# NeatNotes vs Focus Timer

The clearest difference is monetization model: NeatNotes at free against Focus Timer's paid. NeatNotes also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (37 vs 3). Focus Timer's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NeatNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Focus Timer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for NeatNotes against 5.0 for Focus Timer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NeatNotes has 37 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

NeatNotes ships an update every 4 days, Focus Timer every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and August 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NeatNotes | Focus Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/neatnotes-notes-and-lists/id1672575304/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-tomo/id6747645980/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **37** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 32 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.2** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fusion Engineering](https://appshunter.io/developer/1233002961) | [Jia Ge](https://appshunter.io/developer/1618083806) |

## What reviewers say

### NeatNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/neatnotes-notes-and-lists/id1672575304)

Organize and take notes quickly with a clean interface. See full note previews, customize note styles, and set reminders. Features smart grouping and automatic link title generation.

**Highlights:** Full note previews, Customizable note styles (plain, sticky, lined), Home screen widgets, Paragraph-based reminders, Smart Stacks for automatic note grouping, Readable link titles, Photo integration

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Unlock | $7.99 | one-time |


### Focus Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-tomo/id6747645980)

This app offers a distraction-free Pomodoro timer to enhance productivity and build habits for work or study. It features progress tracking, customizable focus sessions, and a minimal interface. Enjoy a lifetime premium experience with a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free Pomodoro timer, Progress tracking with iCloud sync, Customizable focus and break durations, Minimalist and elegant interface, Offline functionality, Personalizable color themes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Pro Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NeatNotes free?

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

### Is Focus Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NeatNotes or Focus Timer?

NeatNotes and Focus Timer are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 37 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do NeatNotes or Focus Timer have ads?

NeatNotes shows ads; Focus Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, NeatNotes or Focus Timer?

NeatNotes ships an update every 4 days, and Focus Timer every 6 months. Most recently, NeatNotes was updated on September 17, 2026 and Focus Timer on August 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.*