# Pulse Focus vs DOTS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pulse Focus at none against DOTS's 4. Pulse Focus also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DOTS sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Pulse Focus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pulse Focus ships an update every 9 days, DOTS every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pulse Focus | DOTS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-screen-time-and-focus/id6775587232/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 141 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 26.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Synheart AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867353630) | [Novarch LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6773573492) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### DOTS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-screen-time-and-focus/id6775587232)

Visualize your finite time and protect it from distractions. Set daily app limits, schedule downtime, and track reclaimed hours to live more intentionally. Features include a life grid, focus mode, and weekly reflections.

**Highlights:** Life grid visualization, Focus mode to block distractions, Daily app time limits, Scheduled downtime, Weekly reflections, Time reclaimed tracking

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pulse Focus free?

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

### Is DOTS free?

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

### Do Pulse Focus or DOTS have ads?

Neither Pulse Focus nor DOTS shows ads.

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

Pulse Focus ships an update every 9 days, and DOTS every 8 days. Most recently, Pulse Focus was updated on September 30, 2026 and DOTS on October 3, 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.*