Comparison

Refocus vs FocusWatch App

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

Head to head
About

Refocus

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
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

FocusWatch App

Features
Read full description

FocusWatch helps children and teens with focus challenges or ADHD structure their daily routines, complete tasks independently, and build positive habits. Designed for iPhone and Apple Watch, the app combines clear visual workflows, gentle haptic reminders on the wrist, and an engaging reward system.

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
FocusWatch App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FocusWatch App at none against Refocus's 17. FocusWatch App also leads on ads (none vs shown). Refocus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. FocusWatch App asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update weekly, FocusWatch App every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Refocus versus FocusWatch App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusFocusWatch App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings12K — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB61 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperLabi, LLCElia Salerno

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

FocusWatch App

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

13 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions9
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Refocus Pro (Family)7 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Month trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial2 variants$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro1 Year trial$49.991 Year
  • Refocus Pro7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time4
  • Reset Strict Mode$1.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$5.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 more
  • Reset Strict Mode$50.00
None

FocusWatch App

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FocusWatch App free?
FocusWatch App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Refocus or FocusWatch App have ads?
Refocus shows ads; FocusWatch App does not.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or FocusWatch App?
Refocus ships an update weekly, and FocusWatch App every 2 months. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 30, 2026 and FocusWatch App on October 28, 2026.

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