# StartWatch vs Focus

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StartWatch at none against Focus's 1. StartWatch also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (4 vs 1). Focus's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.0). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

StartWatch ships an update every 6 days, Focus every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartWatch | Focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **49** | — |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apostol & Hall](https://appshunter.io/developer/320592318) | [David Calonne](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882674495) |

## What reviewers say

### StartWatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824)

This app allows you to start a stopwatch instantly and then convert it into a timer. You can run multiple timers and stopwatches simultaneously, with options to customize display and track past events. It offers advanced features like markers and live activities for efficient time management.

**Highlights:** Instant stopwatch start, Convert stopwatch to timer, Run multiple timers/stopwatches, Customize display units, History and undo functionality, Markers for elapsed time, Live Activities with Dynamic Island

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-countdown-widgets/id6807059912)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus Premium | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StartWatch free?

StartWatch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Focus free?

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

### Do StartWatch or Focus have ads?

Neither StartWatch nor Focus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StartWatch or Focus?

StartWatch ships an update every 6 days, and Focus every 3 weeks. Most recently, StartWatch was updated on October 12, 2026 and Focus on October 9, 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.*