# Focal vs Tomato Timer ۬

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focal at none against Tomato Timer ۬'s 3. Focal also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). Tomato Timer ۬'s advantage is ratings volume (188 vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tomato Timer ۬ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Focal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Focal holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tomato Timer ۬ has 188 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Focal's written reviews are positive against 80% of Tomato Timer ۬'s.

Focal ships an update every 2 months, Tomato Timer ۬ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focal | Tomato Timer ۬ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-focus-timer/id6450650771/reviews)** | [4.7 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tomato-timer/id6474303915/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **188** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 80.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.2 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Jakob Vogt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1694217961) | [BoltQ Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/1709921356) |

## What reviewers say

### Focal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focal-focus-timer/id6450650771)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Tomato Timer ۬

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tomato-timer/id6474303915)

This app helps you improve focus and productivity using the Pomodoro Technique. It offers customizable timers, ambient soundscapes, sub-task management, and detailed statistics to track your progress.

**Highlights:** Customizable Pomodoro timers, Multiple ambient sound options, Sub-task management, Advanced statistics tracking, Default Pomodoro timer

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pomodoro Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Pomodoro Pro Lifetime Gift | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pomodoro Pro Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Perfect for students
- 👍 Helpful and adjustable
- 💰 Free to use
- 👍 Simple concept executed well
- ✨ Sleek and effective

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Timer pauses when switching apps
- 🐛 Phone locks during timer
- 🐛 Timer stops when phone is locked
- 💸 Expensive lifetime subscription
- ❌ No voice alert customization

**Reported bugs**

- Timer pauses when using other applications
- Phone automatically locks during the timer
- Timer stops when the phone is locked
- No dynamics island or Live activities
- Widget is not interactive

**Requested features**

- Fix timer pausing when switching apps
- Add dynamic island support
- Add watch app support
- Add interactive widget
- Add Korean language for break notifications


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focal free?

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

### Is Tomato Timer ۬ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Focal or Tomato Timer ۬?

Focal is rated higher. Focal averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Tomato Timer ۬ averages 4.7 from 188 ratings.

### Do Focal or Tomato Timer ۬ have ads?

Neither Focal nor Tomato Timer ۬ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Focal or Tomato Timer ۬?

Focal ships an update every 2 months, and Tomato Timer ۬ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Focal was updated on September 23, 2026 and Tomato 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.*