# Refocus vs HolyScrolls

The clearest difference is rating: Refocus at 4.8 against HolyScrolls's 4.0. Refocus also leads on ratings volume (12K vs 4) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). HolyScrolls's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and HolyScrolls sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. 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. Written reviews complicate that: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 100% of HolyScrolls's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Refocus ships an update weekly, HolyScrolls every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | HolyScrolls |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holyscrolls-lock-in-prayer/id6747790548/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Jehovah-Nissi Kim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1822909291) |

## What reviewers say

### Refocus

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

This tool helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers customizable schedules, strict modes to prevent bypass, and analytics to track your usage. Available on iPhone and Mac.

**Highlights:** Block apps and websites, Strict mode with multiple bypass prevention methods, Customizable blocking schedules and timers, Location-based blocking, Screen time analytics, Mac app available

**Features:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refocus Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $9.99 | 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 |

**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


### HolyScrolls

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holyscrolls-lock-in-prayer/id6747790548)

This app helps you prioritize prayer and reduce screen time by blocking distracting apps. It encourages building a daily prayer habit and offers features to track progress and customize blocking schedules.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, 15-minute prayer to unlock apps, Track prayer progress, Customizable prayer intervals, App restriction by day, Privacy-focused data handling

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| 2 Selahs | $1.99 | one-time |
| 5 Selahs | $4.99 | one-time |
| 10 Selahs | $8.99 | one-time |
| 20 Selahs | $16.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is HolyScrolls free?

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

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

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while HolyScrolls averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Refocus or HolyScrolls have ads?

Refocus shows ads; HolyScrolls does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and HolyScrolls every 2 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 9, 2026 and HolyScrolls on October 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.*