# Refocus vs Route

The clearest difference is price: Refocus at Free against Route's $1.99. Refocus also leads on update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.1). Route's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). On in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Refocus is free to download; Route costs $1.99 up front. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Route sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Route fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Route |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 51 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.1 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Stephen Ayers](https://appshunter.io/developer/300728335) |

## 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


### Route

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/route-runner-errand-planner/id6756633598)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Family Sharing | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Route free?

Route costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Do Refocus or Route have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Route does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Route fortnightly. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 31, 2026 and Route on October 20, 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.*