Comparison

Focus Timer & Planner vs Ember

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

Head to head
About

Focus Timer & Planner

Features
Read full description

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.

About

Ember

This app helps you block distracting applications and build better focus habits. It uses device technology to control which apps are blocked and when, supporting work, study, or rest periods. Enjoy a clean design with a privacy-first approach, as it does not track activity or collect personal data.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps
  • One-tap focus mode
  • Schedule app blocking
  • Block apps during specific times
  • Clean and calm design
  • Privacy-first, no tracking
  • Uses Apple Screen Time technology
Features
Read full description

Stop mindless scrolling. Take back your day. Meet Ember, your personal focus companion. Most app blockers fail because they are cold, boring, or easy to switch off the moment an urge hits. Ember changes that by combining unbreakable Apple Screen Time blocking with a warm, gamified sanctuary you will actually love opening. Whether you need to study for exams, enter deep work at the office, or disconnect before sleep, Ember shields your attention so you can be fully present. HOW EMBER HELPS YOU WIN YOUR TIME BACK • Instant App Blocking Select the social media, games, or shopping apps that pull you away. Tap start and they vanish behind Ember’s shield instantly. • Smart Automated Schedules Set recurring focus blocks for mornings, work hours, or bedtime. Ember shields distractions automatically every single day without you lifting a finger. • Unbreakable Locked Mode When temptation strikes, Locked Mode requires a 15 minute countdown before you can pause your session. That short delay breaks the dopamine loop and keeps your willpower intact. • Keep the Fire Lit Every minute of focus feeds your campfire. Complete sessions to build daily streaks, kindle warm embers, and earn peaceful milestone badges. • The Den Sanctuary Level up your cozy mountain cabin as you focus. Unlock eight handcrafted decor upgrades including wool blankets, steaming herbal tea, antique journals, a stone hearth, and a shimmering starlit aurora. • Soothing Cabin Atmospheres Pair your focus sessions with calming ambient audio like crackling hearth embers, peaceful rain, and quiet nighttime soundscapes. • Home and Lock Screen Widgets Check your focus streak and daily progress at a glance without ever getting sucked into your phone. Add widgets to your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. • 100% Private and Secure Your privacy comes first. Ember uses Apple Screen Time technology running entirely on device. We never track, inspect, or store your app usage or browsing history. Everything stays yours. PERFECT FOR • College students and professionals needing deep study sessions • Anyone looking to break social media and doomscrolling addiction • Remote workers seeking structured work boundaries • Mindful individuals creating quiet evenings and better sleep hygiene EMBER PRO Upgrade to Ember Pro to unlock unlimited app blocking, unlimited schedules, strict Locked Mode, and all cozy soundscapes. Privacy Policy: https://focusshieldapp.web.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Focus Timer & Planner4 screens
Ember4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus Timer & Planner at none against Ember's 2. Focus Timer & Planner also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). Ember's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, 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. Ember sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Focus Timer & Planner asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focus Timer & Planner ships an update every 3 days, Ember every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 5 level
Focus Timer & Planner versus Ember: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocus Timer & PlannerEmber
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.218.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB28 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperWING YI NGLahiru Chathuranga

In-app purchases

None

Focus Timer & Planner

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Ember

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Plan3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Annual Plan$14.991 Year

Questions

Is Focus Timer & Planner free?
Focus Timer & Planner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Ember free?
Ember is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focus Timer & Planner or Ember have ads?
Focus Timer & Planner shows ads; Ember does not.
Which is updated more often, Focus Timer & Planner or Ember?
Focus Timer & Planner ships an update every 3 days, and Ember every 3 weeks. Most recently, Focus Timer & Planner was updated on October 18, 2026 and Ember on October 15, 2026.

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