# Refocus vs Reduce Screen Time

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Reduce Screen Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-screen-time-mindrot/id6758914060/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Onur Cagan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875719291) |

## 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


### Reduce Screen Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reduce-screen-time-mindrot/id6758914060)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-Week | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Annual D (1 Year) | $14.99 | per year |
| Annual (1 Year) | $24.99 | per year |
| Annual (1 Year) | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year) | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual (1-Week Free Trial) (1 Year) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*