# Refocus vs Screen Time Control

The clearest difference is rating: Refocus at 4.8 against Screen Time Control's 3.9. Refocus also leads on ratings volume (11K vs 7) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, 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 Screen Time Control sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 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 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 11K ratings behind it against 7, 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 80% of Screen Time Control's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Screen Time Control every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Screen Time Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-limitup/id6599848430/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **93.3% of reviews** | 80.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Perpetio OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465591634) |

## 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


### Screen Time Control

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-limitup/id6599848430)

This app helps you master your screen time and boost productivity by tracking usage, blocking distracting apps, and setting custom goals. It offers personalized insights and challenges to encourage healthier digital habits and a better online-offline balance.

**Highlights:** Smart screen time tracking, App blocking for focus sessions, Customizable time limits, App impact scoring, Friendly competition and challenges, Detailed usage analytics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control free?

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

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

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Screen Time Control averages 3.9 from 7 ratings.

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

Both Refocus and Screen Time Control show ads.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Screen Time Control every 3 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 25, 2026 and Screen Time Control on June 20, 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.*