# ScreenZen vs Refocus

The clearest difference is ads: ScreenZen at none against Refocus's shown. ScreenZen also leads on chart position (#179 vs unranked) and ratings volume (49K vs 11K). Refocus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ScreenZen sells 4 one-off in-app purchases 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for ScreenZen against 4.8 for Refocus. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 49K and 11K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 93% and 93% positive.

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, Refocus weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScreenZen | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (49K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222/reviews)** | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **49K** | 11K |
| Positive reviews | **93.4% of reviews** | 93.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#179** | — |
| Size | 159 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ScreenZen LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1541021087) | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) |

## What reviewers say

### ScreenZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenzen-screen-time-control/id1541027222)

**Currently charting:** #179 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers multiple strategies to help you reduce screen time and control app usage. Features include delayed app opening, timed scrolling interruptions, and customizable app limits. It also provides options for strict blocking, settings protection, and encourages mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Delayed app opening, Scrolling interruption, Set app goals and limits, Configurable daily schedules, Strict app blocking, Screen time tracking for distracting apps, Settings protection locks

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kind Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $20.00 | one-time |
| Fantastic Tip | $40.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Completely reversed my scrolling addiction
- 🚀 Helps manage screen time
- 👍 Excellent app, easy to use
- 👍 Genuinely the best screentime app out there
- 👍 Effective in avoiding doom scrolling

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy, sometimes doesn't unlock apps
- 🐛 Notifications can't break through
- 🐛 Inconsistent UI across devices

**Reported bugs**

- Unlock button not working as expected
- App stops working after some time
- Compatibility issues with iOS 16 update

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Integrate with productivity/to-do apps
- Add more pause/break options
- Improve website blocking functionality


### 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 ScreenZen free?

ScreenZen 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, ScreenZen or Refocus?

ScreenZen is rated higher. ScreenZen averages 4.9 out of 5 from 49K ratings, while Refocus averages 4.8 from 11K ratings.

### Do ScreenZen or Refocus have ads?

Refocus shows ads; ScreenZen does not.

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

ScreenZen ships an update every 3 weeks, and Refocus weekly. Most recently, ScreenZen was updated on September 25, 2026 and Refocus on September 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.*