# Study Buddies vs Focus Timer Game

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Study Buddies at none against Focus Timer Game's 1. Study Buddies also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Focus Timer Game's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus Timer Game sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per month. Study Buddies asks for nothing beyond the download.

Study Buddies ships an update every 2 months, Focus Timer Game every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Study Buddies | Focus Timer Game |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-game-time-miner/id6755960317/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 738 MB | 477 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [jason punselie](https://appshunter.io/developer/1679426285) | [Cihad Turhan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1396948084) |

## What reviewers say

### Study Buddies

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-buddies-focus-timer/id6446861499)

This app uses a gamified Pomodoro technique to help users focus on tasks and reduce phone usage. It offers ambient sounds and competitive features to motivate users to build better habits and improve productivity.

**Highlights:** Gamified focus timer, Pomodoro technique, Habit tracking and building, Ambient sounds (lo-fi, white noise), Competitive features with friends, Phone addiction reduction

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Focus Timer Game

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-game-time-miner/id6755960317)

This app gamifies productivity by turning focused work sessions into resource gathering for building a virtual city. Earn stone, glass, and iron by staying focused, then use them to construct and upgrade buildings, creating a visual representation of your progress. It's a rewarding way to make better use of your time without added pressure.

**Highlights:** Gamified focus timer, City building progression, Resource gathering mechanics, Visual progress tracking, No streak anxiety, Subscription for premium features

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly (Early Bird) | $3.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Study Buddies free?

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

### Is Focus Timer Game free?

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

### Do Study Buddies or Focus Timer Game have ads?

Study Buddies shows ads; Focus Timer Game does not.

### Which is updated more often, Study Buddies or Focus Timer Game?

Study Buddies ships an update every 2 months, and Focus Timer Game every 2 weeks. Most recently, Study Buddies was updated on October 4, 2026 and Focus Timer Game on September 30, 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.*