Refract vs Simkl: Ad-Free Tracking with a Cleaner Experience

Short answer: Simkl wins on scrobbling automation and anime metadata depth; Refract wins on zero ads without paying, a cleaner mobile app and imports from more sources. Both track movies, TV shows and anime; Refract imports Simkl exports.

Simkl is the closest functional competitor to Refract: it covers movies, TV, and anime, has mature scrobbling integrations, and supports imports from 14+ services. To be direct: Simkl currently has deeper anime metadata and more mature scrobbling than Refract. The clearest reason to choose Refract is if you want zero ads without paying, a cleaner mobile experience, or a roadmap that includes books and games.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Refract	Simkl
Movies	✓ Full tracking	✓ Full tracking
TV Shows	✓ Full tracking	✓ Full tracking
Anime	✓ Full tracking	✓ Mature anime metadata
Books	Coming soon	✗
Games	Coming soon	✗
Free forever	✓ Always free	✓ Free tier available
No ads	✓ Zero ads	Ad-supported on free tier (✓ Pro only)
Automatic scrobbling	✗ Manual tracking only	✓ Mature integrations
Imports	✓ TV Time, Letterboxd, IMDb, Trakt	✓ 14+ services (Trakt, MAL, AniList, IMDb, Netflix, CSV, and more)
Cross-device sync	✓ iOS & Android	✓ iOS, Android & Web
Price	Free forever	Free (with ads) / Pro $34.99/year

Where Simkl is better (being honest)

Simkl currently has deeper anime metadata and more mature scrobbling integrations than Refract. If automatic scrobbling (detecting what you're watching without manual input) or the broadest possible import source list are must-haves, Simkl has an edge. Simkl Pro is $34.99/year; there's also a VIP tier at roughly $70/year effective, and a Lifetime VIP option at $249.

Where Refract has an advantage

Refract is completely ad-free at no cost. Simkl's free tier shows ads and requires a Pro subscription to remove them. Refract also has books and games on the roadmap, extending cross-media tracking beyond what Simkl currently plans. For users who want a clean, ad-free mobile experience without a subscription, Refract is the straightforward choice.

Is Refract really free with no ads?

Completely free, no catch. Tracking, diary, stats, social and recommendations cost nothing and show no ads, ever. The only paid thing is Refract Pro, optional cosmetic supporter tiers (badges, profile frames, name styles) that unlock nothing in the tracker.