Focus Buddy vs Focus Timer & Planner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Focus Buddy
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Stop Struggling with Focus. Start Growing with Your Pixel Buddy. Do you find it hard to start a task? Does your ADHD brain need more than just a ticking clock? Focus Buddy is a gentle, gamified productivity tool designed for dreamers, students, and professionals who want to reclaim their focus without the anxiety. GAMIFIED PRODUCTIVITY: WORK IS NOW A QUEST Turn your to-do list into an 8-bit adventure. No stressful penalties, just pure motivation: Focus to Battle: Your custom pixel hero engages with "distraction monsters" while your timer runs. Earn & Decorate: Collect coins through Pomodoro sessions (25/5 mode) to buy cozy furniture and unlock magical pixel scenes. Progress-Friendly: Unlike other apps, you keep your earned coins even if you get interrupted. We celebrate every minute of your effort.It’s more than a timer—it’s your personal Pixel Companion that battles procrastination alongside you. When you work, your hero thrives. When you focus, your world grows. DESIGNED FOR THE NEURODIVERGENT BRAIN We’ve integrated science-backed features to support ADHD users and those with sensory sensitivities: Body Doubling Effect: Having your Buddy on screen provides the psychological comfort of "working together," making deep work less lonely. Gentle Alerts: Soft vibration and 8-bit visual cues instead of jarring alarms. ADHD-Friendly Planning: Break down big goals into manageable "Micro-Quests." POWERFUL TOOLS FOR FLOW STATE: Flexible Pomodoro Timer: Customize your focus and break intervals to fit your unique rhythm. Ambient Soundscapes: Focus with 8-bit Rain ASMR, Lo-fi beats, or complete silence. Calendar Integration: Seamlessly sync with Apple Calendar and Google Tasks to turn your schedule into a game map. Offline Focus: No Wi-Fi? Your Buddy stays with you. Perfect for library sessions or flights.Optimized Visuals: Color palettes specifically chosen to reduce screen fatigue and sensory overload. BUILT WITH CARE & HONESTY Privacy-First: We never sell your data. Your focus journey is 100% private. No Exploitative Mechanics: We avoid "streaks" that cause guilt. Your hero rests when you need to rest. No Ads: No intrusive pop-ups to break your concentration. Solo Developer Passion: Created by former remote workers who understand the struggle of stay-at-home productivity. WHAT OUR COMMUNITY SAYS: "It helps me start tasks without the usual 'beginning anxiety.' The cutest way to stay productive!" – College Student, Texas "Finally, a focus app that feels like a cozy game instead of a digital chore." – Indie Game Enthusiast Don’t just track time—give it life. Whether you’re studying for finals, coding a project, or just trying to get through chores, your Focus Buddy is ready. Download now and find your Flow State today!
Focus Timer & Planner
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Actify — Turn your phone into a low‑stimulus focus zone Battling endless scrolling or startup paralysis? Actify transforms your screen into a calm, looping worksite where a tiny miner toils as long as you do. One tap starts a lock‑screen focus session that blocks distractions, delivers gentle nudges, and rewards every minute you stay on task. How it works 1. One‑Tap Start – Pick a 20/25/30‑minute slot and hit Start. 2. Screen Lock + Subtle Animation – A soothing, slow‑progress scene holds just enough motion to keep ADHD brains engaged without hijacking attention. 3. Smart Nudges – If you try to quit early, the miner pops up with a quick pep talk (“Just 5 more minutes to level up your pickaxe!”). 4. Earn & Upgrade – Rack up coins for every finished session, level up your character, unlock new tools, and watch your stats climb in the StatsView. Why it helps • Low‑stimulus environment blocks high‑dopamine apps yet avoids boredom. • Micro‑task guidance bridges the hardest step for ADHD users—getting started. • Visible progress + virtual rewards boost dopamine, turning focus into a game. • Structured breaks prevent burnout and keep momentum rolling. Extra power‑ups • Insightful charts track daily focus streaks and peak productivity hours. • Smart Planner schedules multi‑step nudges before each task so you glide from plan to action. Download Actify Focus today, tap once, and tunnel straight into flow—no willpower required.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus Timer & Planner at none against Focus Buddy's 1. Focus Timer & Planner also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). Focus Buddy's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (16 vs 18.2). On price 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
Both are free to download. Focus Buddy sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Focus Timer & Planner asks for nothing beyond the download.
Focus Buddy ships an update monthly, Focus Timer & Planner every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Focus Buddy | Focus Timer & Planner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16 — better | 18.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 33 MB | 65 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 锦 曹 | WING YI NG |
In-app purchases
Focus Buddy
- starter package$0.99
Focus Timer & Planner
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Focus Buddy free?
Is Focus Timer & Planner free?
Do Focus Buddy or Focus Timer & Planner have ads?
Which is updated more often, Focus Buddy or Focus Timer & Planner?
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