# RescueTime vs Refocus

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against RescueTime's 21%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (12K vs 4). RescueTime's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RescueTime sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month and Refocus sells 13 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 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of RescueTime's written reviews are positive against 93% of Refocus's.

RescueTime ships an update monthly, Refocus weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RescueTime | Refocus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rescuetime/id1629924958/reviews) | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 21.4% of reviews | **93.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 61 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RescueTime](https://appshunter.io/developer/860773794) | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) |

## What reviewers say

### RescueTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rescuetime/id1629924958)

Understand and manage your time automatically. This app helps you block distractions, track activities on your mobile and desktop, and set productivity goals. Gain insights into your workday and improve focus.

**Highlights:** Automatic time tracking, Distraction blocking (Focus Sessions), Activity categorization, Task timers, Offline activity logging, Home screen widgets, Productivity goals and alerts

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Solo Monthly | $9.00 | per month |
| Solo+ Monthly | $15.00 | per month |
| Solo Yearly | $84.00 | per year |
| Solo+ Yearly | $143.99 | per year |


### 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 (13)**

| 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 | $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 RescueTime free?

RescueTime 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, RescueTime or Refocus?

Refocus is rated higher. RescueTime averages 4.3 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Refocus averages 4.8 from 12K ratings.

### Do RescueTime or Refocus have ads?

Refocus shows ads; RescueTime does not.

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

RescueTime ships an update monthly, and Refocus weekly. Most recently, RescueTime was updated on October 20, 2026 and Refocus on October 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.*