Comparison

Refocus vs Focus Wander

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

Focus Wander

Features
Read full description

Focus Wander is a focus timer. Before you begin, choose a destination on the map. After you tap Start, your Focus Partner sets out from your current location and follows the route. When you finish a focus session, the app records the blocks you explored and the time you spent. It’s simple: • Choose a destination • Start focusing • Let your Focus Partner move forward • Review your exploration when you finish If you switch to another app or stay away for too long during a session, that session ends. The next time you start, your Focus Partner continues from where it stopped. You can also: • Track your total focus time and focus streaks • Look back at explored blocks on the map • Choose different Focus Partners and appearances • Mark completed sessions with daily greetings, arrival notifications, and journey postcards Core features are free to use. Focus Wander Pro includes more Focus Partners and additional features. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
Focus Wander4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Refocus at none against Focus Wander's 3. Focus Wander's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Focus Wander sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Refocus asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update every 3 weeks, Focus Wander every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Refocus versus Focus Wander: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusFocus Wander
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB188 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHiroki NishikawaCHENCHIEH HSU

In-app purchases

None

Refocus

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Focus Wander

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Yearly7 Days trial$8.991 Year
One-time1
  • Focus Lumen Pro$17.99

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Focus Wander free?
Focus Wander is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Refocus or Focus Wander have ads?
Neither Refocus nor Focus Wander shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or Focus Wander?
Refocus ships an update every 3 weeks, and Focus Wander every 3 days. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 16, 2026 and Focus Wander on September 30, 2026.

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