Refocus vs Screen Time Control
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
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.
- Smart screen time tracking
- App blocking for focus sessions
- Customizable time limits
- App impact scoring
- Friendly competition and challenges
- Detailed usage analytics
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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
Verdict
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
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.
| Parameter | Refocus | Screen Time Control |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (11K ratings) — better | 3.9 (7 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews — better | 80.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 11K — better | 7 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 51 MB | 47 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Labi, LLC | Perpetio OU |
Customer experience
Refocus
Screen Time Control
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
Refocus
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
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- 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
- Reset Strict Mode$1.00
- Reset Strict Mode$5.00
- Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Reset Strict Mode$50.00
Screen Time Control
- 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?
Is Screen Time Control free?
Which has better reviews, Refocus or Screen Time Control?
Do Refocus or Screen Time Control have ads?
Which is updated more often, Refocus or Screen Time Control?
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