# Flow vs FocusBrain

The clearest difference is monetization model: Flow at free with in-app purchases against FocusBrain's subscription. Flow also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 120). FocusBrain's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and FocusBrain sells 24 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Flow against 4.8 for FocusBrain. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Flow has 1.8K ratings behind it against 120, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 86% of Flow's written reviews are positive against 82% of FocusBrain's.

Flow ships an update every 4 weeks, FocusBrain every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Flow | FocusBrain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932/reviews) | [4.8 (120 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbrain-8d-adhd-and-focus/id1569534844/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 120 |
| Positive reviews | **86.1% of reviews** | 81.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 80 MB | 106 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yugen GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1362171211) | [BrainPower Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560966870) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### FocusBrain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbrain-8d-adhd-and-focus/id1569534844)

This science-based app uses brainwave therapy and 8D sound to enhance focus, boost productivity, improve memory, and reduce stress. It offers sessions for ADHD support and helps users achieve a flow state for peak cognitive performance without medication.

**Highlights:** Improve focus and cognition, Boost productivity and flow state, Enhance memory and problem-solving, Reduce stress and mental fatigue, Support ADHD management, Science-backed brainwave therapy, 8D immersive sound sessions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (24)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| New User Weekly Special Offer | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Brain Booster Monthly Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Try 7 days | $7.99 | per month |
| New User Monthly Offer | $7.99 | per month |
| 6-Month Subscription | $14.99 | per 6 months |
| New User 6-Month Subscription | $15.99 | per 6 months |
| Quarterly Premium Membership | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| Half Yearly Premium | $17.99 | per 6 months |
| Quarterly Special Premium | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| New User Quarterly Offer | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Brain Booster Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Special Offer | $21.99 | per year |
| New User Yearly Special | $25.99 | per year |
| New User Half Yearly Premium | $25.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual Premium | $25.99 | per year |
| Quarterly Premium Subscription | $27.99 | per 3 months |
| 12-week Subscription | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium | $35.99 | per year |
| Unlock Premium Access | $37.99 | per year |
| Annual Premium | $47.99 | per year |
| 2-Year Premium | $25.99 | one-time |
| One Year Plus 6 Months Premium | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for focus
- 😴 Improves sleep quality
- 😌 Calms anxiety
- 🚀 Boosts productivity
- 🧠 Enhances brain function

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive subscriptions
- 🔄 Frequent app format changes
- ❓ Unclear pricing/trial terms
- 📱 App not downloading
- ⚠️ Automatic premium charges

**Reported bugs**

- App not working after subscription
- Blank gray screen on access
- App won't download to new phone
- Shuts off unless screen is visible
- Feedback button not working

**Requested features**

- Add solfeggio frequencies for meditation
- Expand music/tone catalog
- Improve MacOS compatibility


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Flow free?

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

### Is FocusBrain free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Flow or FocusBrain?

Flow and FocusBrain are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1.8K and 120 ratings respectively.

### Do Flow or FocusBrain have ads?

FocusBrain shows ads; Flow does not.

### Which is updated more often, Flow or FocusBrain?

Flow ships an update every 4 weeks, and FocusBrain every 3 weeks. Most recently, Flow was updated on October 19, 2026 and FocusBrain on October 20, 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.*