# Refocus vs Focus Lock

The clearest difference is ads: Focus Lock at none against Refocus's shown. Focus Lock also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and device support (3 vs 1). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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 Focus Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Focus Lock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 11K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Focus Lock every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Focus Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-lock-block-apps/id6504156620/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Konstantinos Meletiou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513992918) |

## 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


### Focus Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-lock-block-apps/id6504156620)

Enhance concentration and achieve goals with customizable focus timers and distraction blocking. This tool offers ambient sounds, motivational quotes, and cross-platform support to optimize your workflow for deep work or short bursts of productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Customizable focus and break sessions, Ambient sounds for concentration, Motivational quotes via widgets, Cross-platform support (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus Lock Pro - Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Focus Lock Pro - Yearly | $7.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Focus Lock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or Focus Lock?

Focus Lock is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Focus Lock averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Focus Lock have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Focus Lock does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Focus Lock?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Focus Lock every 5 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 29, 2026 and Focus Lock on September 19, 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.*