# Focustown vs ReadUp

The clearest difference is monetization model: Focustown at free with in-app purchases against ReadUp's subscription. Focustown also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 10 days) and ratings volume (8K vs 6). ReadUp's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 77%). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focustown sells 21 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and ReadUp sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReadUp holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focustown has 8K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Focustown's written reviews are positive against 100% of ReadUp's.

Focustown ships an update every 2 days, ReadUp every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focustown | ReadUp |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focustown-pomodoro-timer/id6758457625/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readup-read-for-screen-time/id6790545729/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 77.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#198** | — |
| Size | 1.1 GB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.2** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Second Round Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818164945) | [Nedas Mikucionis](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790545731) |

## What reviewers say

### Focustown

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focustown-pomodoro-timer/id6758457625)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app offers a virtual study environment where users can connect with others globally. Choose from cozy settings like cafes or libraries to focus alongside real people in real time, fostering accountability and motivation for students and professionals.

**Highlights:** Cozy study environments (cafes, libraries), Study with real people globally, Earn coins and customize character, Study with friends for accountability, Built-in focus timer

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

**In-app purchases (21)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Foucstown Pro Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Foucstown Pro Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Foucstown Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Foucstown Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Foucstown Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Foucstown Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Pocketful of Brown Beans | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pocketful Golden Beans | $0.99 | one-time |
| Purchase Coffee Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Single Coffee Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Handful of Golden Beans | $0.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Golden Beans | $2.99 | one-time |
| Bag of Brown Beans | $3.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Golden Beans | $3.99 | one-time |
| Super Boost Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Golden Beans | $3.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Brown Beans | $9.99 | one-time |
| Cart of Brown Beans | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Golden Beans | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Golden Beans | $19.99 | one-time |
| Cart of Golden Beans | $39.99 | one-time |


### ReadUp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readup-read-for-screen-time/id6790545729)

This app encourages reading by temporarily blocking distracting applications. Users set reading goals and unlock their apps only after completing their reading sessions, promoting focused engagement with content.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Set reading goals, Unlock apps after reading, Curated book library, Focused reading experience, Track reading progress

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access (Weekly) | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access (Yearly) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focustown free?

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

### Is ReadUp free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Focustown or ReadUp?

ReadUp is rated higher. Focustown averages 4.8 out of 5 from 8K ratings, while ReadUp averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do Focustown or ReadUp have ads?

Focustown shows ads; ReadUp does not.

### Which is updated more often, Focustown or ReadUp?

Focustown ships an update every 2 days, and ReadUp every 10 days. Most recently, Focustown was updated on October 18, 2026 and ReadUp on October 11, 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.*