# Refocus vs ScrollBuddy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against ScrollBuddy's 0%. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (12K vs 9). ScrollBuddy's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and ScrollBuddy sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 9, 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 0% of ScrollBuddy's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, ScrollBuddy every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | ScrollBuddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [3.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollbuddy-screen-time/id6749676786/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **93.1% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Aaron Vinod](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809840522) |

## 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


### ScrollBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scrollbuddy-screen-time/id6749676786)

This app helps break addictive scrolling habits by introducing friction and scheduled limits. It allows you to set time budgets for your favorite social apps, offering gentle nudges and optional accountability with a partner. Focus on your well-being and reclaim your time with a kinder system.

**Highlights:** Scheduled time windows for app usage, Daily time budgets for apps, Kind block screens when time is up, Limit multiple social apps in one place, Micro-escape timers for breaks, Optional buddy accountability, Smart nudges and warnings

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| ScrollBuddy Monthly Premium | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| ScrollBuddy Annual Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Good buddy | $4.99 | one-time |
| Great buddy | $9.99 | one-time |
| Best buddy | $17.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is ScrollBuddy free?

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

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

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while ScrollBuddy averages 3.9 from 9 ratings.

### Do Refocus or ScrollBuddy have ads?

Refocus shows ads; ScrollBuddy does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and ScrollBuddy every 9 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 16, 2026 and ScrollBuddy on October 5, 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.*