Comparison

WhyNow vs Focusly

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Create focused profiles
  • Unlock with movement challenges
  • Use QR codes or NFC tags
  • Add timers and delays
  • Track focus progress
Features
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • Set focus session length
  • Start focus mode quickly
  • Keep selected apps unavailable
  • Customizable app blocking
Features
Read full description

"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

WhyNow4 screens
Focusly4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. WhyNow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Focusly asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
WhyNow versus Focusly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWhyNowFocusly
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size108 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTaseen TanvirAPTE Ltd

Customer experience

WhyNow

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Focusly

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

WhyNow

Subscriptions3
  • WhyNow Monthly$9.991 Month
  • WhyNow Annual Save Offer$39.991 Year
  • WhyNow Annual7 Days trial$59.991 Year
None

Focusly

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WhyNow free?
WhyNow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focusly free?
Focusly is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, WhyNow or Focusly?
WhyNow and Focusly are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do WhyNow or Focusly have ads?
Neither WhyNow nor Focusly shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WhyNow or Focusly?
WhyNow ships an update every 9 days, and Focusly every 2 days. Most recently, WhyNow was updated on October 28, 2026 and Focusly on October 29, 2026.

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