Comparison

Refocus vs BlockerX Pro

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Refocus

This tool helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers customizable schedules, strict modes to prevent bypass, and analytics to track your usage. Available on iPhone and Mac.

Highlights
  • Block apps and websites
  • Strict mode with multiple bypass prevention methods
  • Customizable blocking schedules and timers
  • Location-based blocking
  • Screen time analytics
  • Mac app available
Features
Read full description

Refocus is an app blocker & website blocker that helps you limit screen time on apps! Refocus is easy to use, yet has powerful screen time control features: ▶ Various ways to restrict or lock apps and block websites. Choose what helps you focus! Block any app or site — from social media and games to messaging and news. ▶ "Strict Mode" feature prevents you from unblocking. Set a passcode, or use an NFC tag, or wait a duration (ex. 30 seconds), or do a copy text challenge, or utilize Pomodoro (limit unblocking to 5 times per day, for 25 minutes each, with a 5-minute cooldown between each unblock). ▶ Block for a specific duration (ex. app timer for 30 minutes). ▶ Block at specific times (ex. every weekday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). ▶ Set app limits (ex. after 10 minutes of using Instagram, block it). Set an app time limit! ▶ Hide Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts in Safari. ▶ Block at the location you pick — whether it be home, work or school. ▶ View your daily, weekly and monthly Screen Time analytics. Use Refocus as a screen time tracker! ▶ Mac app that also lets you block apps and websites on macOS. ▶ And more! --- Visit www.refocusapp.co for more information. Terms of Use: - https://refocusapp.co/terms-of-use

About

BlockerX Pro

This app helps users regain focus and productivity by blocking distracting content like adult sites, social media, and games. It offers customizable filters, community support, and accountability features to help users overcome bad habits and improve their lifestyle.

Highlights
  • Adult content blocking
  • Website and app blocking
  • Community support and resources
  • Accountability partner feature
  • Safe search enforcement
  • Customizable word filters
Features
Read full description

Are you struggling to stay focused and maintain productivity due to distractions from adult content, social media, and gaming. Trusted by over 100,000 users, our community and features are designed to help you reclaim your time and improve your relationships. Key Features: * Adult Filter: Activate the adult content blocking with a single toggle to secure your browsing across all devices. Tailor your experience with customizable app and website blocking. * Website Filter: Instantly block distracting websites, including social media and online gaming sites, ensuring your focus remains intact. * Community Support: Join a community of 100k+ like-minded individuals and access resources like articles and video courses on reboot strategies and overcoming urges. * App Blocker: Easily block access to distracting apps like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Perfect for improving concentration and productivity. * Safe Search: Enforce safe search on search engines and a restricted mode on YouTube, filtering out adult content to provide a cleaner browsing experience. * Accountability Partner: Connect with a friend who helps you stay committed to your goals, enhancing your journey to quit bad habits. * Game Blocker & Social Media Limit: Effectively block all gaming and limit social media interactions to manage your time better. * Block Dating Apps: With a premium subscription, block access to all dating-related content at the flick of a switch. * Uninstall Notification: Keep your accountability partner informed if you ever uninstall BlockerX Pro, helping you stay on track. * Restrict Unwanted Words: Customize filters to block specific triggering phrases or words across browsers and apps. Discover why BlockerX Pro is the top choice for anyone looking to improve their productivity and maintain focus. With our robust features and supportive community, overcoming distractions and enhancing your lifestyle has never been easier. Subscription Information Upgrade to BlockerX Pro PREMIUM for unrestricted access to every feature. Charges apply via the iTunes Account, with options to manage and cancel subscriptions in iTunes settings. Terms of Use - https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy - https://blockerx.net/our-privacy-policy/ We love your feedback. Contact support@blockerx.org

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
BlockerX Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against BlockerX Pro's 38%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.1) and update cadence (weekly vs monthly). BlockerX Pro's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and BlockerX Pro sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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 377, 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 38% of BlockerX Pro's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update weekly, BlockerX Pro monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Refocus versus BlockerX Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusBlockerX Pro
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings) — better4.1 (377 ratings)
Positive reviews92.9% of reviews — better38.5% of reviews
Number of ratings12K — better377
Update frequencyWeekly — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB62 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperLabi, LLCAtmana Tech

Customer experience

Refocus

All ratings11,824 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews2,248 reviews
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.1%

BlockerX Pro

All ratings324 ratings
Positive77.2%
Neutral3.4%
Negative19.4%
Written reviews104 reviews
Positive38.5%
Neutral7.7%
Negative53.8%

User reviews

Refocus

From 12K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to set up and use
  • 🚀 Effective at blocking distractions
  • 💡 Customizable blocking schedules
  • 🔒 Prevents mindless scrolling
  • 🚀 Improved productivity and focus

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 🔓 Too easy to bypass the blocking
  • 💰 Some features require paid subscription
  • 🔓 Ability to delete app and remove restrictions

BlockerX Pro

From 377 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🔒 Effective blocking when properly configured
  • 💪 Helps users overcome addiction and maintain streaks
  • 🤝 Accountability partner feature provides support
  • 🔐 Uninstall protection prevents easy bypass
  • 💰 Lifetime subscription offers good long-term value

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
  • ❌ Easily bypassed despite security claims
  • 😤 Poor customer support responsiveness
  • 💸 Requires payment for basic functionality
  • 🔧 Inconsistent performance across iOS and Android

Bugs and requests

Refocus

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Blocking issues after phone restart
  • Inconsistent behavior when pausing/unpausing sessions
  • Crashing when trying to block apps in certain categories

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

BlockerX Pro

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • App locks and becomes unresponsive
  • Emails not being sent to accountability partners
  • Scheduled blocks don't start or stop at correct times
  • App freezes when switching between website and app blocklist tabs
  • Apps won't unblock after time limit expires
Show 7 more
  • Sentence verification is inaccurate and rejects valid input
  • Uninstall protection blocks uninstalling of all apps
  • Firefox private browser blocking doesn't work properly
  • Face ID can easily bypass uninstall protection
  • Blocking feature stops working after extended use
  • Case-sensitive login causes issues
  • No mass entry option for blocklist

Requested features

10 requests
  • PC/Windows desktop application instead of just extension
  • Keyword blocking on iOS (currently Android only)
  • Ability to block specific content within apps rather than entire apps
  • Pre-made blocklist of common adult sites
  • Accountability partner dashboard with settings visibility
Show 5 more
  • Better notification system for accountability partners
  • 24/48/72 hour delay buddy feature on iOS
  • Block model pages on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads
  • Data persistence for blocked websites if app is deleted
  • Separate uninstall protection that doesn't affect other apps

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions7
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • Refocus Pro$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
10 purchases

BlockerX Pro

Subscriptions5
  • Premium Monthly$49.991 Month
  • Annual$49.991 Year
  • Annual$99.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Premium Annual$139.991 Year
  • Premium Annual Pro$139.991 Year
One-time5
  • Premium Plus$25.00
  • 179 Coins$69.99
  • 579 Coins$109.99
Show 2 more
  • 1079 Coins$129.99
  • Premium - Lifetime Access$149.99

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BlockerX Pro free?
BlockerX Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Refocus or BlockerX Pro?
Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while BlockerX Pro averages 4.1 from 377 ratings.
Do Refocus or BlockerX Pro have ads?
Refocus shows ads; BlockerX Pro does not.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or BlockerX Pro?
Refocus ships an update weekly, and BlockerX Pro monthly. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 7, 2026 and BlockerX Pro on November 3, 2026.

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