# Refocus vs Detachd

The clearest difference is monetization model: Refocus at free with in-app purchases against Detachd's subscription. Refocus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (12K vs 5). On price, update cadence, ads 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 Detachd sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Refocus has 12K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Detachd every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Detachd |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | [4.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detachd-screen-time-control/id6760297090/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 51 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [App One Dijital Hizmetler Anonim Sirketi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434187646) |

## 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


### Detachd

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/detachd-screen-time-control/id6760297090)

This app locks distracting applications and requires physical exercise, like push-ups or squats, to earn back access. It uses on-device computer vision to track reps, promoting less screen time and more physical activity. Earn minutes by moving first, then unlock your apps.

**Highlights:** App blocking with physical effort unlock, On-device rep tracking via computer vision, Customizable daily rep targets, Multiple exercise options (push-ups, squats, etc.), Streak tracking for consistency, Built on Apple's Screen Time framework

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Detachd Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Detachd Weekly Free Trial | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Detachd Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Detachd Annual - Free Trial | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Detachd free?

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

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

Refocus is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Detachd averages 4.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Detachd have ads?

Both Refocus and Detachd show ads.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Detachd every 5 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 24, 2026 and Detachd on October 17, 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.*