UFOCUS vs Merit
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
UFOCUS
This app introduces physical challenges as a barrier to accessing distracting applications. Users complete exercises like push-ups or squats to earn screen time, promoting healthier phone habits and better control over usage.
- App blocking
- Physical exercise challenges
- Screen time unlocking
- Habit building
- Usage control
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HOW TO USE Focus 1) Choose the apps you want to limit 2) Select a physical challenge (push-ups, squats, etc.) 3) Complete the exercise to unlock screen time Focus adds real-world friction before opening distracting apps. Instead of relying on willpower alone, you earn your scrolling time by moving your body. Whether you’re trying to study, work, or simply spend less time on social media, Focus helps you build healthier phone habits and stay in control of your screen time. If you have ideas or questions, please contact us at hello@ufocus.app. NOTE: Focus uses Apple’s Screen Time framework to block selected apps and monitor usage. Exercise tracking features may vary by device. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION* uFocus SUBSCRIPTION is required to use and enjoy full access to features and content. If you choose a uFocus subscription, payment will be charged to your Apple Account after the free trial ends. The subscription will automatically renew unless turned off in your Apple Account Settings at least 24 hours before the current period ends. From Apple Account settings you can manage your subscription and turn off auto-renew. Your Apple Account will be charged when the purchase is confirmed. If you subscribe before your trial ends, the remaining free trial period will be forfeited when your purchase is confirmed. TERMS: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Merit
This app locks distracting applications on your phone until you achieve your daily fitness objectives. It integrates with health tracking to monitor your activity, helping you build consistent exercise habits and reduce screen time.
- Fitness-based app blocking
- Apple Health integration
- Customizable fitness goals
- Personalized app blocking
- Habit building
- Screen time control
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Merit helps you exercise more and scroll less by locking distracting apps until you complete your daily fitness goals. Merit blocks apps on your phone until you complete your set physical activity for the day. We know just how difficult it is to exercise when the dopamine rush of social media is one click away. This is why we built Merit. FEATURES Fitness-Based App Blocking Block any app or website until you complete your daily physical activity goal. Apple Health Integration Merit securely syncs with Apple Health to track steps, calories burned, or Move goals. Custom Fitness Goals Set goals that match your lifestyle, and increase them as your fitness improves. Personalized App Blocking Choose exactly which apps or sites to block (social media, streaming, games, and more). Build Consistent Habits Turn exercise into a daily non-negotiable by tying it to something you already want. Screen Time Control Reduce screen time by limiting access to distracting apps until your goals are complete. WHY DOES IT WORK? Merit removes temptation and replaces it with accountability, helping you: - Reduce screen time - Exercise consistently - Build healthier daily habits Merit includes a free 14 day trial to use all of its features. You can start a 14-day free trial to access Merit's features. Unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the free trial, you will be automatically charged the price indicated on the payment screen. Terms of Use: https://www.getmerit.app/terms-of-use Privacy Policy: https://www.getmerit.app/privacy-policy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: Merit at free with in-app purchases against UFOCUS's subscription. UFOCUS's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. UFOCUS sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Merit sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for UFOCUS against 5.0 for Merit. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
| Parameter | UFOCUS | Merit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Subscription | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 77 MB | 41 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Asadbek Noyibjonov | GajLabs Corp. |
Customer experience
UFOCUS
Merit
In-app purchases
UFOCUS
- Focus$9.991 Month
- Focus7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Merit
- Merit Pro Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Merit Pro Yearly7 Days trial$69.991 Year









