# Refocus vs App Blocker

The clearest difference is ads: App Blocker at none against Refocus's shown. App Blocker also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 4). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and App Blocker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

App Blocker 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 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, App Blocker every 11 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | App Blocker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-locked/id6762250053/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 11 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 51 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [YUNFEI XU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893542767) |

## 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


### App Blocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-blocker-locked/id6762250053)

This app helps you focus by blocking distracting applications and websites with a single tap. Set a timer, and access returns automatically when it's up. An optional tap challenge adds friction for early unlocks.

**Highlights:** One-tap blocking for distracting apps, Custom focus durations, Automatic unblock when time is up, Tap challenge for early unlocks, Private by design, Built with Apple’s Screen Time controls

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is App Blocker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Refocus or App Blocker?

App Blocker is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while App Blocker averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Refocus or App Blocker have ads?

Refocus shows ads; App Blocker does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or App Blocker?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and App Blocker every 11 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 28, 2026 and App Blocker on October 28, 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.*