Comparison

Open Loops vs Aura

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

Head to head
About

Open Loops

This app helps you break down large goals into actionable steps, eliminating overwhelm and procrastination. It offers multiple views, cross-device syncing, and integration with other tools to foster mental clarity and purposeful progress.

Highlights
  • Break down goals into actionable steps
  • Define overarching life goals
  • Map out steps with Subloops
  • Focus on immediate next actions
  • Journaling and review tools
  • Multiple views (lists, boards, timelines)
  • Cross-device syncing
Features
Read full description

Open Loops: Clarify Your Goals, Take Action, Reflect Designed for high-achievers and deep thinkers, Open Loops transforms the way you approach productivity. Inspired by Getting Things Done by David Allen, it helps you break overwhelming goals into actionable steps—so you can take control of your life without the mental clutter. With a simple tap, define your Open Loops—your overarching life goals—then create Subloops to map out the steps. Every loop contains Next Actions, keeping you laser-focused on the immediate step forward. By removing uncertainty, Open Loops eliminates procrastination and fear of getting started. Why choose Open Loops? Open Loops is more than a task manager—it’s a system for mental clarity and purposeful progress. • Eliminate overwhelm by structuring your biggest goals into manageable loops and next actions. • Instantly clarify what’s next—no more second-guessing what to do or where to start. • Reflect and refine your progress with built-in journaling and review tools. • Multiple views for flexibility—see your loops as lists, boards, or timelines to match your workflow. • Sync across devices—stay on top of your goals wherever you go. • Boost accountability by assigning tasks, adding deadlines, and tracking habits. • Integrate with your favorite tools like Google Calendar, Notion, and more. • Unlock deep focus by structuring your work and life with intention. Open Loops on Apple iOS • A beautifully designed interface that makes goal-setting effortless. • Stay aligned from your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, with seamless sync across desktop. • Natural language input lets you create next actions in seconds—just type “email mentor tomorrow at 10am” and Open Loops handles the rest. • Personalized productivity insights help you track your progress and refine your approach. Start turning your ambitions into reality—one loop at a time.

About

Aura

Features
Read full description

Aura is a gentle focus timer for ADHD minds — built for people who freeze up at aggressive productivity apps. Most focus apps treat your brain like a discipline problem. Loud alarms. Big red STOP buttons. Guilt when you break a streak. For a lot of us, that just adds shame to the spiral. Aura does the opposite. It's calm, quiet, and forgiving — designed around how focus actually works for neurodivergent minds. WHAT MAKES AURA DIFFERENT A timer that flows with you Start a 25-minute session with a soft breathing visual. When time's up, there's no alarm — the timer simply keeps counting up if you're still in flow, with a quiet "Going further" label. You stop when you're ready. A gentle 90-minute cap reminds you to rest. Streaks without the shame Build a 7-day streak and celebrate real milestones. Miss a day? It just resets to 1 — no guilt messages, no "you ruined your streak." Progress, not punishment. Daily intention Set one clear focus each morning. No endless to-do lists — just the single thing that matters right now. Share your focus Turn a finished session into a beautiful card — overlay your stats on your own photo and share to Instagram Stories, Messages, anywhere. Your focus, your way. Self-compassion, not hustle culture Calming quotes and gentle check-ins instead of "crush your goals" pressure. "Rest is resistance." "Your nervous system is sending a message: slow down." WHO AURA IS FOR - Adults with ADHD who struggle with task initiation and overwhelm - Students who need a calm study timer that won't add anxiety - Anyone tired of productivity apps that feel like a threat Aura is a sanctuary for focus. No pressure. No shame. Just presence. — Aura offers an optional Premium subscription (monthly or yearly with a 7-day free trial). You can use Aura's core focus sessions without subscribing. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Open Loops4 screens
Aura4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Open Loops at none against Aura's 2. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Aura sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Open Loops asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Open Loops versus Aura: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpen LoopsAura
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequency—Every 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.416.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKalyanraman VenkatramanAnar Askarova

In-app purchases

None

Open Loops

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Aura

Subscriptions2
  • Aura Premium Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Aura Premium Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Open Loops free?
Open Loops is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Aura free?
Aura is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Open Loops or Aura have ads?
Neither Open Loops nor Aura shows ads.

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