# Refocus vs Roots

The clearest difference is ads: Roots at none against Refocus's shown. Refocus's advantage is review sentiment (93% vs 75%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Roots sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 — 4.8 for Refocus against 4.8 for Roots. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11K and 2.6K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 75% of Roots's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Roots every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Roots |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | [4.8 (2.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 2.6K |
| Positive reviews | **93.3% of reviews** | 75.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 379 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [MWM](https://appshunter.io/developer/452269707) |

## 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 (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


### Roots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962)

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by setting app limits, scheduling downtime, and participating in detox challenges. It provides insights into your screen time habits and offers features like 'Monk Mode' for focused periods. Aimed at improving well-being and reducing phone addiction.

**Highlights:** App and website blocking, Scheduled downtime, Phone detox challenges, Monk Mode for strict blocking, Digital dopamine monitoring, Daily goals and progress tracking, Personal balance score

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots Plus - Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Pass | $19.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $59.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium | $69.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for reducing screen time
- 🚀 Effective in cutting down app usage
- 💡 Customizable app blocking and downtime settings
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 👍 Responsive customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and bugs
- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking and unblocking
- 🐛 Inaccurate screen time tracking
- 🐛 Difficulty deleting account or changing subscription
- 🐛 Frustrating when apps are locked unexpectedly

**Reported bugs**

- Apps getting blocked when they shouldn't be
- Screen time data not syncing correctly
- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Trouble with the initial setup and syncing

**Requested features**

- Home screen and lock screen widgets
- Customizable challenges and ability to share with friends
- More options for the 'Do Not Disturb' mode
- Improved analytics and progress tracking
- Ability to easily adjust app limits without resetting


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Roots free?

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

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

Refocus and Roots are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 11K and 2.6K ratings respectively.

### Do Refocus or Roots have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Roots does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Roots every 3 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 24, 2026 and Roots on September 22, 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.*