# ClearSpace vs Refocus

ClearSpace and Refocus both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 69% of ClearSpace's. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ClearSpace sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for ClearSpace against 4.8 for Refocus. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8.8K and 11K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of ClearSpace's written reviews are positive against 93% of Refocus's.

ClearSpace ships an update every 2 weeks, Refocus weekly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClearSpace | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (8.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearspace-reduce-screen-time/id1572515807/reviews) | **[4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8.8K | **11K** |
| Positive reviews | 69.5% of reviews | **93.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 80 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [clearspace](https://appshunter.io/developer/1653276930) | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) |

## What reviewers say

### ClearSpace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clearspace-reduce-screen-time/id1572515807)

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by making your device less addictive. It offers tools to block distractions, manage app time, and build better digital habits. Achieve greater focus, productivity, and mental well-being by reducing impulse opens and doomscrolling.

**Highlights:** Block and limit distracting apps, Manage social media doomscrolling, Set schedules for app usage, Build better digital habits, Engage in attention-building challenges, Minimalist and straightforward design, Accountability partners for goals, Detailed screen time reporting

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ClearSpace Premium (Monthly) | $6.99 | per month |
| Clearspace Premium Student | $9.99 | per year |
| ClearSpace Premium (Annual) | $44.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $44.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium | $59.99 | per year |
| Clearspace Premium Family | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps reduce screen time
- 🚀 Effective at limiting app usage
- 💡 Breathing exercise and quotes are helpful
- 🤖 Tracks app usage well
- 🤔 Makes users more mindful about phone usage

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and laggy performance
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔓 Allows bypassing restrictions
- 🤖 Limited to one app in free version
- 🤔 Breathing exercise can be annoying

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to block apps
- Notification issues and UI glitches
- Inconsistent tracking of app usage
- Problems with phone number verification

**Requested features**

- Allow blocking multiple apps in free version
- Add more exercise options beyond just breathing
- Provide more customization options
- Integrate with other fitness/health tracking apps
- Improve website/app blocking capabilities


### 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 ClearSpace free?

ClearSpace 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, ClearSpace or Refocus?

Refocus is rated higher. ClearSpace averages 4.7 out of 5 from 8.8K ratings, while Refocus averages 4.8 from 11K ratings.

### Do ClearSpace or Refocus have ads?

Both ClearSpace and Refocus show ads.

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

ClearSpace ships an update every 2 weeks, and Refocus weekly. Most recently, ClearSpace was updated on September 24, 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.*