# Refocus vs Harbor

The clearest difference is ads: Harbor at none against Refocus's shown. Harbor also leads on update cadence (daily vs weekly) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Refocus's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 1). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Refocus sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Harbor sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Harbor 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 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Refocus ships an update weekly, Harbor daily. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Refocus | Harbor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refocus-app-blocker-and-lock/id1645639057/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harbor-screen-time-together/id6802499163/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Labi, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/455469767) | [NOAH ANTHONY JOHNSON](https://appshunter.io/developer/6802499165) |

## 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


### Harbor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/harbor-screen-time-together/id6802499163)

This app helps you manage screen time by involving a trusted friend or family member. Choose between accountability levels where your Anchor can approve or decline requests for extra time, or simply be informed of your choices. It offers flexible modes for self-management and ensures your phone activity remains private.

**Highlights:** Anchor-supported screen time blocking, Approve/decline time requests, Private by design, no monitoring, Set daily limits and schedules, Request temporary access, Flexible mode for self-management

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Harbor Plus Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Harbor Plus Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Refocus free?

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

### Is Harbor free?

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

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

Harbor is rated higher. Refocus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Harbor averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Refocus or Harbor have ads?

Refocus shows ads; Harbor does not.

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

Refocus ships an update weekly, and Harbor daily. Most recently, Refocus was updated on November 8, 2026 and Harbor 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.*