# Refocus vs TimeBack

The clearest difference is ads: TimeBack at none against Refocus's shown. TimeBack also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 36). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and TimeBack sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TimeBack 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 36, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 100% of TimeBack's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | TimeBack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (36 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-block-addictive-apps/id6748564790/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 36 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Nicholas Camson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1695630069) |

## 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


### TimeBack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timeback-block-addictive-apps/id6748564790)

This app helps you reduce screen time and avoid distractions by blocking addictive applications. It offers customizable blocking schedules, a 'Hard Mode' for complete phone lockdown, and an accountability feature that notifies friends when you override a block.

**Highlights:** App Blocking with custom schedules, Ad-hoc timers, Hard Mode for complete lockdown, Accountability notifications for friends, Block override options, Tracking of schedules and goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| TimeBack Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| TimeBack Premium | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100 TimeBack Points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 TimeBack Points | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 TimeBack Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2500 TimeBack Points | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Screen Time Control App
- 👍 Great Tool
- 👍 Great way to reduce screen time
- 👍 Smooth
- 👍 Productivity increased working from home


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is TimeBack free?

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

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

TimeBack is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while TimeBack averages 5.0 from 36 ratings.

### Do Refocus or TimeBack have ads?

Refocus shows ads; TimeBack does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and TimeBack weekly. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 23, 2026 and TimeBack on October 20, 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.*