Comparison

SimpliFocus vs Focal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SimpliFocus

This app offers a distraction-free environment to boost productivity. It features a minimalist timer and session tracking, allowing users to focus on tasks without clutter or complex interfaces. Designed for simplicity, it helps users achieve deep work and accomplish their goals.

Highlights
  • Instant focus with one tap
  • Minimalist Pomodoro-inspired timer
  • Session tracking with streaks
  • Lock screen and Live Activities support
  • Customizable session and break times
  • Ad-free and clutter-free interface
Features
Read full description

SimpliFocus — Focus Made Effortless Make space for focused work, study, and everyday tasks with a simple Pomodoro-inspired timer. Choose your session length, add an optional intention or focus tag, and tap Start. FOCUS AND REST Customize focus sessions, short breaks, long breaks, and your daily session goal. Keep track of your timer with Live Activities and Lock Screen updates. SEE YOUR PROGRESS Review your session history, including intentions, tags, focused time, and paused time. Use insights to explore your streaks and focus trends. MAKE IT YOURS Choose ambient focus sounds and adjust your timer settings to suit the way you work. An Apple Watch companion and widgets help keep your sessions close at hand. ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS Version 2.2.4 improves VoiceOver labels and navigation across key screens, larger-text layouts, and reduced-motion behavior. Settings controls and session history are easier to understand and use. SIMPLIFOCUS PRO Optional Pro features include expanded insights, additional ambient sounds, and more widget options. Pro is a one-time lifetime in-app purchase with no subscription. No ads. No account required. Just a little more room to focus.

About

Focal

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
Read full description

Introducing FocusTimer - To Boost Your Focus! Ever felt overwhelmed with distractions? Dive deep into your tasks and rejuvenate with well-timed breaks using TimerApp. It's not just a timer; it's your personal productivity booster. HIGHLIGHTS: - Smart Focus Sessions - Based on scientific research, our focus timer ensures you get the most out of every minute. Say goodbye to procrastination and embrace peak productivity. - Rejuvenating Breaks - Don’t just stare at your screen. Our break timer encourages true relaxation, reminding you to stretch, hydrate, or even step outside. Return refreshed and ready for the next task. - Notifications - From subtle nudges to fun mode, customize how TimerApp interacts with you. Stay motivated in style! - Live Activity on Widgets - Stay updated without even opening the app! With our live activity widgets, your focus sessions and breaks are always just a glance away. Why TimerApp? Our lives are cluttered with notifications, calls, and endless tasks. TimerApp helps carve out dedicated, distraction-free slots, ensuring you make progress on what truly matters. Whether you're a student tackling assignments, a professional meeting deadlines, or anyone wanting more discipline in their routine, TimerApp is your ally. Revolutionize your productivity. Experience the magic of focused attention. Download TimerApp today and unlock your true potential.

Screenshots

SimpliFocus4 screens
Focal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SimpliFocus at every 8 days against Focal's every 2 months. SimpliFocus also leads on ratings volume (4 vs 1). Focal's advantage is iOS requirement (16.2 vs 18.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for SimpliFocus against 5.0 for Focal. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimpliFocus ships an update every 8 days, Focal every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SimpliFocus versus Focal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimpliFocusFocal
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings4 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.016.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size59 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJosh WoodJakob Vogt

Customer experience

SimpliFocus

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Focal

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

SimpliFocus

No in-app purchases

None

Focal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SimpliFocus free?
SimpliFocus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Focal free?
Focal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SimpliFocus or Focal?
SimpliFocus and Focal are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do SimpliFocus or Focal have ads?
Neither SimpliFocus nor Focal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SimpliFocus or Focal?
SimpliFocus ships an update every 8 days, and Focal every 2 months. Most recently, SimpliFocus was updated on November 3, 2026 and Focal on November 3, 2026.

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