# Focus timer vs Flow

The clearest difference is ads: Flow at none against Focus timer's shown. Flow also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (86% vs 77%). Focus timer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Flow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 1.8K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Focus timer's written reviews are positive against 86% of Flow's.

Focus timer ships an update every 5 weeks, Flow every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus timer | Flow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-time-keeper/id1239133490/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1.8K |
| Positive reviews | 77.0% of reviews | **86.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 44 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [书敏 贾](https://appshunter.io/developer/989212128) | [Yugen GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1362171211) |

## What reviewers say

### Focus timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-time-keeper/id1239133490)

Enhance concentration with a Pomodoro-style timer. Choose from various ambient sounds to create a focused work or study environment. Customize focus and break durations, and receive end-of-timer reminders with a selection of sounds.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro timer with customizable intervals, Ambient soundscapes for focus, Customizable focus and break times, End-of-timer reminders with sound options, Minimalist interface with flip animation, Background running support

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Professional Version | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and functional
- 👍 Minimalistic and aesthetic design
- 🚀 Helps with focus and concentration
- 👍 Useful for studying and work
- 👍 Customizable timer settings

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Timer inaccuracies
- 🔊 Loud alarm/notification sound
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💰 Limited features in free version
- 🔇 No option to disable background sounds

**Reported bugs**

- Timer stops when device is locked or app is minimized
- Inconsistent timer behavior when switching between apps

**Requested features**

- Ability to set custom alarm/notification sounds
- Option to disable background sounds
- Automatic start/stop of focus and break timers
- Customizable timer duration
- Dark mode or theme options


### Flow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932)

Enhance your concentration and productivity with a scientifically proven method. This app divides your workflow into focused work intervals and scheduled breaks, helping you reduce stress and stay motivated. Ideal for work, study, or any task requiring deep focus.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro timer with work intervals and breaks, App and web blocking, Statistics tracking, Commitment mode, Inspirational quotes, Home & Lock Screen Widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Minimalist and uncluttered design
- 💡 Customizable work and break durations
- 🔒 No ads or unnecessary features
- 🤖 Responsive and helpful developers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔇 Notification sound could be louder
- 📊 Lack of detailed statistics and analytics
- 🔀 Inability to pause or resume a flow session
- 🖥️ Inability to minimize the timer window

**Reported bugs**

- Live activity feature not working consistently
- Timer not recording sessions accurately
- App blocking functionality not working as expected
- Crashes and freezes on certain macOS versions

**Requested features**

- Allow custom work and break durations
- Add option to pause and resume flow sessions
- Implement real-time sync across devices
- Provide more detailed productivity tracking and reporting
- Include an Apple Watch app with complication support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus timer free?

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

### Is Flow free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Focus timer or Flow?

Flow is rated higher. Focus timer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Flow averages 4.8 from 1.8K ratings.

### Do Focus timer or Flow have ads?

Focus timer shows ads; Flow does not.

### Which is updated more often, Focus timer or Flow?

Focus timer ships an update every 5 weeks, and Flow every 4 weeks. Most recently, Focus timer was updated on October 12, 2026 and Flow on October 13, 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.*