Comparison

Refocus vs FocusBubble

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

FocusBubble

Features
Read full description

Staying focused is harder than ever. FocusBubble helps you reclaim your attention by temporarily blocking distracting apps so you can study, work, create, or simply enjoy life without constant interruptions. Choose the apps that steal your time, set a clear end time, and activate your focus session. There is no complicated setup, just immediate control over your digital environment. When your session ends, you receive a gentle notification that reinforces your progress. FocusBubble is built around intentional use. Instead of forcing restrictions, the app encourages conscious decisions. By limiting access to high distraction apps, you create space for deeper focus, clearer thinking, and healthier digital habits. The deadline based system removes countdown pressure and supports committed focus periods. With motivational prompts and simple progress tracking, you stay consistent and strengthen your self discipline over time. Sessions can be ended manually if needed, because flexibility matters in real life. FocusBubble was created from personal experience with digital distraction and is designed to support long term focus, clarity, and balance in a world full of noise. FocusBubble offers optional auto-renewable subscriptions: • FocusBubble Premium Monthly – $1.99 per month • FocusBubble Premium Yearly – $12.99 per year • FocusBubble Lifetime – $29.99 (one-time purchase) Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your App Store account settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://github.com/boazvdp/PRIVACYPOLICY Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
FocusBubble4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: FocusBubble at none against Refocus's shown. Refocus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and FocusBubble sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update weekly, FocusBubble every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Refocus versus FocusBubble: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusFocusBubble
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings12K — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLabi, LLCBoaz van der Pot

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

FocusBubble

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
3 purchases

FocusBubble

Subscriptions2
  • FocusBubble Premium Monthly$1.991 Month
  • FocusBubble Premium Yearly$12.991 Year
One-time1
  • FocusBubble Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FocusBubble free?
FocusBubble is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Refocus or FocusBubble have ads?
Refocus shows ads; FocusBubble does not.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or FocusBubble?
Refocus ships an update weekly, and FocusBubble every 2 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 19, 2026 and FocusBubble on October 10, 2026.

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