# Purity vs Refocus

The clearest difference is ads: Purity at none against Refocus's shown. Purity also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Refocus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and review sentiment (93% vs 74%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Purity sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Refocus sells 12 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 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 895, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Purity's written reviews are positive against 93% of Refocus's.

Purity ships an update every 5 weeks, Refocus weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Purity | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (895 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/purity-safe-browser/id1506160130/reviews) | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 895 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 74.1% of reviews | **93.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 207 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [FamilyFirstTechnology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506157297) | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) |

## What reviewers say

### Purity

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/purity-safe-browser/id1506160130)

This browser is designed to block adult content and protect users online. It offers features like custom domain blocking, accountability alerts, and enforced safe search to support users in their journey to live porn-free. A free trial is available.

**Highlights:** Blocks over 2 million adult websites, Custom domain and keyword blocking, Optional image/video blocking, Pin protection for settings, Accountability alerts for suspicious sites, Enforced Safe Search, Tracker-free browsing

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Effective at blocking content
- 🔒 Robust blocking features
- 💰 Affordable price
- 👍 Helpful for fighting addiction
- 🙏 Appreciated by users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Blocks too many non-inappropriate sites
- 🔍 Overly sensitive keyword blocking
- 🔌 Can impact device performance
- 🔒 Difficult to unblock whitelisted sites
- 🔑 Password recovery issues

**Reported bugs**

- Whitelisting not always effective
- Crashes and performance issues
- Difficulty managing account and subscriptions

**Requested features**

- Lower age rating for app
- Password protection for settings
- Ability to delete account
- Family plan option
- Customizable home page


### 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 Purity free?

Purity 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, Purity or Refocus?

Refocus is rated higher. Purity averages 4.6 out of 5 from 895 ratings, while Refocus averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.

### Do Purity or Refocus have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Purity does not.

### Which is updated more often, Purity or Refocus?

Purity ships an update every 5 weeks, and Refocus weekly. Most recently, Purity was updated on October 15, 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.*