Bento - A New Focus
Bento has been updated to offer a lot more than the original version. The gamification of streaks promotes regular use and insight into one’s habits. The suggestions are really useful to block similar tasks together. The latest update makes Bento well polished and I really do appreciate the new themes and background music. Thank you for being awesome!
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Beautiful, but pushy
The app is gorgeous but they really push you hard to subscribe before you've even got to see the demo/free version, and they hit you with emotional manipulations too. Really cheapens the experience.
Used to be great
This used to be great. Then they moved to a subscription model and added a lot of distracting stuff. The app used to be good because of its simplicity. Now it became cluttered. I don’t need it to suggest that I drink green tea. I guess I’m back with the Forest app.
White noise everywhere and the audios dont loop automatically
I have to keep pressing the play button if i want the “lofi” ir any other sound during the session
Paid for this now it requires a subscription
I don’t want a subscription just make me pay 20 dollars to have it forever! Considering I already paid for it I think that’s a reasonable request!!!
Changed to subscription, yuck
I am pretty sure I got this app a long time ago and had features that are now locked behind subscription! It was so simple and perfect before now it’s just a countdown timer with a lot of pop ups in the UI for me to subscribe. I am sure I used to be able to change the background to the other Japanese aesthetic stuff, now I’m just annoyed
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WTF, why do I have to pay?
I bought this app 3 years ago outright. There was zero support or development post release and all of a sudden you update it and I have to pay? Why? Early adopters should at least have access to the app they paid for, or grandfather in early adopters and let us use it without paying. You have a massive user base that you really ought to consider instead of looking at new customers.
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The interface needs to be improved
They give old users who buy the app free subscription, you just need to wait for the email in patience. The new version is better than the old one in general cause it provides routine templates for people to use and a timer for single use, while keeping the three-task bento. Here are the two suggestions: First, adding more task templates meaning that people need to spend more time to decide which to use, which is not good for people who already have management issue. I suggest provide a search area in the bento and routine to reduce time waste. Second, the blogs on the official website are actually good. It will be nice to provide templates based on those materials, like planning for a researcher, thesis writing planning, and coding etc. Overall, it is still a nice app to deal with ADHD and procrastination!
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Response from developer
Thanks for all these notes. We tend to get to emails within 48 hours, as we're a small team. Good to have all this feedback - thanks so much!
No good now
This app used to be good and then they completely changed it and made it about focus rather than breaking down tasks. Not able to use anymore.
Bento Benedict
I first purchased this app when it was launched, and now they are asking for a subscription fee. Please be cautious. It's disappointing when policies change unexpectedly.
UPDATE:
I reached out to the developers, and they seem truly committed to supporting their original users who believed in this project. I'm pleased to share that I was smoothly moved to V2 without any issues. The reason for the 3-star rating is that I'm still dubious about how long this will last. If the developer fulfills his promise, I will change my rating to 5 stars.
UPDATE:
I reached out to the developers, and they seem truly committed to supporting their original users who believed in this project. I'm pleased to share that I was smoothly moved to V2 without any issues. The reason for the 3-star rating is that I'm still dubious about how long this will last. If the developer fulfills his promise, I will change my rating to 5 stars.
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Asks me to buy subscription every 30 seconds
I know that ur a company and want money but every few seconds is too much please understand and take my review in a positive way other than that this app is amazing
Response from developer
Hi Sairum - thanks for the message. We don't fire as often as seconds, maybe there's something wrong. Please pop us a line: francesco@keepproductive.com - more than happy to explore.
A little confusing but really helps my ADHD
I tend to get overwhelmed by how much time I need to spend on a task. The bento method really helps with that.
Get everything done but without stress
I’ve tried plenty of focus timers, but Bento is the first one that actually feels sustainable. Most apps just give you another long list to feel stressed about, but the "three-task" limit is a game-changer for staying realistic and avoiding burnout.
The interface is stunning and the themes are genuinely calming—it makes a work session feel much more intentional rather than just another chore. It’s rare to find a productivity tool that feels this mindful. If you’re looking for a way to stay on track without the usual "to-do list paralysis," this is definitely the way to go.
The interface is stunning and the themes are genuinely calming—it makes a work session feel much more intentional rather than just another chore. It’s rare to find a productivity tool that feels this mindful. If you’re looking for a way to stay on track without the usual "to-do list paralysis," this is definitely the way to go.
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Response from developer
We're so glad you love it - we appreciate your support! // Francesco from the Bento Team
Can’t turn off music with free version; mandatory rating
Not sure if it’s because of the free version(I don’t want to pay and that’s not the issue) but I can’t turn the music off or change it. There is mandatory background music. You would be better off creating this in notion with a YouTube video rather than downloading this app. They also FORCE you to rate the session. There is too much mandatory stuff in this app. I truly hate that. Gave it 3 because it could be helpful to someone if you turn your volume down and don’t mind being forced to rate every single session
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Nice Update
I’m enjoying the revised version of Bento. Works well, has beautiful sounds, and the layout doesn’t seem too cluttered to me at all. It has all the features one would expect a great focus timer to have.
A fun way to focus!
Bento focus has been so helpful for structuring my time for focusing on things I want to get done. There are a lot of really helpful suggested routines that help me get in the right frame of mind for focusing, and I love the simple concept of picking three things to work on with timers. The background music and visuals are also nice additions. I honestly think using this app is fun and I feel so much more excited to get things done! It has definitely reduced procrastination for me and made me more productive.
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Response from developer
Glad you're enjoying it, we're going to make things even more fun in 2026. Thanks again! Francesco & the Bento team.
Big letdown
The small medium and big goal system felt like a breath of fresh air. I loved the app and style of bento. It’s been years and I was hoping for updates but we never got it. While still watching your YouTube I kept wondering why did you let go of the development of such a neat methodology that I started using in Notion by finding your templates.
But why? And what for?
To redesign an app into making a timer?
Like we don’t have any timer apps by this time?
If you really want to make something meaningful by helping us being productive. You already made the biggest work by creating the system, just give us the updated and polished version of it. We didn’t even really had a chance to dive deep and enjoy it. But maybe you will think about it?
But why? And what for?
To redesign an app into making a timer?
Like we don’t have any timer apps by this time?
If you really want to make something meaningful by helping us being productive. You already made the biggest work by creating the system, just give us the updated and polished version of it. We didn’t even really had a chance to dive deep and enjoy it. But maybe you will think about it?
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Great focus app
They care about their customers and helped right away. I’m eager to see what the app can grow into.
Focussing for self-care
I’ve so many tasks to attend to and this app has helped me attend to them with quality, one at a time. When I have my earphones on at work my colleagues know not to disturb me
(and they know I’m not doing something non-work related as they can see the app on display 😊). I feel much more calm and proud of my work.
(and they know I’m not doing something non-work related as they can see the app on display 😊). I feel much more calm and proud of my work.
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Focus timer that calms me
For the first time in ages, I feel much calmer than I do using other apps. The calming koi in the themes and the way the routines works feel less intense than other apps.
