# Refocus vs App Lock Timer

The clearest difference is ads: App Lock Timer at none against Refocus's shown. Refocus's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.5). 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 Lock Timer sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Refocus ships an update weekly, App Lock Timer every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | App Lock Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 51 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.5 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [kazutoshi Ohashi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1888055445) |

## 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 Lock Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-timer-focus-lock/id6775095631)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nuclear Focus Pro | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is App Lock Timer free?

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

### Do Refocus or App Lock Timer have ads?

Refocus shows ads; App Lock Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Refocus or App Lock Timer?

Refocus ships an update weekly, and App Lock Timer every 4 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on October 21, 2026 and App Lock Timer on October 6, 2026.

---

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