# Refocus vs XLocker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against XLocker's 50%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). XLocker'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. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and XLocker sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 50% of XLocker's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, XLocker every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | XLocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.1 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xlocker-screen-time-control/id6446263551/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | **93.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [文 熊](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677043920) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### XLocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xlocker-screen-time-control/id6446263551)

This tool helps parents manage their children's screen time by setting daily limits for apps and locking them once the limit is reached. It offers features to prevent access to social media, games, and inappropriate content, while also allowing private storage of personal pictures and videos.

**Highlights:** Set daily app usage limits, Lock apps after limit is reached, Prevent access to social media and games, Secure private pictures and videos, Create up to 10 app groups, Password protect applications

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| monthly subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $2.99 | per year |
| LockID lifetime vip | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is XLocker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or XLocker?

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while XLocker averages 4.1 from 13 ratings.

### Do Refocus or XLocker have ads?

Refocus shows ads; XLocker does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and XLocker every 2 months. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 26, 2026 and XLocker 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.*