# Refocus vs LockMyApps Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is update cadence: Refocus at weekly against LockMyApps Screen Time Control's every 5 weeks. Refocus also leads on ratings volume (11K vs 287) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and LockMyApps Screen Time Control sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 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 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 11K ratings behind it against 287, 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 87% of LockMyApps Screen Time Control's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, LockMyApps Screen Time Control every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | LockMyApps Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.6 (287 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockmyapps-screen-time-control/id6502597150/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 287 |
| Positive reviews | **93.3% of reviews** | 87.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 51 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Andrew Lee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1206652057) |

## 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


### LockMyApps Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockmyapps-screen-time-control/id6502597150)

This app helps you reduce screen time and boost productivity by blocking selected applications for set durations. Utilize focus timers, daily limits, and scheduled blocking to minimize distractions and "doom scrolling."

**Highlights:** Set productivity timers to block apps, Reduce screen time, Minimize "doom scrolling", Block apps temporarily, Add daily time limits, Schedule app blocking, Lock Now feature for short focus

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LockMyApps Pro 1 Week | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| LockMyApps Pro 1 Week | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| LockMyApps Pro 1 Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| LockMyApps Pro 1 Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| LockMyApps Premium: 1 Week | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| LockMyApps Premium: Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| LockMyApps Premium: Discount | $19.99 | per year |
| LockMyApps: Premium | $34.99 | per year |
| LockMyApps: Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| LockMyApps: Premium | $44.99 | per year |
| LockMyApps: Premium | $59.99 | per year |
| LockMyApps Premium: 1 Year | $69.99 | per year |
| LockMyApps Premium: Lifetime | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helps with productivity and focus
- 🚀 Easy to use and set up
- 💰 Free app with no ads
- 🔒 Effectively locks apps to limit usage

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional freezing or glitches
- 🔒 Limited ability to select multiple apps to lock at once
- 🕰️ Issues with recurring lock schedules not working as expected

**Reported bugs**

- App thinks it's a different day, affecting lock schedules
- Inability to select apps to lock on certain days

**Requested features**

- Add option to hide/make locked apps invisible
- Allow setting different lock schedules for different apps
- Include a widget for quick access to locking features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is LockMyApps Screen Time Control free?

LockMyApps Screen Time Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or LockMyApps Screen Time Control?

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while LockMyApps Screen Time Control averages 4.6 from 287 ratings.

### Do Refocus or LockMyApps Screen Time Control have ads?

Both Refocus and LockMyApps Screen Time Control show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or LockMyApps Screen Time Control?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and LockMyApps Screen Time Control every 5 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 27, 2026 and LockMyApps Screen Time Control on September 26, 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.*