Comparison

Focused Work vs Focal

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

Head to head
About

Focused Work

This app helps users improve focus and productivity through structured timed sessions. It offers customizable timers, goal setting, and distraction blocking to build healthy work habits.

Highlights
  • Customizable focus sessions
  • Pomodoro and Flowmodoro templates
  • Distraction blocking
  • Reflection and goal tracking
  • Statistics and charts
  • Live Activities and widgets
Features
Read full description

## Featured by App Store in 150+ Countries & Regions # Hot This Week # Apps We Love Right Now # Big Apps From Small Teams # New Apps, Features, and Content ## What People Are Saying "A simple, but valuable utility for creating timed focus sessions of productivity." - MacStories "Focused Work helps you stay on track better than ever" - iMore "Focused Work makes it easy to create and manage Focused Sessions." - 9to5Mac "A tool that helps overcome that first step." - Knapsack Focused Work is a powerful timer that helps you focus and be productive. It's purpose-built for people who want to focus for long periods and struggle with this. Add structure to your day with "Focus Sessions" that encourage you to complete goals, tasks, and help you divide your time into Focus, Break, and Prepare stages. Pick from a selection of templates, including a simple timer, Pomodoro - inspired by the Pomodoro Technique, Flowmodoro - inspired by the Flowtime Technique, and other various sessions. You can also create repeatable sessions specifically tailored to your needs. Add stages, set time limits, and much more. Ultimately, Focused Work helps you be more accountable by reminding you to focus, reflect, and build healthy productivity habits by completing various daily goals. **Core Features** · A simple, powerful timer that keeps you on-task Choose what to focus on. Start the timer. Get stuff done! · Curated Basic Sessions to get started Run a Pomodoro session, Flowmodoro session, or even just a simple timer · Create Focus Sessions Tailor them to your needs with a plethora of configurable options · Reminders Be reminded to stay focused, when to take breaks, and also to start a focus session! · Reflection Track what went well for you during your focus session and what you can improve upon · Scratch Pad Jot down thoughts that come to mind during your session and return to them after · Daily Goals Completing your daily focus goals earns you a streak and helps you form healthy productivity habits · Statistics & Charts Review recent productivity across the past week, month, and year · Block Distractions Select apps and websites you want to restrict access to during a session · In-app Shortcuts Automation Automatically perform actions as you progress through your session, such as turning on Focus · Link with Toggl Track Explore advanced time tracking by linking with Toggl to create time entries, assign projects and tags · Productivity Export Export completed sessions in CSV format **iOS & iPadOS Features** Focused Work is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with extensive support for each platform; · Live Activities Control your session from the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island · Interactive Widgets Control your session, view daily goals, and start a session from the Home Screen · Control Center Widgets Start a session or access the Scratch Pad with Control Widgets · StandBy Interact with your session while iPhone is in StandBy · Spotlight Search Quick start and interact with sessions from search · Focus Filters Filter which sessions can be viewed & started based on the active Focus · App Shortcuts & Siri Start and interact with a session via various shortcuts that can also be linked together · Picture-in-Picture Show a floating timer above other apps with Picture-in-Picture mode · Session Alerts on all devices Start a session on one device and receive update alerts on others with Focused Work installed · iCloud Syncing Sync productivity stats & created sessions between devices · Privacy Focused Your data is securely stored and managed via iCloud. No account registration. · And much more Mac Support, Share Sheet controls, App Icons, Keyboard Shortcuts, VoiceOver, Split View & Slide Over, Low Power Mode, Drag & Drop, Dark Mode, URL Schemes If you have any questions, please reach out to focusedworkapp@michaeltigas.com.au Privacy Policy: https://focusedwork.app/privacypolicy/ Terms of Use: https://focusedwork.app/terms/

About

Focal

Enhance your concentration and manage tasks with timed work sessions and restorative breaks. This tool helps minimize distractions, encouraging deep work and mindful relaxation. Stay on track with customizable notifications and live updates on your home screen.

Highlights
  • Smart focus sessions based on research
  • Rejuvenating break timer
  • Customizable notifications
  • Live Activity on widgets
  • Distraction-free work slots
Read full description

Introducing FocusTimer - To Boost Your Focus! Ever felt overwhelmed with distractions? Dive deep into your tasks and rejuvenate with well-timed breaks using TimerApp. It's not just a timer; it's your personal productivity booster. HIGHLIGHTS: - Smart Focus Sessions - Based on scientific research, our focus timer ensures you get the most out of every minute. Say goodbye to procrastination and embrace peak productivity. - Rejuvenating Breaks - Don’t just stare at your screen. Our break timer encourages true relaxation, reminding you to stretch, hydrate, or even step outside. Return refreshed and ready for the next task. - Notifications - From subtle nudges to fun mode, customize how TimerApp interacts with you. Stay motivated in style! - Live Activity on Widgets - Stay updated without even opening the app! With our live activity widgets, your focus sessions and breaks are always just a glance away. Why TimerApp? Our lives are cluttered with notifications, calls, and endless tasks. TimerApp helps carve out dedicated, distraction-free slots, ensuring you make progress on what truly matters. Whether you're a student tackling assignments, a professional meeting deadlines, or anyone wanting more discipline in their routine, TimerApp is your ally. Revolutionize your productivity. Experience the magic of focused attention. Download TimerApp today and unlock your true potential.

Screenshots

Focused Work4 screens
Focal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focal at none against Focused Work's 14. Focal also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 85%). Focused Work's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (603 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement 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. Focused Work sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Focal asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Focal holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focused Work has 603 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Focused Work's written reviews are positive against 100% of Focal's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focused Work ships an update weekly, Focal every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Focused Work versus Focal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocused WorkFocal
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (603 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews84.9% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings603 — better1
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.2
Further details — not scored
Size155 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael TigasJakob Vogt

Customer experience

Focused Work

All ratings603 ratings
Positive93.2%
Neutral3.5%
Negative3.3%
Written reviews166 reviews
Positive84.9%
Neutral4.2%
Negative10.8%

Focal

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Focused Work

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Login screen freezes
  • Incompatible with older devices
  • Stuck on a session: Gap time
  • Desktop doesn't sync with phone

Requested features

4 requests
  • Need iwatch app
  • Calendar integration?
  • Dark mode option
  • Advanced analytics dashboard

Focal

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

14 purchases

Focused Work

Subscriptions6
  • Focused Work Pro (1 month)$2.991 Month
  • Focused Work Pro - Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Focused Work Pro (1 month)$6.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Focused Work Pro (1 year)3 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Focused Work Pro - Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Focused Work Pro (1 year)3 Days trial$39.991 Year
One-time8
  • Little Tip$0.99
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
Show 5 more
  • Large Tip$9.99
  • Massive Tip$19.99
  • Focused Work Pro Lifetime$59.99
  • Focused Work Pro Lifetime$89.99
  • Focused Work Pro Lifetime$119.99
None

Focal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Focused Work free?
Focused Work is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focal free?
Focal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Focused Work or Focal?
Focal is rated higher. Focused Work averages 4.7 out of 5 from 603 ratings, while Focal averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Focused Work or Focal have ads?
Neither Focused Work nor Focal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focused Work or Focal?
Focused Work ships an update weekly, and Focal every 2 months. Most recently, Focused Work was updated on October 7, 2026 and Focal on September 23, 2026.

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