# The Chain vs Focus Timer

The clearest difference is rating: Focus Timer at 4.9 against The Chain's 4.0. Focus Timer also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). The Chain's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus Timer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. The Chain asks for nothing beyond the download.

Focus Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focus Timer has 10 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of The Chain's written reviews are positive against 100% of Focus Timer's.

The Chain ships an update every 4 months, Focus Timer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Chain | Focus Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-chain/id599029726/reviews) | **[4.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-pomodoro-quest/id1195801405/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 6 MB | 94 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [RGB Consulting Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/368207904) | [Jeff Cedilla](https://appshunter.io/developer/944615129) |

## What reviewers say

### The Chain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-chain/id599029726)

This app helps you build habits and achieve goals by encouraging consistent daily action. Mark off each day you complete a task to create a visual chain, motivating you not to break your progress. It offers daily reminders and task timers to support your journey.

**Highlights:** Create up to 4 distinct chains, Set daily reminders for each chain, Utilize task timers, Satisfying task completion feedback, Visual progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Focus Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-pomodoro-quest/id1195801405)

This app gamifies productivity by combining the Pomodoro Technique with RPG elements. Complete tasks to level up your character, unlock gear, and conquer quests, making work and study more engaging and rewarding.

**Highlights:** RPG character system, Quest-based tasks, Reward system, Customizable Pomodoro timers, Daily and custom quests, Offline mode, iCloud sync

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| extra quotes | $2.99 | one-time |
| remove ads | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Discount | $4.99 | one-time |
| donate | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Chain free?

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

### Is Focus Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Chain or Focus Timer?

Focus Timer is rated higher. The Chain averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Focus Timer averages 4.9 from 10 ratings.

### Do The Chain or Focus Timer have ads?

Neither The Chain nor Focus Timer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Chain or Focus Timer?

The Chain ships an update every 4 months, and Focus Timer every 3 weeks. Most recently, The Chain was updated on October 23, 2026 and Focus Timer on October 11, 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.*