Comparison

Refocus vs Screen Time Control

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

Screen Time Control

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
Read full description

LimitUp: Take Control of Your Digital Life Are you ready to master your screen time and boost your productivity? LimitUp is your personal digital wellness coach, helping you understand and optimize your app usage for a healthier, more balanced life. Key Features: Smart Screen Time Tracking • Get a clear picture of your daily, weekly, and monthly app usage • Visualize your habits with intuitive charts and graphs • Receive personalized insights to improve your digital diet Friendly Competition • Challenge friends and family to reduce screen time together • Compete in group challenges for extra motivation • Share your progress and celebrate victories Powerful App Blocking • Create custom "focus sessions" to block distracting apps • Set daily time limits for specific applications • Use different blocking modes: Quick Block, Blocking Session, App Limit, and App Lock App Impact Scoring • Rate how distracting or productive each app is for you • Get suggestions on which apps to use less or more • Understand the impact of your app usage on your overall wellbeing Customizable Goals • Set personalized screen time targets • Create morning and evening routines to bookend your day • Develop better digital habits with guided challenges Detailed Analytics • Track your progress over time with in-depth reports • Identify patterns and trends in your app usage • Use data-driven insights to make positive changes LimitUp is designed to help you regain control over your digital life, increase productivity, and find a better balance between your online and offline worlds. Whether you're looking to cut down on social media, focus more on work, or simply be more mindful of your screen time, LimitUp has the tools you need to succeed. Download LimitUp today and start your journey towards a healthier relationship with technology! Terms of services: https://www.limitup.online/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.limitup.online/privacy

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
Screen Time Control4 screens

Verdict

The call

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.

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 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Refocus versus Screen Time Control: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusScreen Time Control
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (11K ratings) — better3.9 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews93.3% of reviews — better80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings11K — better7
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLabi, LLCPerpetio OU

Customer experience

Refocus

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

Screen Time Control

All ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

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

Screen Time Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
3 purchases

Screen Time Control

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription7 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$49.991 Year

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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