Comparison

Refocus vs Motif

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

Head to head
About

Refocus

Features
Read full description

Focus is not just about willpower. It can be designed. Refocus is a focus timer created with inspiration from scientific research on attention, breaks, and cognitive load. Today, our minds are constantly exposed to stimulation from smartphones, social media, notifications, videos, and endless streams of short information. When your mind is still filled with that noise, simply starting a traditional focus timer may not be enough to help you switch into a focused state. Refocus begins by preparing the state before focus. First, you take a short break to let your mind cool down and settle. Before the break, you can write down one small thing you want to do afterward. This helps you stop holding the next task in your head while resting, and makes it easier to return to work smoothly when the break ends. Refocus is not just about dividing time. It is about resting, clearing your mind, remembering what comes next, and returning to focus. Main features: ・A focus timer designed with scientific insights in mind ・A unique workflow that starts with a break ・A simple note feature to write down what you will do after the break ・A smooth flow that helps you return to focus after resting ・A simple cycle of focus and break sessions ・Calming animations and a minimal interface Recommended for people who: ・Take time to get into focus ・Feel mentally scattered after using smartphones or social media ・Forget what they were going to do after taking a break ・Want to reset their mind before starting work ・Prefer a simple and calm timer app ・Want to enter focus naturally, without forcing it Rest first. Clear your mind. Leave your next task behind. Then return to focus. Refocus is a timer designed to help create a state where focus can happen more naturally.

About

Motif

Features
Read full description

Focus without burnout. Motif helps you stay present, start faster, and finish meaningful work with simple focus sessions for studying, deep work, and everyday productivity. Most productivity apps feel overwhelming. Too many tasks, alerts, dashboards, and streaks can make it harder to actually begin. Motif is built to feel calm, minimal, and intentional. Open the app, start a session, and give your attention to one thing at a time. WHY MOTIF FOCUS SESSIONS Create focused work blocks for studying, coding, writing, reading, planning, and creative work. POMODORO TIMER Use structured Pomodoro sessions to work with clarity, take better breaks, and avoid burnout. DEEP WORK MODE Build longer distraction-free sessions when you need serious concentration. STUDY TIMER Perfect for students preparing for exams, completing assignments, or building a consistent study routine. ADHD-FRIENDLY DESIGN A clean and simple experience that reduces overwhelm and helps you start without overthinking. CALM PRODUCTIVITY Motif is designed for people who want to be productive without feeling pressured, cluttered, or distracted. USE MOTIF FOR • Pomodoro focus sessions • Study sessions • Deep work • Exam preparation • Reading • Writing • Coding • Task focus • Building better routines • Staying consistent Whether you are studying for exams, working on a project, building a habit, or trying to focus more consistently, Motif helps you create better work sessions one timer at a time. Privacy Policy: https://www.notion.so/Privacy-Policy-for-Motif-3572378461d58027bb03cd2610a7e6e6?source=copy_link Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
Motif4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Refocus at none against Motif's 1. Refocus also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, 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. Motif sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Refocus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Refocus versus Motif: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusMotif
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHiroki NishikawaDhruv Pujara

In-app purchases

None

Refocus

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Motif

One-time1
  • Motif Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Motif free?
Motif is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Refocus or Motif have ads?
Neither Refocus nor Motif shows ads.

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