PauseBox vs Nufocus
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PauseBox
This app helps you block digital distractions by creating a physical barrier. Select apps to block, create custom groups with schedules, and then tap your phone on a physical device to initiate a focus session. It encourages intentional separation to break habit loops.
- Select apps to block
- Create custom Pause Groups
- Schedule focus sessions
- Use physical device for blocking
- Remote blocking option
- Intentional separation from phone
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PauseBox creates a physical block between you and distractions. Here's how it works: 1. Select the apps you want to block Open the PauseApp and choose which apps to block, or select the few you want to keep. Create custom Pause Groups like Work, Study, or Family Time, each with its own app rules, schedules, or timers to fit your day.PauseBox creates a physical block between you and distractions. Here's how it works: 2. Tap your phone on PauseBox to block selected apps After selecting a Pause Group, tap your phone on the PauseBox to start blocking apps. Your focus session begins right away. Not nearby? Use “Pause without tap” in the app to start remotely. 3. Put distance between you and the PauseBox Place your PauseBox out of reach to create intentional separation. As a physical barrier to digital distractions, it makes unblocking a conscious choice and helps break the habit loop.
Nufocus
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Nufocus helps you focus with less friction and stronger accountability. What you can do: - Start focus sessions that block distracting apps using Apple Screen Time controls - Build custom schedules so focus starts automatically when you need it - Use break controls that keep sessions intentional - Track progress with focus time and streaks - Add friends, send requests, and compare focus time on leaderboards - Use a Nufocus keycard for session control, including ending sessions - Use Child Mode and Strict Mode controls for stronger lock-in Built for real life: - Works with Nufocus keycard controlled sessions and scheduled sessions - Lets users choose notification categories across local and push alerts: session reminders, schedule alerts, streak warnings, friend activity, and optional product news - Works offline Privacy and control: - You can delete your account from inside the app. - Marketing notifications are optional and off by default. - Critical account, security, or service-stability notices may still be sent when needed. - Privacy Policy and Terms are available in Settings. - App-blocking selections stay on-device; account and progress data sync to your Nufocus account. - Privacy first. Your screen time data stays securely on your device - never shared, never stored elsewhere. Visit our website to learn more: nufocus.in
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: PauseBox at none against Nufocus's shown. Nufocus's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
PauseBox ships an update every 3 months, Nufocus every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PauseBox | Nufocus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (29 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 82.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 29 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 90 MB | 41 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Britt Espinosa | Lateef Shaik |
In-app purchases
PauseBox
No in-app purchases
Nufocus
No in-app purchases









