# Refocus vs Screen Time Control App

The clearest difference is ads: Screen Time Control App at none against Refocus's shown. Screen Time Control App also leads on update cadence (daily vs weekly) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (11K vs 2). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Screen Time Control App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Screen Time Control App holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 11K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Screen Time Control App daily. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Screen Time Control App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-app/id6758152591/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 93.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 51 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Lilucat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1676061700) |

## 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 (12)**

| 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 | $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


### Screen Time Control App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-time-control-app/id6758152591)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting apps and providing insights into your usage. Set schedules for app blocking and receive motivational reminders to encourage a healthier digital balance and boost productivity.

**Highlights:** App Blocking, Scheduled Blocking, Instant Category Blocking, Usage Insights, Motivational Reminders

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ScreenTimeControl Pro | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| ScreenTimeControl Pro | $9.99 | per year |
| ScreenTimeControl Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Screen Time Control App free?

Screen Time Control App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or Screen Time Control App?

Screen Time Control App is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 11K ratings, while Screen Time Control App averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Screen Time Control App have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Screen Time Control App does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or Screen Time Control App?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Screen Time Control App daily. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 24, 2026 and Screen Time Control App on August 13, 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.*