# Refocus vs Study Timer

The clearest difference is ads: Study Timer at none against Refocus's shown. Study Timer also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 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 Study Timer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Study Timer 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 1, 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 Study Timer's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Study Timer every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and August 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Study Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-timer-taskfocus/id6738023210/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 51 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Alessandro Pace](https://appshunter.io/developer/1635839308) |

## 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


### Study Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-timer-taskfocus/id6738023210)

This app combines a task manager, app blocker, and timer to help users eliminate distractions and improve focus during study or work sessions. It allows users to set tasks, block distracting apps, and use a timer to stay on track, with apps remaining blocked until the session ends.

**Highlights:** Timer & Stopwatch, Distraction-Free Focus, Task Management, App Blocking, Progress Tracking

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All Access (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| All Access (Weekly) | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| All Access (Yearly) | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Study Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or Study Timer?

Study Timer is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Study Timer averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Study Timer have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Study Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Study Timer?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Study Timer every 5 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 27, 2026 and Study Timer on August 23, 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.*