Comparison

Refocus vs TimeGuard

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

TimeGuard

Features
Read full description

TimeGuard - Reclaim Your Time and Focus TimeGuard helps you regain control over your screen time, reduce distractions, and boost productivity. With a simple yet powerful set of features, TimeGuard empowers you to make mindful decisions about your phone usage, helping you stay focused, improve your mental health, and break free from the grips of excessive screen time. Key Features: App Blocker & Limits: Block distracting apps and set daily usage limits to prevent overuse and stay on track. Focus Management: Schedule when to use apps and set "Deep Focus" mode for ultimate concentration. Social Media Control: Limit time on social media and avoid doom scrolling with automated session management. Mindful Breaks: Pause and reflect before opening apps, helping you build healthier habits and reduce impulsive behavior. Screen Time Reporting: Track your progress with detailed reports, streaks, and rewards to stay motivated. Personalized Blocklist: Customize your app and website blocklist to fit your personal needs. Exercise-Triggered Focus Breaks: Engage in physical activities like Squats, Left-Leg Lunges, Jumping Jacks, Push-Ups, Cobra Wings, and Sit-Ups to trigger deep focus pauses and enhance your concentration. Why TimeGuard? TimeGuard is designed for those who want to break free from phone addiction without going cold turkey. Whether you're battling anxiety, ADHD, or just want to become more productive, TimeGuard provides the tools you need to take control of your phone usage and align it with your personal goals. Join thousands of users who have reduced their screen time, improved their focus, and created healthier digital habits. TimeGuard is not just an app; it's a digital wellness companion that helps you live mindfully in a distracted world. Subscription terms: - Weekly Subscription length: weekly. - Weekly Subscription price in USD: 4.99 USD per week - Monthly Subscription length: monthly. - Monthly Subscription price in USD: 7.99 USD per month - Yearly Subscription Subscription length: yearly. - Yearly Subscription Subscription price in USD: 49.99 USD per year - Your payment will be charged to your iTunes Account as soon as you confirm your purchase. - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal from your Account Settings after the purchase. - Your subscription will renew automatically, unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - The cost of renewal will be charged to your account in the 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. - When canceling a subscription, your subscription will stay active until the end of the period. Auto-renewal will be disabled, but the current subscription will not be refunded. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when purchasing a subscription. - Privacy policy: https://imwallpaper.com/privacy - Terms and conditions: https://imwallpaper.com/terms - If you have any questions feel free to contact us: support@imwallpaper.com

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
TimeGuard4 screens

Verdict

The call

Refocus and TimeGuard are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and TimeGuard sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Refocus versus TimeGuard: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusTimeGuard
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings12K — better—
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB125 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLabi, LLCMeta Message Communication Technology Co., Ltd.

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

TimeGuard

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

13 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions9
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Refocus Pro (Family)7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Year trial$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time4
  • Reset Strict Mode$1.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$5.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 more
  • Reset Strict Mode$50.00
6 purchases

TimeGuard

Subscriptions6
  • PREMIUM$4.997 Days
  • PREMIUM3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • PREMIUM3 Days trial$7.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • PREMIUM$7.991 Month
  • PREMIUM3 Days trial$49.991 Year
  • PREMIUM$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TimeGuard free?
TimeGuard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Refocus or TimeGuard have ads?
Both Refocus and TimeGuard show ads.

Other comparisons