# SandBud vs Pulse Focus

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pulse Focus at none against SandBud's 2. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SandBud sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Pulse Focus asks for nothing beyond the download.

SandBud ships an update weekly, Pulse Focus every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SandBud | Pulse Focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **30** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 281 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sean Kuannery Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1757730721) | [Synheart AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867353630) |

## What reviewers say

### SandBud

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbud-focus-app-blocker/id6550890951)

This app helps you reclaim your screen time and build focus habits by blocking distracting applications. It gamifies the process by allowing you to design a virtual zen garden with elements earned from completed focus sessions. Stay present, reduce scrolling, and cultivate mindfulness with rewarding progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Block apps with focus plans, Design a virtual zen garden, Earn rewards for focus streaks, Track daily focus progress, Enter deep focus with Zen Mode, Take timed breaks, View screen time reports

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimeBack Premium (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| TimeBack Premium (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Thoughtfully designed
- 👍 Helps save from bad habits
- 👍 Blend of technology and mindfulness
- 👍 Gamified experience for reducing screen time
- 👍 Nurtures a positive habit


### Pulse Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulse-focus/id6758733557)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SandBud free?

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

### Is Pulse Focus free?

Pulse Focus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do SandBud or Pulse Focus have ads?

Neither SandBud nor Pulse Focus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SandBud or Pulse Focus?

SandBud ships an update weekly, and Pulse Focus every 9 days. Most recently, SandBud was updated on October 21, 2026 and Pulse Focus on October 14, 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.*