Comparison

MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD vs GentleFocus

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

Head to head
About

MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD

This app helps individuals with time blindness and task initiation challenges by providing a flexible timeboxing system. It allows users to plan their day with visual timelines and focus on tasks with distraction-free sessions, offering gentle guidance for better productivity.

Highlights
  • Flexible timeboxing
  • Visual timeline view
  • Distraction-free focus timer
  • Task estimation vs. actual time tracking
  • Routine creation
  • Finish by prediction
  • Calendar and Reminders integration
Read full description

Timeboxing for ADHD and Focused Work Finally see where your day goes. MetaTimer is a timeboxing and focus timer app built for people who struggle with time blindness and task initiation. Designed for ADHD minds, students, and freelancers, it gives you structure without rigidity. Unlike rigid Pomodoro timers, MetaTimer lets you build your day like a playlist. Each task gets its own time block, but you stay in control of the flow. Add tasks, hit play, and follow your plan one block at a time. What MetaTimer helps you do - Beat time blindness with a visual timeline of your day - Plan with flexible time blocks - Focus deeply with distraction-free sessions - Track estimated vs actual time - Reduce decision fatigue with routines - Know when you'll be done with a “Finish by” prediction Features - Flexible timeboxing - Visual timeline view - Focus timer with progress ring - Daily stats and weekly reports - Pause and resume without breaking flow - Category tags and project grouping - Siri Shortcuts and voice commands - Lock Screen and Dynamic Island live activities - Calendar and Reminders integration - Billable time reports for freelancers MetaTimer provides just enough structure without feeling overwhelming, helping you stay present and track time honestly. Perfect for students, remote workers, freelancers, creatives, and people with ADHD who need gentle guidance instead of strict rules.

About

GentleFocus

Features
Read full description

GentleFocus reimagines productivity for ADHD minds and anyone who struggles with traditional focus methods. No more guilt, just gentle support that adapts to you. WHY GENTLEFOCUS IS DIFFERENT • Brain Dump First: Capture tasks instantly without organizing • Flexible Focus Modes: From 5-min sprints to mystery durations • Visual Progress: Color-coded timer that's satisfying to watch • Smart Breaks: Curated activities to recharge without losing momentum • No Judgment: Skip sessions, extend time, or reset without guilt TIMER MODES THAT WORK WITH YOU • Quick Start: Jump into 15-min sessions instantly • Flexible Flow: Adjust duration on the fly (10-45 min) • Pomodoro Classic: Traditional 25/5 intervals • Random Mystery: Surprise durations keep things interesting • Emergency Focus: 5-minute rescue sessions • Energy-Based: Match timer to your current energy • Deadline Mode: Work backwards from due dates DESIGNED FOR ADHD BRAINS • Clean, distraction-free interface • Large, tappable controls • Gentle notifications (never jarring) • Task time tracking without pressure • Visual and audio cues for transitions • Dark mode for sensitive eyes PREMIUM FEATURES • Unlimited timer modes • Advanced analytics and insights • Custom timer durations • Recurring task templates • Export session data Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Built by someone with ADHD, for people with ADHD. Finally, a timer that gets it.

Screenshots

MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD4 screens
GentleFocus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD at none against GentleFocus's 2. GentleFocus's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 weeks). 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. GentleFocus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD ships an update every 3 weeks, GentleFocus every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and May 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD versus GentleFocus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHDGentleFocus
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOleh PavlivEl ghali khalid

In-app purchases

None

MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

GentleFocus

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Premium$0.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime access$12.99

Questions

Is MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD free?
MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GentleFocus free?
GentleFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD or GentleFocus have ads?
Neither MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD nor GentleFocus shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD or GentleFocus?
MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD ships an update every 3 weeks, and GentleFocus every 10 days. Most recently, MetaTimer Timeboxing for ADHD was updated on September 9, 2026 and GentleFocus on May 19, 2026.

Other comparisons