Comparison

Pokus vs The Nag

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

Head to head
About

Pokus

This app provides persistent interval timers designed to ensure you take necessary breaks. It offers customizable focus and rest cycles with reminders that repeat until acknowledged, aiding in energy management and preventing burnout. Ideal for individuals with chronic conditions, ADHD, or anyone who struggles with time blindness.

Highlights
  • Persistent reminders until acknowledged
  • Lock screen and Dynamic Island visibility
  • Activity pacing for energy management
  • 20-20-20 eye strain prevention
  • Time blindness support
  • Customizable focus and rest intervals
  • Activity pattern tracking
Features
Read full description

Pokus is the interval timer that keeps reminding you until you actually take your break. Set your focus and rest cycles, and Pokus will persistently alert you when it's time to stop — no more pushing through when you should rest. Dismiss a notification? Another one comes. Still going? It keeps reminding you. Pokus stays on your lock screen and Dynamic Island so you can't pretend you didn't see it. PERSISTENT REMINDERS THAT WORK - Alerts repeat until you respond — not just once - Live Activity on your lock screen — always visible - Dynamic Island shows time remaining - Can't dismiss, can't ignore, can't forget ACTIVITY PACING & ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Structure activity and rest to stay within your energy envelope - Prevent post-exertional malaise with timed rest periods - Ideal for ME/CFS, Long COVID, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain - Gentle but persistent — no more boom and bust cycles SCREEN BREAKS & EYE CARE - 20-20-20 rule for eye strain prevention - Ergonomic break reminders for desk workers - Microbreak intervals for long screen sessions BUILT FOR TIME BLINDNESS - Nagging reminders you genuinely cannot ignore - Simple interface — no complex planning, just start - Visual and haptic cues that cut through hyperfocus - Brain fog friendly ALWAYS IN VIEW - Lock screen widget stays visible - Dynamic Island countdown - Apple Watch support - No need to open the app FLEXIBLE INTERVALS - Classic 25/5 or fully custom cycles - Any focus and rest duration you want - Session time limits to prevent overwork - One tap to start your break SET GOALS & STAY ON TRACK - Set weekly or monthly time targets for any timer or tag - Track minimum, maximum, or range-based goals - Get warned before starting a session that would exceed a limit - See daily progress with charts and pace indicators ORGANIZE WITH TAGS - Group timers with color-coded tags - Link goals to tags for automatic tracking across timers - Filter sessions and analytics by tag TRACK YOUR PATTERNS - Visual charts of focus vs rest time - Daily, weekly, monthly insights - See your productivity rhythms and goal progress - Filter by specific timers or tags SYNCED EVERYWHERE - iCloud sync across devices - Custom timer icons and colors - Unlimited timers and tags - Automatic session history Perfect for: - Anyone with a chronic illness who needs activity pacing - People with ADHD and time blindness - Remote workers who skip breaks - Students in long study sessions - Desk workers needing ergonomic reminders - Anyone who dismisses regular alarms Try free, then unlock unlimited with a one-time purchase.

About

The Nag

Features
Read full description

Stay on track. Stay productive. Stay Nagged. The Nag is your ultimate productivity companion — a clean, powerful reminder system that goes beyond simple alerts. Whether you need one-time notifications or persistent nudges, The Nag has you covered. Features Include: Timed Reminders -Schedule specific reminders for any time and date. -Easily edit, repeat, or remove upcoming tasks. -Missed a reminder? Set it to follow up until you act. Nag Mode -Keep procrastination at bay with recurring notifications. -Enter multiple custom “nags” that cycle on your selected interval (e.g., every 1, 5, or 15 minutes). -Great for workouts, medication, focus sprints, or habits. Powerful Customization -Convert any reminder into a nag with one tap. -Choose from preloaded nag lists like “Health” or create your own. -See a countdown timer so you always know when the next alert is coming. Friendly Design -Clean, easy-to-navigate interface. Bonus -Apple Watch-friendly: Alerts display if your iPhone is locked. Great for people with busy schedules or anyone who thrives on structure. The Nag helps you take action, not just set intentions. Whether you're trying to build a habit or finish a task — nagging works. Download now and start getting things done… one friendly nudge at a time.

Screenshots

Pokus4 screens
The Nag4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Nag at none against Pokus's 3. The Nag also leads on iOS requirement (18.5 vs 26.1). Pokus's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs monthly). On price, ads 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. Pokus sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. The Nag asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pokus ships an update weekly, The Nag monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Pokus versus The Nag: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPokusThe Nag
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.118.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperALISTER ALAGON PINEDANeville Forsythe

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Pokus

Subscriptions2
  • Pro - Monthly7 Days trial$0.991 Month
  • Pro - Annual7 Days trial$5.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro - Lifetime$9.99
None

The Nag

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Pokus free?
Pokus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is The Nag free?
The Nag is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Pokus or The Nag have ads?
Neither Pokus nor The Nag shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pokus or The Nag?
Pokus ships an update weekly, and The Nag monthly. Most recently, Pokus was updated on September 29, 2026 and The Nag on October 10, 2026.

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