Comparison

Gentle Timer vs Pixel Focus

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

Head to head
About

Gentle Timer

This app offers a visually engaging countdown timer with animated characters and customizable backgrounds. It's designed for various uses, from daily tasks to focus sessions, and includes features like a stopwatch and Pomodoro timer.

Highlights
  • Animated characters and backgrounds
  • Customizable trails and animations
  • Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Dynamic Island support
  • Stopwatch and Pomodoro timer
  • Multiple timers simultaneously
  • Apple Watch compatibility
Features
Read full description

Gentle Timer is a cheerful timer with cute animated characters. Set a time, and a character walks across the screen as the timer counts down. When it reaches the other side, time is up. You can always see how much time is left. • Pick a cute character, an animated background, and calming music. • Your character can leave a trail of sparkles, rubber ducks, or baby chicks. • A race car can drive around the timer and finish when time is up. • Choose a pet to pop up and cheer you on. • Your pet also shows on your Lock Screen, Home Screen, and Dynamic Island. • Fun animations play when your timer starts and when it ends. Use it for brushing teeth, homework, cooking, reading, or a short break at work. It also has a stopwatch, breathing exercises, and a Pomodoro timer for work and breaks. You can run more than one timer at once, too. There is also a simple Apple Watch timer. Free to download, with no ads and no subscription. Unlock more characters, pets, backgrounds, and music with a one-time purchase.

About

Pixel Focus

Features
Read full description

A POMODORO TIMER FOR YOUR DESK Turn your phone into a retro LED focus clock for studying or working. Set it on your desk, start a focus session, and follow the countdown at a glance. Pixel Focus combines customizable Pomodoro sessions, automatic breaks, and progress tracking in a landscape-first display. POMODORO TECHNIQUE MADE SIMPLE • Customizable focus sessions (default 25 minutes) • Short breaks (5 minutes) and long breaks (15-30 minutes) • Visual and audio notifications to keep you on track • Automatic cycle progression through work and break periods TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Session history with detailed statistics • Visual charts showing your productivity patterns • Daily, weekly, and monthly focus insights • Completed session counter and streak tracking RETRO LED MATRIX DESIGN • Authentic pixelated aesthetic inspired by classic LED displays • Glowing red text effects that mimic real LED lighting • Minimalist black background for reduced eye strain • Landscape-first design optimized for focus sessions PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE • Adjust timer durations to match your workflow • Choose from multiple pixelated fonts (Pixelify Sans, Press Start 2P) • Customize notification sounds and vibration patterns • Dark theme optimized for any lighting condition MULTILINGUAL SUPPORT Available in English and Spanish, with more languages coming soon. PERFECT FOR: • Students during study sessions • Remote workers and freelancers • Anyone looking to improve focus and time management • Fans of retro gaming and pixel art aesthetics • Professionals using the Pomodoro Technique WHY CHOOSE PIXEL FOCUS? Unlike generic timer apps, Pixel Focus combines proven productivity techniques with a unique visual identity. The retro LED aesthetic isn't just beautiful - it's designed to minimize distractions while keeping you engaged with your focus goals. Start your journey to better productivity today. Download Pixel Focus and experience the perfect blend of nostalgia and efficiency.

Screenshots

Gentle Timer4 screens
Pixel Focus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gentle Timer at every 2 days against Pixel Focus's every 2 months. Pixel Focus's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Gentle Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Pixel Focus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Gentle Timer ships an update every 2 days, Pixel Focus every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Gentle Timer versus Pixel Focus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGentle TimerPixel Focus
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (415 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings415 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS18.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size183 MB91 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJOHNNY LIRoberto Requena

Bugs and requests

Gentle Timer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • No sound issues reported
  • Seconds not displayed on countdown
  • Landscape mode not working

Requested features

8 requests
  • More free options
  • Landscape mode support
  • Ability to set specific seconds
  • Toggle off motion on settings menu
  • Cat character option
Show 3 more
  • View of all timers set all time
  • Ability to create 'Goals' (e.g., set 40 hours)
  • Dinosaur character option

Pixel Focus

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Gentle Timer

One-time1
  • All Pets, Characters & Scenes$4.99
1 purchases

Pixel Focus

One-time1
  • Ambient Music, Unlimited History$5.99

Questions

Is Gentle Timer free?
Gentle Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pixel Focus free?
Pixel Focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Gentle Timer or Pixel Focus have ads?
Neither Gentle Timer nor Pixel Focus shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Gentle Timer or Pixel Focus?
Gentle Timer ships an update every 2 days, and Pixel Focus every 2 months. Most recently, Gentle Timer was updated on November 12, 2026 and Pixel Focus on November 5, 2026.

Other comparisons