Comparison

Refocus vs Focus Block

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Refocus

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
Read full description

Refocus is an app blocker & website blocker that helps you limit screen time on apps! Refocus is easy to use, yet has powerful screen time control features: ▶ Various ways to restrict or lock apps and block websites. Choose what helps you focus! Block any app or site — from social media and games to messaging and news. ▶ "Strict Mode" feature prevents you from unblocking. Set a passcode, or use an NFC tag, or wait a duration (ex. 30 seconds), or do a copy text challenge, or utilize Pomodoro (limit unblocking to 5 times per day, for 25 minutes each, with a 5-minute cooldown between each unblock). ▶ Block for a specific duration (ex. app timer for 30 minutes). ▶ Block at specific times (ex. every weekday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). ▶ Set app limits (ex. after 10 minutes of using Instagram, block it). Set an app time limit! ▶ Hide Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts in Safari. ▶ Block at the location you pick — whether it be home, work or school. ▶ View your daily, weekly and monthly Screen Time analytics. Use Refocus as a screen time tracker! ▶ Mac app that also lets you block apps and websites on macOS. ▶ And more! --- Visit www.refocusapp.co for more information. Terms of Use: - https://refocusapp.co/terms-of-use

About

Focus Block

This tool helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps and notifications. Create custom schedules or initiate instant focus sessions to improve productivity and build healthier digital habits.

Highlights
  • Instant focus sessions
  • Automated blocking schedules
  • Insightful analytics
  • Customizable distraction blocking
  • Privacy-focused design
  • Reduce screen time anxiety
Features
Read full description

Every day, mindless scrolling and constant notifications pull our attention away from what actually matters. Willpower isn't always enough to fight back. Meet Focus Block: a clean, no-nonsense screen time tool designed to eliminate digital noise, help you build better habits, and get your day back. Whether you need to lock in for a deep work session, study without interruptions, or simply disconnect before bed, Focus Block gives you the control to make it happen. Stop losing hours to your screen. Start designing your time. HOW IT HELPS YOU Do Deep Work: Silence the apps that drain your attention so you can hit your flow state faster. Sleep Better: Automatically lock away social media and games before bedtime to wind down naturally. Reduce Screen Time Anxiety: Break the cycle of doom-scrolling and build a more mindful relationship with your phone. CORE FEATURES ▶ Instant Focus Need to get in the zone right now? Launch a spontaneous block with a single tap. Pick your distracting apps, set a timer, and get to work. ▶ Automated Schedules Set it and forget it. Create custom blocking routines tailored to your daily life. Automatically block distractions during your 9-to-5, your evening study sessions, or your nightly sleep routine. ▶ Insightful Analytics Measure what matters. Track your daily and weekly progress with clean, easy-to-read analytics. Understand your habits, spot your most distracting apps, and watch your focus improve over time. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your data belongs to you. Focus Block uses Apple’s native Screen Time API to manage apps securely. It works entirely on your device, meaning your personal browsing data never leaves your phone. PRICING & TRIAL Focus Block is a premium tool. We offer a generous free trial for you to experience the app, after which an active paid subscription is required to continue using the features. Monthly and annual plans are available. TERMS OF USE: https://focusblock.io/legal/terms-of-use.html

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
Focus Block4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Refocus at 93% against Focus Block's 0%. Refocus also leads on ratings volume (12K vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Focus Block's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Focus Block sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Focus Block 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 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 0% of Focus Block's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update weekly, Focus Block every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Refocus versus Focus Block: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusFocus Block
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews92.9% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings12K — better1
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB71 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLabi, LLCAleks Usmanov

Customer experience

Refocus

All ratings11,824 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral2.0%
Negative2.9%
Written reviews2,248 reviews
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.1%

Focus Block

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

Refocus

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Blocking issues after phone restart
  • Inconsistent behavior when pausing/unpausing sessions
  • Crashing when trying to block apps in certain categories

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

Focus Block

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions7
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 4 more
  • Refocus Pro$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
5 purchases

Focus Block

Subscriptions5
  • Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Monthly3 Days trial$20.001 Month
Show 2 more
  • Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Yearly14 Days trial$89.991 Year

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focus Block free?
Focus Block is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Refocus or Focus Block?
Focus Block is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Focus Block averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Refocus or Focus Block have ads?
Both Refocus and Focus Block show ads.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or Focus Block?
Refocus ships an update weekly, and Focus Block every 2 weeks. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 7, 2026 and Focus Block on October 30, 2026.

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