Very smooth
One of first products tried for focus. It works!
A Beautiful Game Changer!
I’ve used several products like this over the years but this is the best by far. Everything is effortless and there is something about the physical product that makes me way more compliant. It’s designed beautifully as well.
Non functional to create multiple schedules for morning then workday then bed…. Support zero help
Not ready too many bugs
Response from developer
Since January we've shipped targeted fixes for scheduled sessions specifically: blocking now reliably activates for sessions that start in the background, overnight schedules now calculate duration correctly, and we added a retry mechanism on iOS when schedule configuration fails to load on startup. These were real gaps that affected exactly what you described — multiple schedules across a day. We've also done a *ton* of general stability work. If you're open to giving it another look, we think the experience is meaningfully better. Thanks!
MY TIME BACK
This is the only thing that’s worked for me, I’ve tried other distraction free apps but this one that’s actually works! I’m so thrilled to have better boundaries with my phone/social media. What a blessing this exists!
World class product
Always improving and shipping updates. Has helped me significantly reduce my social media usage and increase my productivity. big shout out to the team.
I’m a fan!
I am a world class procrastinator and don’t think anything would help. Helm actually DOES! The first time I used it I set myself for an hour but I didn’t bring the decide with me and ended up working 2.5 hours straight thru. Now I purposely leave home without it and I get so much done! The app has so many cool features no matter what your work style.
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Love this app
Helm is legit. Really like the app. And the physical piece has substantial, aerospace-brass weight. The kind of heft that makes you take it seriously. It doesn't feel like a gadget or a gimmick. It feels like a tool that belongs on your desk for the next decade. The tactile quality is genuinely beautiful. Something you want to pick up and hold.
And that matters. Lots of things other focus solutions feel disposable. Helm feels like a commitment. You don't toss something this well-made in a drawer.
You buy this thing for a family member as a gift, and you feel good about it.
Their packaging says it perfectly: "In a world engineered to fragment your attention, Helm is your physical boundary."
That's the bet I'm making. Not that an app will save me (but this app is delightful to use) but that a physical object with heft might create the ritual I need. The early signs are good.
If you've tried the software approaches and they haven't stuck, this is a fundamentally different category of thing.
And that matters. Lots of things other focus solutions feel disposable. Helm feels like a commitment. You don't toss something this well-made in a drawer.
You buy this thing for a family member as a gift, and you feel good about it.
Their packaging says it perfectly: "In a world engineered to fragment your attention, Helm is your physical boundary."
That's the bet I'm making. Not that an app will save me (but this app is delightful to use) but that a physical object with heft might create the ritual I need. The early signs are good.
If you've tried the software approaches and they haven't stuck, this is a fundamentally different category of thing.
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It Works But...
If you want to add new apps to block you have to delete the app and re-download it just to get it to block. Make sure you have your list accurate or you're gonna be going back and forth.
Response from developer
Thank you for this feedback! We've been working day and night over the past few weeks to improve the app, and this was clearly a bug that slipped through, so sorry about that. It's now fixed! You can add or remove apps from your block list anytime without reinstalling. We'd really love for you to give the new version a try. We're a small team that's constantly improving Helm, and we have some exciting updates in the works. If you ever run into anything else, don't hesitate to reach out.
Helps with focus while looking good
The Helm has been huge for me. I get super distracted when trying to get things done for work or around the house. Locking my phone of everything distracting has made a huge difference. And it looks so nice I can keep it out in the open which helps me actually use it versus some competitors I had tried.
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Beauty and function
I pre-ordered the Helm when it was first announced, and it’s become a small but meaningful part of my daily setup.
I really like the physical device — the mix of materials and the weight of it just feel good. I’ll sometimes hold it during calls because it helps me stay grounded and focused. It’s also just nice to look at — simple, solid, and well-made.
The app feels really well thought out. The focus sessions, custom profiles, and the fact that you actually have to tap your phone to the device to end a session all make it feel intentional. It’s not overcomplicated, and I appreciate that there’s no subscription.
Having it on my desk is a small reminder each day of the kind of focus and attention I want to bring to my work
I really like the physical device — the mix of materials and the weight of it just feel good. I’ll sometimes hold it during calls because it helps me stay grounded and focused. It’s also just nice to look at — simple, solid, and well-made.
The app feels really well thought out. The focus sessions, custom profiles, and the fact that you actually have to tap your phone to the device to end a session all make it feel intentional. It’s not overcomplicated, and I appreciate that there’s no subscription.
Having it on my desk is a small reminder each day of the kind of focus and attention I want to bring to my work
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First tool that works with my ADHD brain!
I used to use Brick, but Helm feels more real - it's beautiful, weighted, something I actually want on my desk. Plus the developers keep pushing updates and making it better.
My routine now: Guardian Mode with my partner holding the code. I start a session before leaving for the coffee shop. My phone becomes unusable until I get home and tap my Helm. Can't disable it, can't change anything. I literally can't use my phone even if I wanted to.
First week was rough - reached for it constantly out of habit. Now? I actually get 2-3 hours of deep work done every session.
Unexpected benefits: sleeping way better (10pm auto-lock every night), less frazzled overall, screen time dropped from 5+ hours to just over 2.
Guardian Mode is key - I don't trust myself with the code, and that's the point.
My routine now: Guardian Mode with my partner holding the code. I start a session before leaving for the coffee shop. My phone becomes unusable until I get home and tap my Helm. Can't disable it, can't change anything. I literally can't use my phone even if I wanted to.
First week was rough - reached for it constantly out of habit. Now? I actually get 2-3 hours of deep work done every session.
Unexpected benefits: sleeping way better (10pm auto-lock every night), less frazzled overall, screen time dropped from 5+ hours to just over 2.
Guardian Mode is key - I don't trust myself with the code, and that's the point.
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