# Pomodoro Focus Timer vs Focal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focal at none against Pomodoro Focus Timer's 3. Focal also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Pomodoro Focus Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (194 vs 1). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pomodoro Focus Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Focal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Focal holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pomodoro Focus Timer has 194 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Pomodoro Focus Timer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Focal's.

Pomodoro Focus Timer ships an update every 3 days, Focal every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pomodoro Focus Timer | Focal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (194 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pomodoro-focus-timer-onething/id1621897751/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-focus-timer/id6450650771/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **194** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 90.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 170 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.2** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pepper Factory](https://appshunter.io/developer/1621897753) | [Jakob Vogt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1694217961) |

## What reviewers say

### Pomodoro Focus Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pomodoro-focus-timer-onething/id1621897751)

Dedicate one focused hour each day to a single task for personal growth. This app helps you stay on track with your reading, studying, or exercise goals. Reclaim your time and make it yours.

**Highlights:** Daily one-hour focus sessions, Single task dedication, Personal growth activities, Study and work focus, Exercise tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OneThing Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| OneThing Premium | $24.99 | per year |
| OneThing Premium | $44.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 🎯 Effective focus and concentration tool
- 🔒 App blocking feature prevents distractions
- 📊 Helpful progress tracking and visualizations
- ⏱️ Pomodoro timer functionality works well

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔔 Excessive review request notifications
- 🐛 App lock feature has frequent errors
- ⏰ Missing alarm notification when timer ends
- 🎨 Timer display could look more modern
- 📱 Limited customization options

**Reported bugs**

- App lock mode frequently malfunctions
- Timer doesn't sound alarm when time ends
- App crashes regularly
- Circle timer not centered properly
- Timer overlaps and restarts with visual glitches

**Requested features**

- Multiple goals/tasks at the same time
- Alarm notification when focus session ends
- Time of day tracking for studying patterns
- Pie chart showing daily focus distribution
- Week and month view for pie charts


### Focal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-focus-timer/id6450650771)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pomodoro Focus Timer free?

Pomodoro Focus Timer 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, Pomodoro Focus Timer or Focal?

Focal is rated higher. Pomodoro Focus Timer averages 4.8 out of 5 from 194 ratings, while Focal averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Pomodoro Focus Timer or Focal have ads?

Pomodoro Focus Timer shows ads; Focal does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pomodoro Focus Timer or Focal?

Pomodoro Focus Timer ships an update every 3 days, and Focal every 2 months. Most recently, Pomodoro Focus Timer was updated on October 14, 2026 and Focal on September 23, 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.*