Comparison

Locked In vs Aro

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

Head to head
About

Locked In

Features
Read full description

Locked In is a simple pomodoro timer that helps you become more focused and productive for your work, for free! Key Features: - Configure work and break times - Sound Notification for work and break times

About

Aro

This app uses the Pomodoro technique to help you focus on tasks. It offers calming environments and customizable timers to create a ritual for deep work. Track your progress and build streaks without guilt.

Highlights
  • Customizable Pomodoro timers
  • Calming focus spaces
  • Live Activities and Dynamic Island integration
  • Session organization with intentions and tags
  • Progress tracking and streaks
  • Adaptive Pomodoro
  • Ad-free experience with Pro
Features
Read full description

Aro turns the Pomodoro method into a calm ritual for beginning what matters. Choose one intention, enter a beautiful focus space, and let Aro carry the rhythm. No clutter, no pressure—just a clear place to start and an honest record of the time you gave. FOCUS THAT FEELS DIFFERENT • Name the one thing that matters now • Work with a classic 25/5 Pomodoro or shape your own rhythm • Preview every space before beginning • Pair atmosphere, sound and timing into a repeatable ritual • Keep the timer visible with Live Activities and Dynamic Island • Organize sessions with intentions and tags • See daily progress, patterns and streaks without guilt BEAUTIFUL SPACES FOR REAL WORK Move between quiet mornings, deep-work studios and late-night atmospheres. Each space is designed to reduce friction and make returning to focus feel familiar. ARO PRO Unlock the complete ritual system: • The full collection of premium focus spaces • Smart rituals that prepare your room on the days and times you choose • Mix two soundscapes with independent volume controls • Adaptive Pomodoro that learns from sessions on your device • A private weekly coach with patterns and recommendations • Unlimited rituals, backgrounds and advanced personalization • A completely ad-free experience Your existing FocusRooms sessions and Pro access remain with you when you update to Aro. Privacy policy: https://aro.manurivas.dev/privacy/ Support: https://aro.manurivas.dev/support/

Screenshots

Locked In3 screens
Aro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Locked In at none against Aro's 3. Locked In also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Aro sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Locked In asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Locked In ships an update daily, Aro every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Locked In versus Aro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLocked InAro
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyDaily — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB103 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJia-An WangManuel Jose Rivas Farinas

In-app purchases

None

Locked In

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Aro

Subscriptions2
  • Focus Rooms Pro Monthly3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Focus Rooms Pro Yearly7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Focus Rooms PRO Lifetime$39.99

Questions

Is Locked In free?
Locked In is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Aro free?
Aro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Locked In or Aro have ads?
Aro shows ads; Locked In does not.
Which is updated more often, Locked In or Aro?
Locked In ships an update daily, and Aro every 2 months. Most recently, Locked In was updated on October 28, 2026 and Aro on October 24, 2026.

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