Comparison

Refocus vs Reduce Screen Time

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

Reduce Screen Time

Take control of your digital life with this app designed to help you reclaim focus and boost productivity. Block distracting apps, set custom focus sessions, and track your screen time with insightful analytics. It aims to help you build a healthier relationship with your phone and reduce anxiety.

Highlights
  • Customizable app blocking
  • Nudges to stop doomscrolling
  • Instant Zen Mode for focus
  • Scheduled focus sessions
  • Gamified leaderboards and achievements
  • In-depth screen time analytics
  • Mindful breathing sessions
Features
Read full description

Block Apps and Take Control of Your Digital Life with Mindrot Stop doomscrolling and start living. Mindrot is the ultimate all-in-one screen time controller designed to help you reclaim your focus, boost your productivity, and improve your mental well-being. Whether you’re battling social media addiction, managing your focus distractions, or simply want more presence in your daily life, Mindrot provides the tools you need to build a healthier relationship with your phone. We spend an average of 5 to 6 hours a day on our screens, often without even realizing it. Mindrot changes the game by turning digital detox into a rewarding, personalized journey! KEY FEATURES Total Personalization & App Blocking You are in the driver’s seat. Select exactly which apps to block, when to block them, and for how long. Our advanced app blocker allows you to create custom lists so you can stay away from distractions while keeping your essential tools accessible! Nudges to Stop Doomscrolling Do you constantly find yourself switching from one social media app to another on your phone? Can’t stop yourself from doomscrolling? Don’t worry, we’ve got the solution! With our new Nudges feature, you can finally put an end to endless doomscrolling. It’s all in your hands: choose the app you spend the most time doomscrolling on, and while you use it, we’ll send you reminders at set intervals. Instant Zen Mode Need to focus right now? With a single tap, activate Zen Mode to instantly block all distracting apps. No complex setups or manual adjustments, just immediate peace of mind whenever you need to dive into deep work or enjoy your dinner without your phone. Scheduled Sessions Set it and forget it. Create Scheduled Sessions for your work hours, study time, or sleep routine. Once configured, your sessions start automatically according to your chosen days and times. Your initial settings are saved, so your focus routine runs like clockwork every single week. Gamified Leaderboards & Achievements Quitting your screen habit doesn't have to be boring. Earn points for every detox and successful focus session you complete. Climb the Global Leaderboard, compete with other users, and unlock Achievements as you hit new milestones. Turn your productivity into a win! In-Depth Screen Time Analytics Knowledge is power. Visit the Screen Time Screen to access comprehensive data on your usage. See exactly how much time you spend on your phone throughout the week and identify which apps are eating up your day. Clear, easy-to-read charts help you track your progress over time. Mindful Breathing Sessions Mindrot isn't just about blocking; it’s about balance. If you feel the urge to check your phone, take a moment for yourself with our built-in Breathing Sessions. These guided exercises help reduce anxiety and recenter your focus before you jump back into your tasks. WHY MINDROT? Reduce Anxiety: Break the dopamine loop of constant notifications. Boost Productivity: Spend more time on what actually matters. Improve Sleep: Block stimulating apps before bed for a better night's rest. Support Mental Health: Combat the negative effects of social media and ADHD distractions. Join thousands of users who are reclaiming their time and mental clarity. Mindrot is more than just an app blocker, it’s your partner in digital wellness. Looking for the best app to reduce screen time and block apps? Download Mindrot today and turn your screen time into life time. Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cHNyayF2nW2XHrn6TxQsO5z0Z62OkDyvFMdUV9r56hA/edit?tab=t.0 Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l6CEfJHx59UfYanlz2XquUKF9Rm3OKa6fwhZeLMSPfQ/edit?tab=t.0

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
Reduce Screen Time4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Reduce Screen Time at none against Refocus's shown. Reduce Screen Time also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Reduce Screen Time holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Refocus's written reviews are positive against 100% of Reduce Screen Time's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update weekly, Reduce Screen Time every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Refocus versus Reduce Screen Time: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusReduce Screen Time
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (12K ratings)5.0 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews93.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12K — better6
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 8 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB57 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLabi, LLCOnur Cagan

Customer experience

Refocus

All ratings11,757 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral1.9%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews2,246 reviews
Positive93.0%
Neutral2.9%
Negative4.1%

Reduce Screen Time

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

Reduce Screen Time

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

13 purchases

Refocus

Subscriptions9
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial2 variants$7.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • Refocus Pro3 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • 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
One-time4
  • Reset Strict Mode$1.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$5.00
  • Reset Strict Mode$10.00
Show 1 more
  • Reset Strict Mode$50.00
7 purchases

Reduce Screen Time

Subscriptions7
  • 1-Week$4.997 Days
  • Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Annual D (1 Year)7 Days trial$14.991 Year
Show 4 more
  • Annual (1 Year)$24.991 Year
  • Annual (1 Year)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year)7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year)7 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Reduce Screen Time free?
Reduce Screen Time is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Refocus or Reduce Screen Time?
Reduce Screen Time is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Reduce Screen Time averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.
Do Refocus or Reduce Screen Time have ads?
Refocus shows ads; Reduce Screen Time does not.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or Reduce Screen Time?
Refocus ships an update weekly, and Reduce Screen Time every 8 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 29, 2026 and Reduce Screen Time on October 24, 2026.

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