Comparison

Focus Blocks vs Butsu

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

Head to head
About

Focus Blocks

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Focus Blocks is an app blocker for iPhone and iPad that puts distracting apps out of reach during the time you set aside to focus. Choose the apps. Choose the rule. Block during focus hours, allow only inside chosen windows, or set a daily app budget. When a rule applies, selected apps are hidden system-wide until they are allowed again. No willpower games, no streaks, no social layer โ€” just one clear setting that gives you your attention back. Built on Apple's Screen Time APIs, Focus Blocks works entirely on your device. It has no backend and no account. Your rules sync between your own devices through iCloud, under your own Apple ID. Screen Time app selections are private device-local tokens, so each device asks you to confirm the apps it should block before enabling a synced rule there. WHAT YOU CAN DO โ€ข Create as many focus blocks as you want โ€” mornings, weekdays, deep-work afternoons โ€ข Pick specific apps and whole categories in one tap โ€ข Block during a schedule, allow only during a schedule, or set a daily limit โ€ข Enable synced rules separately on each device after confirming local app selections โ€ข Add a weekly setup window so blocks cannot be edited on impulse โ€ข Enable or disable any inactive block from one screen PRIVACY BY DEFAULT โ€ข No sign-up, no account โ€ข No analytics, no ads, no third-party SDKs โ€ข Uses Apple's Screen Time framework โ€” selections and usage stay on-device โ€ข iCloud Key-Value Store is the only remote storage, and it lives in your own Apple ID Focus Blocks is self-directed. It is not a parental-control product and does not monitor or manage other people's devices. Requires iOS 18 or later.

About

Butsu

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Block apps automatically with location based blocking+strict screen time limits Reclaim your focus, reduce your screen time, and take back control of your day with Butsu. Whether you are studying for finals, trying to stay productive at work, or simply want to break your doom-scrolling habit, Butsu is the ultimate tool to block distractions before they happen. Unlike basic screen time apps that just give you a warning, Butsu completely physically blocks you from opening distracting apps, ensuring you stay focused on what actually matters. With powerful scheduling and location-based rules, you can create the perfect environment for deep work. Core Features: Strict App Blocking Block your worst digital habits instantly. Create custom groups of distracting apps (like social media or games) and lock them down indefinitely, or set a temporary timer when you need to sit down and focus. Location Geofencing Automatically block apps based on where you are! Set up a location boundary so your phone automatically locks down social media as soon as you arrive at the office, the library, or school. Beautiful Statistics & Heatmaps Track your progress with gorgeous daily and weekly statistics. Use the daily heatmap to see exactly when your screen time spikes, and track your performance against your daily screen time goals. 100% Offline & Privacy First Your habits are your business. Butsu requires no account, no login, and works entirely offline. All of your app usage statistics, location boundaries, and blocking rules are stored securely in an encrypted database directly on your phone. We do not track you or sell your data. Take the first step toward a healthier relationship with your phone. Download Butsu and start building better habits today!

Screenshots

Focus Blocks4 screens
Butsu4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus Blocks at none against Butsu's 1. Focus Blocks also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). Butsu's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Butsu sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Focus Blocks asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focus Blocks ships an update every 4 days, Butsu every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
Focus Blocks versus Butsu: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocus BlocksButsu
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days โ€” betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo โ€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.016.4 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size38 MB61 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMikhail NemilovAndrea Quan

In-app purchases

None

Focus Blocks

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Butsu

One-time1
  • Butsu Lifetime Premium$9.99

Questions

Is Focus Blocks free?
Focus Blocks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Butsu free?
Butsu is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focus Blocks or Butsu have ads?
Neither Focus Blocks nor Butsu shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focus Blocks or Butsu?
Focus Blocks ships an update every 4 days, and Butsu every 2 weeks. Most recently, Focus Blocks was updated on October 31, 2026 and Butsu on October 31, 2026.

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