# Refocus vs Hack Dearborn 4

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hack Dearborn 4 at none against Refocus's 17. Hack Dearborn 4 also leads on ads (none vs shown). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 4) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Hack Dearborn 4 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. 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 complicate that: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 100% of Hack Dearborn 4's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Hack Dearborn 4 every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Hack Dearborn 4 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hack-dearborn-4/id6633418866/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 51 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Ali Bdeir](https://appshunter.io/developer/1762557040) |

## 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


### Hack Dearborn 4

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hack-dearborn-4/id6633418866)

This app serves as a central hub for event participants, offering notifications and check-in functionalities. It's designed to facilitate problem-solving and technology-driven solutions in a creative environment.

**Highlights:** Event notifications, Check-in functionality, Problem-solving space, Technology solutions, Student-focused

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Hack Dearborn 4 free?

Hack Dearborn 4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or Hack Dearborn 4?

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Hack Dearborn 4 averages 4.5 from 4 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Hack Dearborn 4 have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Hack Dearborn 4 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Hack Dearborn 4?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Hack Dearborn 4 every 8 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 26, 2026 and Hack Dearborn 4 on September 10, 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.*