Refocus vs Study Timer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Refocus
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.
- 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
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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! ▶ 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
Study Timer
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.
- Timer & Stopwatch
- Distraction-Free Focus
- Task Management
- App Blocking
- Progress Tracking
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TaskFocus – Study Timer & App Blocker. Stay Focused, Study Smarter. Staying focused while studying is hard, but TaskFocus helps you stay on track. It combines a study timer, an app blocker, and session tracking in one simple tool. Whether you are preparing for exams, working through assignments, or you just need uninterrupted deep focus, TaskFocus helps you take control of your study time and eliminate distractions fast. How it works 1. Set a clear goal Choose what you want to finish today, so your study session has direction. 2. Block distractions before you start Select the social media and games you want to stop using during your session. 3. Start your focus timer Use structured focus sprints like Pomodoro or switch to open-ended tracking to match your workflow. 4. Stay focused until the session ends Distractions remain blocked for the entire session, so you do not have to keep trying to resist your phone. Key benefits Study Timer and Stopwatch Pick Pomodoro-style sprints for quick momentum or track time freely for longer study blocks. App Blocking that actually lasts Temporarily block distracting apps during your session, so you stay in study mode from start to finish. Smart session tracking Log your study time and build a clear history of what you completed, not just what you intended to do. Control when distractions return Apps only unblock when you decide your session is over, helping you avoid “just one more minute” distractions. Detailed progress reports Review your focus patterns over time and improve how you plan and run future sessions. TaskFocus is for students, exam prep, and anyone who needs uninterrupted focus. Start your next study session with TaskFocus and work without constant app interruptions. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
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.
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 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.
| Parameter | Refocus | Study Timer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (11K ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 11K — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 5 weeks |
| 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 | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 51 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Labi, LLC | Alessandro Pace |
Customer experience
Refocus
Study Timer
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
Study Timer
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
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- Refocus Pro (Family)7 Days trial$12.991 Month
- Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro7 Days trial3 variants$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro1 Year trial$49.991 Year
- Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
- Reset Strict Mode$1.00
- Reset Strict Mode$5.00
- Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Reset Strict Mode$50.00
Study Timer
- All Access (Monthly)$2.991 Month
- All Access (Weekly)7 Days trial$2.997 Days
- All Access (Yearly)14 Days trial$9.991 Year
- Lifetime$19.99









