# Refocus vs Parkbench

The clearest difference is ads: Parkbench at none against Refocus's shown. Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 5). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Parkbench sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Refocus against 4.8 for Parkbench. 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, Parkbench every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Parkbench |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkbench-app-blocker/id6761879071/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [GADForge LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/916019631) |

## What reviewers say

### Refocus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057)

This tool helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. It offers customizable schedules, strict modes to prevent bypass, and analytics to track your usage. Available on iPhone and Mac.

**Highlights:** Block apps and websites, Strict mode with multiple bypass prevention methods, Customizable blocking schedules and timers, Location-based blocking, Screen time analytics, Mac app available

**Features:** Safari Extension, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refocus Pro | $7.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $8.99 | per month |
| Refocus Pro | $9.99 | 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 |

**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


### Parkbench

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkbench-app-blocker/id6761879071)

This app helps you reduce screen time by blocking distracting apps and websites. Instead of opening them, you'll see a calming park scene that grows with your focus. Set schedules and time limits to protect your quiet hours.

**Highlights:** Block apps and websites, Visual focus timer with growing park, Customizable schedules, Time limits for apps, NFC tag integration, Privacy-focused design

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Parkbench Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Parkbench Premium | $27.99 | per year |
| Parkbench Premium, Lifetime | $84.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Parkbench free?

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

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

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

### Do Refocus or Parkbench have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Parkbench does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Parkbench every 5 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 10, 2026 and Parkbench on October 31, 2026.

---

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