# Focus Matrix vs Task Buddy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Focus Matrix at 82% against Task Buddy's 25%. Focus Matrix also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.3) and ratings volume (1.6K vs 4). Task Buddy's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 7 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus Matrix sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Task Buddy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Focus Matrix holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focus Matrix has 1.6K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Focus Matrix's written reviews are positive against 25% of Task Buddy's.

Focus Matrix ships an update every 7 months, Task Buddy every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and June 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus Matrix | Task Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-matrix-task-manager/id1107872631/reviews)** | [3.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/task-buddy-organize-and-focus/id1505407501/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **82.2% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 33 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Denys Ievenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/427936468) | [Vijaya Kandel](https://appshunter.io/developer/899220629) |

## What reviewers say

### Focus Matrix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-matrix-task-manager/id1107872631)

Organize your tasks efficiently using a priority matrix based on urgency and importance. This app helps you focus on what truly matters by categorizing tasks and providing tools for scheduling, reminders, and detailed tracking. Sync across devices and export your lists for seamless productivity.

**Highlights:** Eisenhower Box priority matrix, Task categorization and sorting, Drag-and-drop task management, Due dates and reminders, Recurring tasks, Cross-device synchronization, Task export to PDF

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Pro | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Keeps me on track
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Helps prioritize tasks
- 👍 Integrates well with calendar
- 👍 Simple and effective

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sync issues across devices
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Security concerns with sync
- 💡 Need for more customization options
- 💡 Lacking recurring tasks

**Reported bugs**

- Sync issues causing data loss
- Frequent crashes
- Inability to log in across devices
- Calendar integration not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to have multiple matrices (e.g. work, personal)
- Recurring tasks
- More export options (e.g. CSV)
- Dark mode
- Better sync reliability across devices


### Task Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/task-buddy-organize-and-focus/id1505407501)

This task manager helps you prioritize and organize your to-do list using the Eisenhower Matrix. It visually categorizes tasks into four quadrants, guiding you to focus on what's important and eliminate distractions for increased productivity.

**Highlights:** Intuitive 4-Quadrant UI, Seamless iCloud Sync, Smart Carry-Over for pending tasks, Productivity Insights and charts, Home Screen Widgets, Workspaces & Tags for organization, JSON Export for data portability

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Pro | $14.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus Matrix free?

Focus Matrix is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Task Buddy free?

Task Buddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Focus Matrix or Task Buddy?

Focus Matrix is rated higher. Focus Matrix averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while Task Buddy averages 3.3 from 4 ratings.

### Do Focus Matrix or Task Buddy have ads?

Focus Matrix shows ads; Task Buddy does not.

### Which is updated more often, Focus Matrix or Task Buddy?

Focus Matrix ships an update every 7 months, and Task Buddy every 10 days. Most recently, Focus Matrix was updated on September 22, 2026 and Task Buddy on June 8, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*