# Refocus vs NoMo Screen Time

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NoMo Screen Time at none against Refocus's 10. NoMo Screen Time also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 5). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. NoMo Screen Time asks for nothing beyond the download.

NoMo Screen Time 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 5, 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 NoMo Screen Time's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, NoMo Screen Time every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | NoMo Screen Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nomo-screen-time/id6748623068/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 52 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Aswath Krishnan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1826636546) |

## 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


### NoMo Screen Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nomo-screen-time/id6748623068)

This app helps you reclaim your time and focus by playfully interrupting distracting app usage. Set daily or hourly goals and receive fun visual feedback as your screen time decreases. It encourages intention over strict restriction.

**Highlights:** App blocking and timers, Daily and hourly goals, Fun visual feedback, Usage-based mood changes, Focus on intention

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is NoMo Screen Time free?

NoMo Screen Time is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or NoMo Screen Time?

NoMo Screen Time is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while NoMo Screen Time averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Refocus or NoMo Screen Time have ads?

Refocus shows ads; NoMo Screen Time does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or NoMo Screen Time?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and NoMo Screen Time every 5 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 9, 2026 and NoMo Screen Time 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.*