SmallStepper vs FocusU
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SmallStepper
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SmallStepper – A Simple Task Manager, Habit Tracker, and ADHD-Friendly Planner Too many things to do? Not sure where to start, even after making a to-do list? SmallStepper helps you focus by showing you just one small step at a time. Break down goals, routines, and everyday tasks into manageable steps. Instead of seeing an overwhelming list, the home screen displays only the one thing to do right now. No complicated dashboard. No information overload. Just one clear next step. SmallStepper can be used as a simple task manager, daily planner, habit tracker, routine planner, and productivity tool for anyone who finds traditional to-do lists overwhelming. 【How It Works】 1. Create a goal. 2. Break it down into small, achievable steps. 3. Focus on the single step shown on the home screen. 4. Complete it and move on to the next step. For example, when the developer finds it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, they use small steps such as: “Move my hands and feet” “Roll out of bed” “Drink some water” Even a difficult task can feel more manageable when it is broken down into tiny steps. 【Features】 ・Focus on one task at a time ・Break large goals into small, manageable steps ・Create morning routines, evening routines, and daily habits ・Use repeating goals to build consistent habits ・Work toward shared goals together with others ・Sync your data across multiple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac (Supporters only) ・Schedule reminders and task notifications ・Review completed tasks in your history ・Level up and unlock titles as you make progress ・Receive encouraging messages after completing a step ・Turn encouragement messages off in Settings ・Check your current step from an Apple Watch ・View your current task with a home screen widget ・Use Easy Japanese and multiple language options ・Simple and distraction-free interface 【Useful For】 ・ADHD-friendly planning ・Managing attention and distractibility ・Starting tasks when you feel overwhelmed ・Daily task management ・Habit tracking ・Morning and bedtime routines ・Studying and school assignments ・Work and productivity ・Tidying and household chores ・Remembering what to bring ・Breaking down large or stressful tasks SmallStepper was designed by a clinical psychologist with the aim of making task management easier for people who experience inattention, distractibility, executive function difficulties, or information overload. You do not have to complete everything at once. Focus on what you can do right now, take one small step, and create more moments of “I did it!” Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
FocusU
This app helps you overcome procrastination by displaying only one task at a time, making it easier to start and complete your to-dos. It offers AI-powered task breakdown, a focus timer, and a daily reminder to keep you on track.
- One task at a time display
- AI-powered task breakdown
- Focus Timer (Pomodoro-style)
- Task completion tracking
- Daily reminders
- Dark Mode support
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Too many to-dos and not sure where to start? FocusU shows only the one task you should do right now. - One task at a time: the oldest task is the only one on screen, so you just start. Nothing to sort, decide or forget, which makes it ADHD-friendly - Postpone up to 3 times: after that the task is let go automatically, so your list never piles up - Look back on finished tasks with a stacked view and an activity grid - Task Breakdown: AI splits a big task into three small steps you can start now. 5 free, then watch one ad per breakdown or go unlimited with Pro - Focus Timer (pomodoro-style) for deep work - A daily reminder at the time you choose - Dark Mode support Beat procrastination, one task at a time. FocusU Pro An auto-renewable subscription that unlocks unlimited Task Breakdown, Focus Report (streaks, a 7-day chart, time to complete), Daily Goal and 11 Theme Colors including pastels (monthly or yearly plan, 1-week free trial for new subscribers). Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel it anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sakurawi.notion.site/FocusU-2aa7f1ea1f9180189524f702dd69d016
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: SmallStepper at none against FocusU's shown. SmallStepper also leads on device support (3 vs 1). FocusU's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly). On price, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. SmallStepper sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month and FocusU sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SmallStepper ships an update monthly, FocusU every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SmallStepper | FocusU |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 4 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 — better | 18.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 54 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Mariko Morita | Kota Sakurai |
In-app purchases
SmallStepper
- SmallStepperマンスリーサポーター$0.491 Month
- ライフタイムサポーター$9.99
FocusU
- FocusU Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- FocusU Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$14.991 Year









