# Refocus vs Lerf

The clearest difference is ads: Lerf at none against Refocus's shown. Lerf 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 15). On price, review sentiment, 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 Lerf sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lerf 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 15, 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 Lerf's.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Lerf every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Lerf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lerf-screen-time-app-blocker/id6772977644/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 52 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [Grant Hergenroeder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1729593612) |

## 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


### Lerf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lerf-screen-time-app-blocker/id6772977644)

This app helps you regain control of your screen time by blocking distracting applications during specific periods. It offers flexible blocking modes and ambient sounds to support relaxation, study, or sleep. The focus is on protecting your time and peace without intrusive tracking.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Set custom session timers, Easy and Strict blocking modes, Ambient soundscapes, Designed for minimal interaction, Protect personal time

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lerf Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Lerf Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Lerf Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Lerf Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Lerf Yearly | $79.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Lerf free?

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

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

Lerf is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Lerf averages 5.0 from 15 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Lerf have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Lerf does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Lerf every 5 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 8, 2026 and Lerf on October 31, 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.*