# Refocus vs Brainrot

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against Brainrot's 18%. Refocus also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). Brainrot's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Brainrot sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12K and 22K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 18% of Brainrot's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Brainrot every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Brainrot |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.5 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainrot-screen-time-control/id6744338972/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 12K | **22K** |
| Positive reviews | **93.0% of reviews** | 17.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 51 MB | 126 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Smolworks Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807171666) |

## 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


### Brainrot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainrot-screen-time-control/id6744338972)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting apps and websites. Utilize a focus timer and smart schedules to improve productivity, sleep, and reduce screen time. A visual indicator provides a playful nudge to encourage mindful usage.

**Highlights:** App and website blocking, Focus timer, Smart scheduling, Mindful breaks, Usage insights

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited (1 Month) | $3.99 | per month |
| Unlimited (1 Week) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited (1 Week) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Brainrot (Full Access) | $24.99 | per year |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| Brainrot (Full Access) | $29.99 | per year |
| Unlimited (1 Year) | $44.99 | per year |
| Brainrot Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Unlimited | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Reduces screen time
- 👍 Helpful for productivity
- 🥰 Great app
- 💯 Highly recommended

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Requires paid subscription
- 🙅‍♀️ No free version available
- 😤 Forced to pay to use

**Reported bugs**

- Stuck on payment screen with no way out
- Requires re-entering info every time

**Requested features**

- Free version with limited features
- Free trial period


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Brainrot free?

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

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

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Brainrot averages 4.5 from 22K ratings.

### Do Refocus or Brainrot have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Brainrot does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Brainrot every 6 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 19, 2026 and Brainrot on October 19, 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.*