# CleanBrowsing.org DNS vs Refocus

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.

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 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CleanBrowsing.org DNS | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cleanbrowsingorg-dns/id1495089176/reviews) | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 329 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 38.2% of reviews | **93.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CleanBrowsing, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1412364311) | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) |

## What reviewers say

### CleanBrowsing.org DNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cleanbrowsingorg-dns/id1495089176)

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.

**Highlights:** DNS-based content filtering, Blocks adult content, Blocks malicious sites, Customizable filters, Network visibility, Safe Search enforcement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for fighting habits
- 👍 Great tool for families
- 👍 Forces safe search
- 👍 Simple and intuitive
- 👍 Easy setup

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 VPN disconnects frequently
- 🐛 Blocks internet access
- 🐛 App can be deleted easily
- 🐛 VPN can be disabled easily
- 🐛 Settings page won't open

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### 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 (12)**

| 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 | $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 CleanBrowsing.org DNS free?

CleanBrowsing.org DNS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CleanBrowsing.org DNS or Refocus?

Refocus is rated higher. CleanBrowsing.org DNS averages 4.4 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while Refocus averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.

### Do CleanBrowsing.org DNS or Refocus have ads?

Refocus shows ads; CleanBrowsing.org DNS does not.

### Which is updated more often, CleanBrowsing.org DNS or Refocus?

CleanBrowsing.org DNS ships an update every 3 weeks, and Refocus weekly. Most recently, CleanBrowsing.org DNS was updated on October 13, 2026 and Refocus on October 18, 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.*