀 Effective at blocking distractions
- 💡 Customizable blocking schedules
- 🔒 Prevents mindless scrolling
- 🚀 Improved productivity and focus
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 🔓 Too easy to bypass the blocking
- 💰 Some features require paid subscription
- 🔓 Ability to delete app and remove restrictions
Bugs and requests
CleanBrowsing.org DNS
Reported bugs
19 issues- VPN disconnects for no reason
- App locks user out of account
- Cannot access settings to change password
- Blocks internet to all apps
- App keeps shutting off protection
Show 14 moreShow fewer
- Loopholes in app security
- App is too easy to uninstall
- Phone becomes unusable due to WiFi drops
- Unable to enter custom code on iPod Touch
- Doesn't force safe mode on DuckDuckGo via Safari
- Router issues with Xfinity
- Code generated online changes
- iOS app does not connect
- Disables mobile data
- Disrupts data connection
- WiFi connection drops constantly
- Cannot change password
- App does not allow access to settings after activating filter
- App deleted but still working
Requested features
8 requests- Block disabling custom filter
- Require password to disable VPN
- Email notification on VPN change/app deletion
- Block custom websites
- More friction to not disable VPN
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Add 'return' button functionality for code entry
- Force safe mode on DuckDuckGo
- Add 'always on' VPN option
Refocus
Reported bugs
3 issues- Blocking issues after phone restart
- Inconsistent behavior when pausing/unpausing sessions
- Crashing when trying to block apps in certain categories
Requested features
5 requests- 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
In-app purchases
CleanBrowsing.org DNS
No in-app purchases
Refocus
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 5 moreShow fewer
- Refocus Pro (Family)7 Days trial$12.991 Month
- Refocus Pro1 Year trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro7 Days trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
- Reset Strict Mode$1.00
- Reset Strict Mode$5.00
- Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Reset Strict Mode$50.00
