# Refocus vs offtime

The clearest difference is ads: offtime at none against Refocus's shown. offtime also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (12K vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and offtime sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

offtime holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, offtime every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## 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) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offtime/id6741475211/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 51 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| 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 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


### offtime

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

This app helps you reclaim your time by blocking distracting applications. It uses a unique physical barrier method, requiring you to move to disable blocks, fostering self-control and digital discipline. Gain insights into your saved time and create custom blocking profiles for different situations.

**Highlights:** Physical barrier app blocking, QR code or NFC activation, Custom app/category blocking, Blocking profiles for situations, Scheduled blocking times, Time saved insights, Offline and local operation

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| offtime Pro - Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| offtime Pro - Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| offtime Pro - Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| offtime Pro - Lifetime | $17.99 | 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?

offtime is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while offtime averages 5.0 from 1 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 October 17, 2026 and offtime on October 2, 2026.

---

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