Refocus vs App Blocker
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Refocus
This tool helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers customizable schedules, strict modes to prevent bypass, and analytics to track your usage. Available on iPhone and Mac.
- Block apps and websites
- Strict mode with multiple bypass prevention methods
- Customizable blocking schedules and timers
- Location-based blocking
- Screen time analytics
- Mac 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! ▶ Hide Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts in Safari. ▶ 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
App Blocker
This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers various session types, including timed blocks and strict modes, to promote focus and productivity without relying solely on willpower. Earn rewards and track your progress to build lasting digital habits.
- Block distracting apps and websites
- Task and Quick Session modes
- Scheduled Recurring Sessions
- Strict Mode for uninterrupted focus
- Home screen widget and Live Activity
- Progress tracking and motivation tools
- Ready-made templates for various needs
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Take back control of your screen time. Bloko is an app blocker and focus app that blocks distracting apps and websites so you can beat doomscrolling and actually get things done - without relying on willpower. Most blockers are easy to ignore. Bloko builds a system that makes focus the default. HOW BLOKO WORKS - Task Sessions - block your apps until you finish what matters. Complete your tasks to earn access back. - Quick Sessions - block distractions for a set amount of time when you need to lock in. - Recurring Sessions - schedule daily focus blocks for study, work, or sleep that run on autopilot. - Strict Mode - once a session starts, it holds until the end. No breaks, no early unlock. WHAT YOU CAN BLOCK - Distracting apps and entire categories (social media, games, and more) - Websites and web domains - Whatever pulls you out of focus START IN ONE TAP - 22 ready-made templates for work, study, sleep, sport, family time and more - Duration presets for quick blocks, or any length you like - A home screen widget, plus a Live Activity that keeps your countdown on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island STAY MOTIVATED - Set a daily screen-time goal and watch blocked time chip away at it every week - Streaks, focus time, and a 7-day trend show real progress - Milestone medals in six tiers for streaks, focus hours, sessions and your longest blocks - Build lasting habits, one focused session at a time MADE TO LIVE ON YOUR PHONE - Light and dark themes, or follow your iPhone's appearance - Available in 11 languages - Built on Apple's Screen Time API, so what you block stays on your device WHO IT'S FOR - Students who want to study without the scroll - Professionals getting deep work done - Anyone doing a digital detox or dopamine detox BLOKO PRO Bloko is free to use with one session at a time. Pro unlocks unlimited sessions, Strict Mode, and a streak repair when you miss a day. Stop scrolling. Start focusing. Lock in with Bloko. Bloko respects your privacy. Learn more: Terms of Use: https://bloko.app/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://bloko.app/privacy/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: App Blocker at none against Refocus's shown. Refocus's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and review sentiment (93% vs 67%). On price, update cadence, 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 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and App Blocker sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K 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 67% of App Blocker's.
Refocus ships an update weekly, App Blocker every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Refocus | App Blocker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (12K ratings) — better | 4.3 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews — better | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 12K — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 50 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Labi, LLC | Zigmas Vadapalas |
Customer experience
Refocus
App Blocker
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
App Blocker
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
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- Refocus Pro$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro7 Days trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
App Blocker
- Unlimited access$2.991 Month
- Unlimited access$3.991 Month
- Unlimited access$4.991 Month
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Unlimited access7 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Unlimited access3 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Unlimited access$29.991 Year
- Unlimited access$49.99
- Unlimited access$89.99









