Refocus vs Deadline Zero
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
Deadline Zero
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Deadlines aren't numbers on a calendar. They're gravity. Deadline Zero shows your tasks falling through space. The closer the deadline, the lower they sink. Miss it, and they fall into the abyss. No complex systems. No overwhelming features. Just your tasks, falling. HOW IT WORKS - Add a task with a deadline - Watch it descend as time runs out - Complete it before it's consumed - Or let it fall—and learn from it THE ABYSS Missed deadlines don't disappear. They collect in the abyss below. You can recover them, but you'll see exactly how many times you've let things slip. The app remembers. The question is whether you'll do better. FEATURES - Visual deadline system—tasks fall as time passes - Free positioning—drag tasks anywhere on screen - Urgency indicators—color shifts as deadlines approach - Task details—add optional notes for context - History tracking—see saved and fallen tasks - Import/Export—backup and restore your data - Dark interface—no distractions, just focus DESIGN PHILOSOPHY Most task apps add features. Deadline Zero removes them. What remains is pressure—the good kind. The kind that makes you act. No notifications begging for attention. No gamification. No streaks. Just a simple question every time you open the app: what's about to fall? Built for people who need to feel their deadlines, not just see them.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Refocus at Free against Deadline Zero's $1.99. Deadline Zero's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and ads (none vs shown).
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Refocus is free to download; Deadline Zero costs $1.99 up front. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Deadline Zero asks for nothing beyond the download.
Refocus ships an update weekly, Deadline Zero every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Refocus | Deadline Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (12K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 12K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 51 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Labi, LLC | Zaid Naim |
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
Deadline Zero
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Refocus
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
- Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- 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
- Reset Strict Mode$1.00
- Reset Strict Mode$5.00
- Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Reset Strict Mode$50.00
Deadline Zero
No in-app purchases









