# Refocus vs Offtime

The clearest difference is ads: Offtime at none against Refocus's shown. Refocus's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, 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 Offtime sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. 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 3, 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 86% of Offtime's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Offtime every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 10, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Offtime |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offtime-physical-app-blocker/id6741475211/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **92.9% of reviews** | 85.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Louie Gaiser](https://appshunter.io/developer/1792823606) |

## 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


### Offtime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offtime-physical-app-blocker/id6741475211)

This app helps you block distracting applications by requiring a physical action to unlock them, such as scanning a QR code or NFC tag. It offers features like scheduled blocking, time limits, and insights into your usage patterns to improve focus and digital discipline.

**Highlights:** Physical unlock with QR code or NFC tag, Unlock with a timed delay, Customizable presets for different situations, Automatic scheduling of app blocking, Daily time limits for specific apps, Usage insights and streak tracking

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| offtime Pro - Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| offtime Pro - Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| offtime Pro - Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| offtime Pro - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| offtime Pro - Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| offtime Pro - Yearly | $22.99 | per year |
| offtime Pro - Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| offtime Pro - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| offtime Pro - Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Offtime free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or Offtime?

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Offtime averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Offtime have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Offtime does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Offtime?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Offtime every 2 months. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 10, 2026 and Offtime on November 10, 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.*