# HCF vs Hardcore Focus

The clearest difference is ads: Hardcore Focus at none against HCF's shown. Hardcore Focus also leads on device support (3 vs 1). HCF's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HCF sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Hardcore Focus sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for HCF against 5.0 for Hardcore Focus. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 12 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

HCF ships an update fortnightly, Hardcore Focus every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HCF | Hardcore Focus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211/reviews) | [5.0 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcore-focus-deep-work/id6746370343/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **12** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 16 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flyt19 Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770646599) | [Eric Kuhn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1686292395) |

## What reviewers say

### HCF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211)

This app helps users break free from distractions and lock into focused work or study sessions. It offers a focus timer, habit tracking, and a gamified rewards system to make productivity engaging and rewarding.

**Highlights:** Hardcore Focus Timer, Gamified rewards and story progression, Distraction-free design, Customizable focus sessions, Habit tracking, Phone locking for accountability

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus Pass Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Hardcore Focus Pass | $29.99 | per year |


### Hardcore Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcore-focus-deep-work/id6746370343)

This app encourages focused work by having users commit to a single, meaningful task for a two-hour period. It blocks distractions and tracks your focus sessions, helping you accomplish real work instead of just managing tasks.

**Highlights:** Single daily task focus, 2-hour deep work timer, Distracting app blocking, Distraction tracking, Progress logging, Streaks and achievements, Widgets and Live Activities

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hardcore Focus Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Hardcore Focus Pro Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Hardcore Focus Pro Annual | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HCF free?

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

### Is Hardcore Focus free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HCF or Hardcore Focus?

HCF and Hardcore Focus are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 9 and 12 ratings respectively.

### Do HCF or Hardcore Focus have ads?

HCF shows ads; Hardcore Focus does not.

### Which is updated more often, HCF or Hardcore Focus?

HCF ships an update fortnightly, and Hardcore Focus every 2 months. Most recently, HCF was updated on October 4, 2026 and Hardcore Focus on October 6, 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.*