Comparison

Refocus vs No Scroll

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

Head to head
About

Refocus

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
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! ▶ 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

No Scroll

This app helps you reduce screen time and improve focus by setting limits on app usage. It uses behavioral psychology to combat doomscrolling and reclaim your valuable time without requiring you to delete social media apps.

Highlights
  • Set time limits before opening apps
  • Auto-locks apps when time expires
  • Schedule app blocking during specific hours
  • Set daily app usage budgets
  • Track progress and build healthy habits
  • Minimalist and distraction-free design
  • Privacy-focused using Screen Time framework
Read full description

Achieve More With No Scroll. No Scroll is designed for professionals who want to reduce screen time, stay focused, and accomplish more. Willpower alone isn’t enough to stop doomscrolling. You need an app that fights back. No Scroll helps you take control of your screen time without making you delete social media. How It Works: 1. Choose a time limit before you open TikTok, Instagram, or any app 2. No Scroll locks your app for 5 minutes when time's up 3. You scroll less, waste less time, and achieve more Why It Works: We built No Scroll because Apple's Screen Time and other screen time apps didn't work for us. No Scroll is built using behavioral psychology and habit design. No Scroll is easy to use and gives you the tools you need to actually stop doomscrolling. Your time is your most valuable asset. Why waste hours doomscrolling? Invest in yourself and download No Scroll for free today! Features to help you scroll less: - Session Limits: Set time limits before opening an app. Auto-locks your app when time’s up. (No Scroll’s unique feature that our users love the most!) - Schedules: Block distracting apps during specific hours. - App Limits: Set a daily budget for your app. No Scroll locks your app when you've reached your time limit. - Progress Tracking: Build awareness and healthy habits. - Minimalist design: Easy to use and distraction free. - Privacy First: Built using Apple’s Screen Time framework to securely block apps you use. Your personal data never leaves your device. - Built by a founder passionate about digital wellness Try No Scroll for free today! Your future self will thank you. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/no-scroll/home

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
No Scroll4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against No Scroll's 55%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (11K vs 686). No Scroll'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 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and No Scroll sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. 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 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 11K ratings behind it against 686, 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 55% of No Scroll's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update weekly, No Scroll every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Refocus versus No Scroll: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusNo Scroll
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (11K ratings) — better4.5 (686 ratings)
Positive reviews93.3% of reviews — better54.9% of reviews
Number of ratings11K — better686
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB87 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLabi, LLCSelf Invest LLC

Customer experience

Refocus

All ratings11,296 ratings
Positive95.2%
Neutral1.9%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews2,150 reviews
Positive93.3%
Neutral2.7%
Negative4.0%

No Scroll

All ratings686 ratings
Positive87.9%
Neutral3.2%
Negative8.9%
Written reviews113 reviews
Positive54.9%
Neutral4.4%
Negative40.7%

User reviews

Refocus

From 11K 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

No Scroll

From 686 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✅ Effectively reduces doomscrolling behavior
  • ⏱️ Flexible time limit options (5-30 minutes)
  • 🔐 Strong unlock mechanism with code requirement
  • 💪 Works better than Apple's native screen time
  • 🎯 Intentional app usage encouragement

Room to improve

  • 💳 Requires subscription for premium features
  • 🚫 Paywall blocks access before trial
  • 🔄 Can switch between multiple blocked apps to bypass limits
  • ⚠️ Lacks accountability tracking and history
  • 🐛 App stops working after updates occasionally

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

No Scroll

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App freezes on premium trial popup with no exit option
  • Blocks unused apps when time expires on another app
  • Doesn't release apps after freeze time ends
  • Phone hangs with no control or banner displayed
  • App stops working after iOS updates
Show 5 more
  • Reinstallation required periodically for functionality
  • Interferes with payment processing links
  • Notification system not triggering properly
  • Cooldown timer stuck on screen
  • Unable to unrestrict apps in some cases

Requested features

12 requests
  • Unified timer across all blocked apps instead of per-app
  • Custom time intervals beyond 5-30 minute presets
  • Ability to block specific content (reels, shorts) within apps
  • Website blocking capability
  • Longer time period options (up to 3 hours)
Show 7 more
  • Accountability history and integrity tracking
  • Reflection prompts before unlocks or rule changes
  • Weekly summaries focused on accountability
  • Notification system for setting time limits
  • Option to allow longer video watching (30+ minutes)
  • Lock all apps when using one to prevent app switching
  • Pause timer when app is closed

In-app purchases

12 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions8
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Refocus Pro (Family)7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial3 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Year trial$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time4
  • Reset Strict Mode$1.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$5.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 more
  • Reset Strict Mode$50.00
16 purchases

No Scroll

Subscriptions15
  • No Scroll Premium (Weekly)$3.997 Days
  • No Scroll Premium (Weekly)3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • No Scroll Premium (Weekly)$4.997 Days
Show 12 more
  • No Scroll Premium (Monthly)$5.991 Month
  • No Scroll Premium (Weekly)$7.997 Days
  • No Scroll Premium (Monthly)$7.991 Month
  • No Scroll Premium (Monthly)$9.991 Month
  • No Scroll Premium (Monthly)$14.991 Month
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)$19.991 Year
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)$29.991 Year
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)$39.991 Year
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • No Scroll Premium (Annual)3 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Early Unlock$4.99

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is No Scroll free?
No Scroll is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Refocus or No Scroll?
Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while No Scroll averages 4.5 from 686 ratings.
Do Refocus or No Scroll have ads?
Refocus shows ads; No Scroll does not.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or No Scroll?
Refocus ships an update weekly, and No Scroll every 2 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 24, 2026 and No Scroll on September 22, 2026.

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