# Refocus vs FocusWatch App

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.

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.

Refocus ships an update weekly, FocusWatch App every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | FocusWatch App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 51 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Elia Salerno](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844844214) |

## 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


### FocusWatch App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focuswatch-app/id6753757161)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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 31, 2026 and FocusWatch App on October 28, 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.*