# Refocus vs ScreenEarn

The clearest difference is monetization model: Refocus at free with in-app purchases against ScreenEarn's subscription. Refocus also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (12K vs 4). ScreenEarn's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). 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 ScreenEarn sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScreenEarn 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 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, ScreenEarn every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | ScreenEarn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenearn-parental-control/id6746706699/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 51 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Saragadam Solutions Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818027174) |

## 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 (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


### ScreenEarn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screenearn-parental-control/id6746706699)

This app helps parents manage children's screen time by linking it to chore completion. Kids earn rewards for completing tasks, fostering responsibility and reducing household conflicts. A single family plan covers all devices and children.

**Highlights:** Chore setup and time rewards, Automatic screen time earning, Optional photo verification, Real-time screen time tracking, App blocking, Weekly family reports, Offline functionality

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly plan | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is ScreenEarn free?

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

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

ScreenEarn is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while ScreenEarn averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Refocus or ScreenEarn have ads?

Refocus shows ads; ScreenEarn does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and ScreenEarn every 7 months. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 29, 2026 and ScreenEarn on September 30, 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.*