# Study Buddies vs Kept

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Study Buddies at none against Kept's 7. Study Buddies also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). Kept's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kept sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Study Buddies asks for nothing beyond the download.

Study Buddies ships an update every 2 months, Kept monthly. Both last shipped on October 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Study Buddies | Kept |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kept-your-focus-buddy/id6759404967/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Freemium |
| Size | 738 MB | 250 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [jason punselie](https://appshunter.io/developer/1679426285) | [Drew Herrman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1878463272) |

## 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


### Kept

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kept-your-focus-buddy/id6759404967)

This app helps you build focus habits with a cozy timer and app blocker. Earn rewards by staying on task, and watch your virtual companion thrive as you accomplish your goals. It's designed to make productivity feel rewarding, not stressful.

**Highlights:** Zero-willpower app blocking, Earn rewarding mystery boxes, Cozy gamification with virtual companion, Ax on Dynamic Island integration, Visual journaling of focus sessions, Optional Pro version for boosts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kept Pro Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Kept Pro Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Common Skin | $0.99 | one-time |
| Daily Surprise Box | $1.99 | one-time |
| Rare Skin | $2.99 | one-time |
| Secret Skin | $4.99 | one-time |
| Realm Unlocks | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Study Buddies free?

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

### Is Kept free?

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

### Do Study Buddies or Kept have ads?

Study Buddies shows ads; Kept does not.

### Which is updated more often, Study Buddies or Kept?

Study Buddies ships an update every 2 months, and Kept monthly. Most recently, Study Buddies was updated on October 4, 2026 and Kept on October 4, 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.*