Comparison

Engross vs FocusCost

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Engross

This app helps users improve focus and productivity, especially those with ADHD or time blindness. It offers customizable focus sessions, task management, and analytics to understand work patterns. Features include distraction alerts, planning tools, and ambient sounds.

Highlights
  • ADHD-Friendly Pomodoro Timer
  • Distraction detection and training
  • Task breakdown for executive function
  • Integrated daily planner
  • Deep work analytics and charts
  • Immersive white noise ambience
  • Minimalist black theme
Features
Read full description

Whether you're working on big projects, studying for exams, or just trying to improve productivity, Engross combines the power of the Pomodoro Technique, to-do lists, day planner, and focus analytics to help you stay organised and distraction-free. Why Engross? Its timer uses a unique ‘Hit me when you are distracted’ hack that makes you more focused & engaged whether you are working or studying. To-do list has features designed keeping in mind the approaches that help in getting things done faster. Calendar is neat & simple so that you can keep your days organised effortlessly. The app is designed to help you achieve more. Key Features: Focus Timer with Pomodoro Technique • Customise focus & break durations with ease • Use the Stopwatch when you simply want to track your time effortlessly • Attach a timer/stopwatch and start sessions right from the To-do list or Calendar • Session tagging for productivity insights To-Do List • Repeat tasks with flexible repeat options like twice a week, every alternate day etc. • Track progress of your long & big tasks with a flexible progress tracker • Reminders that can notify you up to 24 hours in advance • Break the big tasks into smaller & achievable sub-tasks and achieve bigger goals effortlessly Daily Planner/Calendar • Create events and plan routines • From main tasks of the day to lunch break & meditation time, get notified with reminders for everything and stay on track with your schedule • Create Recurring events for your regular routine & keep your days organised Productivity Analytics • Track your focus trends & peak performance times • Session history with charts and detailed insights • Understand where your time goes Clean, Distraction-Free UI • Minimalist design focused on getting work done White Noise • Soothing sounds help to be more focused & engaged when working Engross is perfect for: College Students & High Schoolers Remote Workers & Freelancers ADHD & Neurodivergent Users Writers, Designers, and Creators Anyone looking to work smarter, not harder For Students (High School & College) Study smarter, not harder.
 Engross is an ultimate study partner, combining the Pomodoro technique, task planner, and focus tracking to help you crush exams, stay ahead of assignments, and make every study session count. Key Benefits for Students: * ‘Hit me when you are distracted’ helps a lot in staying focused * Flexibility of focus timer * Plan out study blocks, breaks, and classes * Stats Dashboard shows how long you study daily, weekly, monthly * No Ads For Professionals * Pomodoro Timer: Stay productive without burning out * To-Do List + Calendar: Manage client tasks, meetings, and deadlines * Session Tags & Stats: Track work hours by client or label * Minimalist Interface For ADHD & Neurodivergent Users Engross supports focus, structure, and routine — helping people with ADHD or executive function challenges stay organised and productive. It's simple and flexible. * Flexible Pomodoro Timer: Adjustable sessions and breaks * Simple Task List: Break big tasks into smaller, doable steps * Visual Stats: Get dopamine boosts from seeing your progress * Routine Builder: Create and stick to daily structures * Low Clutter Design: No overwhelming menus or distractions No pressure. Just the tools you need to build focus, one session at a time. See real progress, every day. Don’t just manage your time — take charge of it. Whether you want to beat procrastination, develop discipline, or simply get more done, Engross gives you the clarity and control you need to succeed. Pomodoro™ and Pomodoro Technique® are registered trademarks of Francesco Cirillo. This app is not affiliated with Francesco Cirillo.

About

FocusCost

Features
Read full description

FocusCost is a Pomodoro timer that reveals the hidden cost of interruptions. Most timer apps count the minutes you spend focused. FocusCost counts what you lose when you don't. Every time you leave the app during a focus session, FocusCost logs it as an interruption. It tracks how long you were away, how long it takes to recover, and shows you exactly how much deep work time you're giving up to distractions. HOW IT WORKS Set your focus duration, break length, and number of cycles. Start a session and the timer runs automatically through your focus-break loops. Leave the app during focus, and FocusCost catches it — logging the interruption and tracking your recovery time when you return. TWO TIMER STYLES Choose between a Circular Progress Ring that depletes as time passes, or a Flip Clock with smooth digit-by-digit animations inspired by classic mechanical clocks. Switch between styles anytime, even mid-session. FOCUS PROTECTION During a focus session, leaving the app is treated as breaking focus. When you return, a recovery overlay shows how long you were away, explains the cognitive cost of context switching, and lets you consciously resume. This intentional friction makes the cost of distraction visible. BUILT-IN BROWN NOISE Toggle on procedurally generated brown noise during focus periods to help you concentrate. A subtle tick-tock sound plays during breaks. Transition sounds and haptic feedback keep you aware of session changes without looking at the screen. ANALYTICS THAT MATTER See your productivity data across three time periods — Today, This Week, and All Time. • Focus vs. Interruption ratio — how much of your session time was real deep work • Context Switch trends — are your interruptions improving or getting worse? • Recovery Cost — total time lost to getting back on track, expressed as lost Pomodoros • Session Stats — completion rate, total cycles, and your longest focused session • Weekly bar chart — daily focus time at a glance with streak indicators STREAK TRACKING Build a daily streak by completing at least one session per day. A color-coded progress ring tracks your streak toward a 30-day milestone. Stay consistent and watch your streak grow. SESSION HISTORY Review your last 20 sessions grouped by date. Expand any session to see detailed breakdowns — cycle progress, each individual interruption with its away and recovery times, and a focus quality score. FULLY CONFIGURABLE • Focus duration: 5–120 minutes • Break duration: 1–30 minutes • Cycles: 1–10 per session • Auto or manual transitions between focus and break • Sound, vibration, and brown noise toggles • Override silent mode option DESIGNED FOR FOCUS • Clean, minimal interface with no clutter • Dark mode support • Portrait and landscape layouts • VoiceOver accessible • Screen stays awake during active sessions • Zero third-party dependencies — your data stays on your device FocusCost doesn't just time your work. It shows you where your focus actually goes.

Screenshots

Engross4 screens
FocusCost4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FocusCost at none against Engross's 1. FocusCost also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks). Engross's advantage is iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Engross sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FocusCost asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Engross ships an update every 4 weeks, FocusCost weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Engross versus FocusCost: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEngrossFocusCost
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (46 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews48.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings46 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHusain HaideryAmin Ur Rehman

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Engross

One-time1
  • Engross Premium$5.99
None

FocusCost

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Engross free?
Engross is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FocusCost free?
FocusCost is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Engross or FocusCost have ads?
Neither Engross nor FocusCost shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Engross or FocusCost?
Engross ships an update every 4 weeks, and FocusCost weekly. Most recently, Engross was updated on October 20, 2026 and FocusCost on October 25, 2026.

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