Comparison

HandsOff vs Focus Cat

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

Head to head
About

HandsOff

Read full description

Stop doomscrolling. Take back your attention. HandsOff helps you finally spend less time on your phone. Instead of relying on willpower, HandsOff makes you earn your screen time. Focus first. Scroll later. Put your phone face-down, earn coins while you stay focused, then use those coins only when you intentionally choose to unlock your favorite apps. Less scrolling. More living. ## WHY HANDSOFF? Unlike traditional app blockers, HandsOff doesn't simply lock your apps. It creates healthy friction. Every minute of focus becomes something valuable. Every unlock becomes a conscious decision instead of an impulse. That's how habits change. ## HOW IT WORKS Block the apps that steal your attention Instagram, TikTok, X, Reddit, YouTube—or any app you choose. Focus to earn coins Place your phone face-down or start a focus session manually. Every focused minute rewards you. Unlock intentionally Want Instagram for a few minutes? Spend the coins you've earned. Build lasting habits Complete daily goals, grow your streak, level up, unlock achievements, and reduce your screen time over time. ## FEATURES • Smart app blocking powered by Apple Screen Time • Automatic face-down focus detection • Custom schedules for work, study, bedtime, or weekends • Coin-based unlocking system • Daily goals that adapt to your progress • Streaks, XP, levels and achievements • Beautiful focus garden that grows with your consistency • Live Activities & Dynamic Island support • Mindful breathing before every unlock • Detailed focus statistics and progress tracking ## MONK MODE (PRO) Need absolute focus? Monk Mode is a true commitment. Once activated: • No early exit • No spending coins • No disabling protection • No uninstall workaround The only way out is to finish what you started. Perfect for exams, deep work, studying, reading, or your digital detox. ## YOUR PRIVACY COMES FIRST HandsOff uses Apple's Family Controls framework. Your selected apps, Screen Time information, and activity stay on your device. We never know what apps you use, what you do inside them, or collect your personal browsing data. ## HANDSOFF PRO Unlock powerful features including: • Monk Mode • Unlimited focus history • Future premium tools and improvements Subscriptions • Monthly — $4.99 • Annual — $29.99 (includes a 7-day free trial) • Lifetime — $59.99 (one-time purchase) Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before renewal. You can manage or cancel them anytime in your Apple ID settings. Privacy Policy: https://tryhandsoff.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://tryhandsoff.com/terms

About

Focus Cat

This app helps you build healthier phone habits by rewarding focused sessions with in-app currency. Use earned coins to temporarily unlock distracting apps, while maintaining streaks and keeping a virtual cat happy.

Highlights
  • Guard distracting apps
  • Earn coins for focus sessions
  • Unlock apps with earned coins
  • Track daily streaks
  • View bypass history
  • Daily goals and achievements
  • Collectible cat companions
Read full description

Focus Cat helps you build better phone habits with a simple loop: focus first, earn screen time, and keep your cat happy. Choose the apps you want to guard, start a focus session, and earn coins when you complete it. Use those coins to unlock guarded apps for a limited time when you actually need them. If you bypass your guard, your streak resets and your cat gets sad. If you stay consistent, your streak grows and your cat thrives. Features: - Guard distracting apps with Screen Time - Complete focus sessions to earn coins - Spend coins to temporarily unlock guarded apps - Track your daily streak and weekly progress - View bypass history so you can see what pulled you away - Daily goals and achievements for extra motivation - Cute collectible cat companions Focus Cat is built for people who want a gentler, more playful way to reduce mindless scrolling and protect their attention.

Screenshots

HandsOff4 screens
Focus Cat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Focus Cat at every 2 days against HandsOff's weekly. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. HandsOff sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Focus Cat sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HandsOff ships an update weekly, Focus Cat every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
HandsOff versus Focus Cat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHandsOffFocus Cat
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.2 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB96 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJUAN MANUEL GALLICCHIO ANTELOJedidiah Kyle Julian

In-app purchases

3 purchases

HandsOff

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Pro Annual7 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$49.99
1 purchases

Focus Cat

One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$2.99

Questions

Is HandsOff free?
HandsOff is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focus Cat free?
Focus Cat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HandsOff or Focus Cat have ads?
Neither HandsOff nor Focus Cat shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HandsOff or Focus Cat?
HandsOff ships an update weekly, and Focus Cat every 2 days. Most recently, HandsOff was updated on September 9, 2026 and Focus Cat on August 13, 2026.

Other comparisons