# Bento: The Do Less Timer — calm focus timer & to-do list

> Calm focus timer and daily routines app for enhanced productivity and deep work. (iPhone/iPad app by Keep Productive Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bento-the-do-less-timer/id1595945715 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Keep Productive Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1595945717)
- Category: Productivity, Lifestyle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases (on sale, was $1.99)
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 322 App Store ratings · 117 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 117 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2022-04-03
- Data updated: 2026-08-31
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bento-the-do-less-timer/id1595945715/reviews.md

## What is Bento?

Stop getting overwhelmed with long to-do lists. Used by 50,000+ productivity enthusiasts.

Bento is not a to-do list app. It's a focus companion. 

We believe in doing less, and finishing more. Using the calming Japanese themes, stay focused and get things done by packing your focus box. Your focus box is limited to up to 3 tasks. The goal is getting the right things done, not everything. 

Popular with ADHD, everyday users struggling with to-do list apps and overwhelmed individuals who need better focus.  

Start your first focus timer today!

Bento Features 

- Aesthetic Timer: Our Japanese focus scenes are designed for calm and minimalism. 
- Focused Productivity: Limit your focus to up to 3 tasks to help reduce overload and burnout.
- Deep Focus Mode: Block distractions, enter deep work states and stay focused with intention.
- Custom Routines: Start a daily custom routine from your morning routine to deep focus start.
- Focus Booster: Build momentum with your focus & stay engaged as you work.

ADHD is one of our most popular use cases. Helping you to beat task paralysis, support better focus & deep work.

Use Cases

- Study Timer: Perfect for revision and exam preparation. The ultimate timer for study.
- Work Timer: Enter flow states at work by embracing the focus box, focus score & scenes.
- Reducing Burnout: Stop overwhelm by using a calm, low stimulation timer like Bento Focus.
- Neurodiverse Focus: This focus timer is ADHD friendly and popular with the neurodivergent community.
- Pomodoro Lovers: Bento focuses works as a pomodoro timer for entering cycles of focus.

Plus focus badges, app icons, new themes released monthly, focus achievements and unique Japanese focus scenes. 

Bento is for everyone who wants to stay focused and reduce distractions.

FREE TRIAL & PRICING
Start a free trial for Premium for full features.
Free version includes: 1 theme, timer mode.

Auto-renewal can be canceled anytime via Apple settings.

PRIVACY & TERMS:
https://www.bentofocus.com/privacy
https://www.bentofocus.com/terms

SEND US FEEDBACK:
https://www.bentofocus.com/feedback

## Key features

- Aesthetic Japanese focus scenes
- Task limitation for reduced overload
- Deep focus mode to block distractions
- Customizable daily routines
- Focus score and analytics
- Focus booster for momentum

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bento Premium - Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Bento Premium - Annually | $9.99 | per year |
| Bento Premium - Quarterly | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| Bento Premium - Semiannual | $19.99 | per 6 months |


## What do users think of Bento?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🚀 Helps focus on important tasks
- 🎨 Beautiful and calming design
- 🕰️ Useful Pomodoro-style timer
- 📚 Bento methodology is insightful
- 👍 Simple and easy to use

**Cons**

- 🐛 App freezes and crashes frequently
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 💰 Paid app now requires subscription
- 🔇 Limited music/sound options
- 🤔 Confusing or unintuitive UI

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Titles randomly deleted
- Timer stops working unexpectedly
- Switching themes doesn't work
- Accessibility issues

**Most requested features**

- Add more music/sound options
- Implement a widget for quick access
- Allow customization of Bento templates
- Sync tasks across devices
- Add an Apple Watch app

## Recent user reviews (10 of 117)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bento-the-do-less-timer/id1595945715/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Don’t understand the pricing

*2026-08-20*

The app showed there is a discounted price of 499/- . On selection , it shows 799/- for the first year and then 999 later . 
During payment - autopay goes for 999/- . 

Which one is correct ?

**Developer response:** Thanks so much for flagging, we're having some issues sorting pricing, aiming to fix. Can you email francesco@keepproductive.com so I can take a look! :)

### 5/5 — Bento - A New Focus

*2026-06-13, version 2.0.14*

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!

### 3/5 — Beautiful, but pushy

*2026-05-24, version 2.0.14*

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.

### 2/5 — Used to be great

*2026-05-15, version 2.0.14*

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.

### 3/5 — White noise everywhere and the audios dont loop automatically

*2026-05-08, version 2.0.14*

I have to keep pressing the play button if i want the “lofi” ir any other sound during the session

### 1/5 — Paid for this now it requires a subscription

*2026-04-16, version 2.0.14*

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!!!

### 1/5 — Changed to subscription, yuck

*2026-04-08, version 2.0.14*

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

### 1/5 — WTF, why do I have to pay?

*2026-03-30, version 2.0.14*

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.

### 5/5 — The interface needs to be improved

*2026-03-30*

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!

**Developer response:** 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!

### 1/5 — No good now

*2026-03-02, version 2.0.14*

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.

## Frequently asked questions about Bento

### What does Bento: Calm Focus Timer do?

This app provides a calm focus timer designed to help users stay focused during work and study sessions. It uses Japanese-inspired themes and a distraction-free experience to facilitate deep work and productivity, offering tools like task management and custom routines.

### What are the key features of Bento: Calm Focus Timer?

Key features include aesthetic Japanese focus scenes for a calm environment, task limitation to reduce overload, a deep focus mode to block distractions, customizable daily routines, and a focus booster to maintain momentum. Users also receive a focus score and analytics after sessions.

### How much does Bento: Calm Focus Timer cost?

The app offers a free version with basic timer mode and two themes. A free trial is available for Premium, which unlocks all features. Auto-renewal for Premium can be canceled anytime via Apple settings.

### Is Bento: Calm Focus Timer compatible with my device?

While specific compatibility details are not provided in the description, the app is available on Apple platforms, as indicated by mentions of 'Apple' and 'Apple settings'. Users can typically find compatibility information on the app store listing.

### Who would benefit from using Bento: Calm Focus Timer?

This app is beneficial for anyone looking to improve their focus and reduce distractions, including students preparing for exams, professionals seeking to enter flow states at work, and individuals aiming to reduce burnout. It is also noted as being ADHD friendly and popular with the neurodivergent community.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.18 — 2026-08-28

The all-new sushi scorecard - an easier way to see your progress. Collect sushi, build progress & see your success. 
Additional updates: new sounds are here, routines got a new look & better layouts app-wide.

### 2.0.17 — 2026-08-06

All-new focus box, updated timer & smoother themes.

### 2.0.15 — 2026-07-10

New pricing, onboarding changes & easier guides.

### 2.0.14 — 2026-02-20

New themes, bug fixes & even more.

### 2.0.13 — 2026-01-27

Tweaks & fixes.

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## Related topics

[productivity timer focus](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/productivity-timer-focus) · [bento](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bento) · [focus timer routine](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/focus-timer-routine)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-31.*