# SimpleLists vs Focus wave

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus wave at none against SimpleLists's 7. Focus wave also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). SimpleLists's advantage is iOS requirement (18.6 vs 26.2). On price, rating, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleLists sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.00 per month. Focus wave asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for SimpleLists against 5.0 for Focus wave. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

SimpleLists ships an update every 6 weeks, Focus wave every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleLists | Focus wave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplelists-checklists/id6711347262/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-wave-pomodoro-timer/id6758902422/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 48 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.6** | 26.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joe Edwards](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770032816) | [Franklin Park](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875633650) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleLists

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplelists-checklists/id6711347262)

Create and manage reusable checklists with an intuitive interface. This app offers cloud syncing for access across devices, helping you stay organized effortlessly for various personal and professional tasks.

**Highlights:** Reusable checklists, User-friendly interface, Cloud syncing, Customizable lists, Task management

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $2.00 | per month |
| Yearly | $14.00 | per year |
| Mini tip | $1.00 | one-time |
| Plus tip | $3.00 | one-time |
| Pro tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Max tip | $10.00 | one-time |
| Ultra tip | $15.00 | one-time |


### Focus wave

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-wave-pomodoro-timer/id6758902422)

This app transforms your time management into a visual experience, helping you stay focused on studying, projects, or daily tasks. It offers a dynamic and adaptable approach to productivity beyond traditional timers.

**Highlights:** Visual time tracking, Task management, Customizable interface, Study aid, Project management

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleLists free?

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

### Is Focus wave free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleLists or Focus wave?

SimpleLists and Focus wave are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do SimpleLists or Focus wave have ads?

SimpleLists shows ads; Focus wave does not.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleLists or Focus wave?

SimpleLists ships an update every 6 weeks, and Focus wave every 2 weeks. Most recently, SimpleLists was updated on October 6, 2026 and Focus wave on October 3, 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.*