# Roots vs Focusone

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Focusone at 100% against Roots's 75%. Focusone also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Roots sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Focusone sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Roots ships an update every 3 weeks, Focusone every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Roots | Focusone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 355 MB | 122 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.2** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MWM](https://appshunter.io/developer/452269707) | [Murat Kuslu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1566247480) |

## What reviewers say

### Roots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/roots-screen-time-control/id6446800962)

This app helps you regain control of your phone usage by setting app limits, scheduling downtime, and participating in detox challenges. It provides insights into your screen time habits and offers features like 'Monk Mode' for focused periods. Aimed at improving well-being and reducing phone addiction.

**Highlights:** App and website blocking, Scheduled downtime, Phone detox challenges, Monk Mode for strict blocking, Digital dopamine monitoring, Daily goals and progress tracking, Personal balance score

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots Plus - Weekly Plan | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Roots - Monthly Plan | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Pass | $19.99 | per month |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $59.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $59.99 | per year |
| Premium | $69.99 | per year |
| Roots Plus - Annual Plan | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |
| Premium Pass | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for reducing screen time
- 🚀 Effective in cutting down app usage
- 💡 Customizable app blocking and downtime settings
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 👍 Responsive customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues and bugs
- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking and unblocking
- 🐛 Inaccurate screen time tracking
- 🐛 Difficulty deleting account or changing subscription
- 🐛 Frustrating when apps are locked unexpectedly

**Reported bugs**

- Apps getting blocked when they shouldn't be
- Screen time data not syncing correctly
- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Trouble with the initial setup and syncing

**Requested features**

- Home screen and lock screen widgets
- Customizable challenges and ability to share with friends
- More options for the 'Do Not Disturb' mode
- Improved analytics and progress tracking
- Ability to easily adjust app limits without resetting


### Focusone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusone-screen-time-control/id6502221959)

This app helps you regain control of your digital life by blocking distracting apps and websites, setting smart limits, and scheduling focus sessions. It offers detailed analytics and strict mode for enhanced discipline, along with brain training games for mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and websites, Set smart app limits (daily budget, opens, session), Flexible focus timers, Automated scheduling, Detailed screen time analytics, Strict mode for unbreakable focus, Brain training games

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focusone Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Focusone Pro (6 Months) | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Focusone Premium (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Roots free?

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

### Is Focusone free?

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

### Do Roots or Focusone have ads?

Neither Roots nor Focusone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Roots or Focusone?

Roots ships an update every 3 weeks, and Focusone every 4 days. Most recently, Roots was updated on October 1, 2026 and Focusone on September 21, 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.*