# Refocus vs Reduce Scrolling

The clearest difference is ads: Reduce Scrolling at none against Refocus's shown. Reduce Scrolling also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 4) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, review sentiment, 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 Reduce Scrolling sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Reduce Scrolling 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 4, 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 100% of Reduce Scrolling's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Reduce Scrolling every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Reduce Scrolling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-scrolling-blockwise/id6630375265/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 51 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Ko LiChung](https://appshunter.io/developer/1067190356) |

## 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


### Reduce Scrolling

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-scrolling-blockwise/id6630375265)

This app helps you regain control over your phone usage by introducing gentle "speed bumps" to encourage mindful app engagement. It offers customizable settings for different applications and schedules to help you reduce distractions and build better digital habits.

**Highlights:** Per-app control with customizable settings, Live Activity timer for remaining time, Recharge Time delays to prevent compulsive reopening, Smart Schedules for automatic app blocking, Streak tracking for habit momentum, 7-day free trial

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlimited | $9.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $22.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $44.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $89.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Reduce Scrolling free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or Reduce Scrolling?

Reduce Scrolling is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Reduce Scrolling averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Reduce Scrolling have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Reduce Scrolling does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Reduce Scrolling?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Reduce Scrolling every 3 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 25, 2026 and Reduce Scrolling on September 7, 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.*