# Refocus vs TakeTime

The clearest difference is monetization model: Refocus at free with in-app purchases against TakeTime's subscription. Refocus also leads on ratings volume (12K vs 20) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). TakeTime's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and TakeTime sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 100% of TakeTime's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Refocus ships an update weekly, TakeTime fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | TakeTime |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taketime-study-app-blocker/id6757314402/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 51 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Tenille Hyun](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435451428) |

## 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


### TakeTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taketime-study-app-blocker/id6757314402)

This app helps you avoid distractions by requiring a brief learning activity before accessing blocked apps. You can create custom learning modules from PDFs and images, or use pre-made content to stay focused and productive.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Complete learning activities, Create custom study modules, Convert PDFs to learning content, Simple and fast UI, Designed for focus

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TakeTime Pro Weekly Discount | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| TakeTime Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| TakeTime Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| TakeTime Pro Yearly Discount | $24.99 | per year |
| TakeTime Pro Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| 5 Upload Credits | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is TakeTime free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or TakeTime?

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while TakeTime averages 4.5 from 20 ratings.

### Do Refocus or TakeTime have ads?

Refocus shows ads; TakeTime does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and TakeTime fortnightly. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 28, 2026 and TakeTime on October 24, 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.*