# Refocus vs Lock In

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against Lock In's 50%. Refocus also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and chart position (#196 vs unranked). Lock In's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Lock In sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Lock In every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Lock In |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **93.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#196** | — |
| Size | 51 MB | 127 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Georg Ye](https://appshunter.io/developer/1801307743) |

## What reviewers say

### Refocus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057)

**Currently charting:** #196 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

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 (13)**

| 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 | $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


### Lock In

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lock-in-stop-procrastinating/id6743096520)

This app helps you break phone addiction by disabling selected apps during focused sessions. You can set durations, create schedules, and take scheduled breaks. Friends can help you end sessions early, and emergency unlocks are available.

**Highlights:** Disable selected apps for set durations, Create weekly app usage schedules, Scheduled breaks with daily limits, Friend-assisted session unlocking, Emergency unlock option, App uninstall protection, Set daily app usage limits

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Solo Membership (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Solo Membership (Annually) | $19.99 | per year |
| Friends Membership (Annually) | $24.99 | per year |
| Emergency Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Lock In free?

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

### Do Refocus or Lock In have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Lock In does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Lock In?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Lock In every 3 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 28, 2026 and Lock In on October 24, 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.*