WhyNow vs Focusly
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
WhyNow
This app helps you reduce time spent on distracting applications by requiring intentional unlocks. Create custom blocking profiles and choose from various unlock methods like physical movement, QR codes, or timers to build better phone habits.
- Block distracting apps
- Create focused profiles
- Unlock with movement challenges
- Use QR codes or NFC tags
- Add timers and delays
- Track focus progress
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WhyNow helps you spend less time on distracting apps by making every unlock intentional. Instead of relying only on limits you can ignore, WhyNow lets you create blocking profiles for the apps that pull you in, then choose how access should be unlocked. Move before you scroll, scan a QR code, tap an NFC tag, wait through a timer, pause with intention, or use emergency access when you truly need it. Use WhyNow to: - Block distracting apps with Apple Screen Time - Create focused profiles for work, study, sleep, mornings, nights, or deep focus - Unlock with pushups and movement-based challenges - Use QR codes or NFC tags as physical keys - Add timers, delays, pauses, and emergency access - Track sessions and see your focus progress over time - Build better phone habits without losing access when it matters WhyNow is built for people who want practical screen time control, not guilt. It helps you create friction in the moments when you need it most, so opening a distracting app becomes a conscious choice instead of a reflex. Start with a simple profile, choose the apps you want to block, pick an unlock method, and let WhyNow help you reclaim your time one session at a time. Terms of Use: https://tanvir.io/awesomeapps/terms Privacy Policy: https://tanvir.io/awesomeapps/privacy
Focusly
This app helps you regain focus by blocking distracting applications for a set period. Easily select which apps to disable and start a focus session to concentrate on work, study, or relaxation without interruptions.
- Block distracting apps
- Set focus session length
- Start focus mode quickly
- Keep selected apps unavailable
- Customizable app blocking
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"Take back control over your phone usage. The average person spends hours mindlessly scrolling every day. Stop distractions and reclaim your time for work, study, rest and sleep. Block distracting apps and in‑app web content, set focus timers, and build auto‑running routines to stay productive. Our focus score tracks your wellbeing, helping you reduce screen time effortlessly. Key Benefits • Cut daily screen‑time and stop mindless scrolling • Reduce distractions for work, study & deep work • Improve focus, stress relief and better sleep quality • Friendly for users needing focus support including ADHD • Build custom daily routines for work hours, sleep & family time Powerful Features App & In‑App Web Content Blocker Block distracting apps and in‑app web content on custom schedules. Build blocklist & allowlist for work, bedtime or leisure. Focus Timer & Deep Focus Mode One‑tap focus sessions. Deep‑Focus mode prevents you from bypassing blocks for undisturbed deep work. Auto‑Running Rules & Routines Schedule automatic blocking rules. Pre‑built templates for deep work, sleep‑time, lunch break and family moments. Focus Reports & Focus Score Track screen‑time, distracted time and wellness metrics. Compare your progress against your own history. Resist Temptation Add friction to unblock apps. Challenge yourself before disabling blocks to avoid mindless opening. Smart Distraction Alerts Get gentle reminders when you spend too much time on distracting applications. System Integration Support system shortcuts & focus‑mode linkage. Home‑screen widget available. Private & Secure All processing runs locally on your device. Your personal usage data never leaves your phone. Regain your focus and take charge of your digital life today!"
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focusly at none against WhyNow's 3. Focusly also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 9 days) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and device support 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. WhyNow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Focusly asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for WhyNow against 5.0 for Focusly. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.
WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, Focusly every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | WhyNow | Focusly |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 108 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Taseen Tanvir | APTE Ltd |
Customer experience
WhyNow
Focusly
In-app purchases
WhyNow
- WhyNow Monthly$9.991 Month
- WhyNow Annual Save Offer$39.991 Year
- WhyNow Annual7 Days trial$59.991 Year
Focusly
No in-app purchases









