# HCF vs Onsen Tamago

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Onsen Tamago at none against HCF's 2. Onsen Tamago also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). HCF's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HCF sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Onsen Tamago asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for HCF against 5.0 for Onsen Tamago. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 4 respectively.

HCF ships an update fortnightly, Onsen Tamago every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HCF | Onsen Tamago |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hcf-hardcore-focus/id6720709211/reviews) | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onsen-tamago-focus-timer/id6754348811/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 16 MB | 229 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flyt19 Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770646599) | [Troubadour Game Studio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1496572797) |

## 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 |


### Onsen Tamago

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onsen-tamago-focus-timer/id6754348811)

This app encourages focused work sessions by gamifying phone usage. Users engage in a virtual onsen experience that progresses as they stay off their device for set periods. It aims to improve concentration and well-being through mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Gamified focus timer, Virtual onsen experience, Encourages phone-free time, Promotes well-being, Progressive onsen growth

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HCF free?

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

### Is Onsen Tamago free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HCF or Onsen Tamago?

HCF and Onsen Tamago are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 9 and 4 ratings respectively.

### Do HCF or Onsen Tamago have ads?

HCF shows ads; Onsen Tamago does not.

### Which is updated more often, HCF or Onsen Tamago?

HCF ships an update fortnightly, and Onsen Tamago every 2 months. Most recently, HCF was updated on October 21, 2026 and Onsen Tamago on October 24, 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.*