# Focus vs Serein

The clearest difference is ads: Serein at none against Focus's shown. Serein also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.1). Focus's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Serein sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Focus ships an update every 3 days, Serein fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus | Serein |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Fortnightly |
| Size | 13 MB | 105 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.1 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rishikesh Govind](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871076945) | [Manisha Thakur](https://appshunter.io/developer/1881523884) |

## What reviewers say

### Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-study-timer/id6760656999)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus:Study Timer Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


### Serein

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/serein-screen-time-control/id6789297659)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Serein Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Serein Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Serein Premium Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus free?

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

### Is Serein free?

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

### Do Focus or Serein have ads?

Focus shows ads; Serein does not.

### Which is updated more often, Focus or Serein?

Focus ships an update every 3 days, and Serein fortnightly. Most recently, Focus was updated on October 10, 2026 and Serein on October 6, 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.*