# Refocus vs No Scroll

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.

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.

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.

Refocus ships an update weekly, No Scroll every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | No Scroll |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.5 (686 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/no-scroll-limit-screen-time/id6474079216/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 686 |
| Positive reviews | **93.3% of reviews** | 54.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Self Invest LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1697190242) |

## 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


### No Scroll

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/no-scroll-limit-screen-time/id6474079216)

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $5.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Weekly) | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Monthly) | $14.99 | per month |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $19.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |
| No Scroll Premium (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |
| Early Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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)


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and No Scroll on September 25, 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.*