# Focus timer vs Focus Lock

The clearest difference is ads: Focus Lock at none against Focus timer's shown. Focus Lock also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 5 weeks) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Focus timer's advantage is ratings volume (1.8K vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Focus Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Focus Lock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focus timer has 1.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Focus timer ships an update every 5 weeks, Focus Lock every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus timer | Focus Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-time-keeper/id1239133490/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-lock-block-apps/id6504156620/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 76.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 44 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [书敏 贾](https://appshunter.io/developer/989212128) | [Konstantinos Meletiou](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513992918) |

## 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


### Focus Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-lock-block-apps/id6504156620)

Enhance concentration and achieve goals with customizable focus timers and distraction blocking. This tool offers ambient sounds, motivational quotes, and cross-platform support to optimize your workflow for deep work or short bursts of productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Customizable focus and break sessions, Ambient sounds for concentration, Motivational quotes via widgets, Cross-platform support (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus Lock Pro - Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Focus Lock Pro - Yearly | $7.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus timer free?

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

### Is Focus Lock free?

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

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

Focus Lock is rated higher. Focus timer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Focus Lock averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Focus timer or Focus Lock have ads?

Focus timer shows ads; Focus Lock does not.

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

Focus timer ships an update every 5 weeks, and Focus Lock every 5 days. Most recently, Focus timer was updated on September 22, 2026 and Focus Lock on September 19, 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.*