# Refocus vs App Blocker

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-bloko/id6648773531/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **92.9% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Zigmas Vadapalas](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763779894) |

## What reviewers say

### Refocus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refocus Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $9.99 | 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 |

**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


### App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-bloko/id6648773531)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $2.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $3.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $4.99 | per month |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited access | $49.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited access | $89.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is App Blocker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or App Blocker?

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while App Blocker averages 4.3 from 4 ratings.

### Do Refocus or App Blocker have ads?

Refocus shows ads; App Blocker does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or App Blocker?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and App Blocker every 5 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 12, 2026 and App Blocker on November 11, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*