# Monk vs Focus Timer

The clearest difference is price: Monk at Free against Focus Timer's $2.99. Monk also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). Focus Timer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Monk is free to download; Focus Timer costs $2.99 up front. Monk sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Focus Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Monk ships an update every 2 weeks, Focus Timer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Monk | Focus Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **135** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 131 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17 | **16.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Polymath Labs Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823371110) | [Symphonio Borrys Hasian](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823379275) |

## What reviewers say

### Monk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monk-screen-time-control/id6747911820)

This app helps users regain focus by blocking distracting applications until a chosen meaningful activity is completed and verified. It encourages daily rituals and discipline to combat digital distractions and improve productivity.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, AI-verified activity completion, Daily focus rituals, Dopamine detox, Focus schedules, Win history and streaks

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monk Pro (Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $48.00 | per year |
| Monk Pro (Annual) | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app for focus
- 🚀 Boosts productivity
- 💡 Unique and intuitive design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent app blocking functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Apps not being blocked as scheduled
- Glitches in scheduling functionality

**Requested features**

- Improved app blocking reliability
- Customizable scheduling options


### Focus Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-timer-pomodoro/id6747913377)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Monk free?

Monk is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Focus Timer free?

Focus Timer costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Monk or Focus Timer have ads?

Neither Monk nor Focus Timer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Monk or Focus Timer?

Monk ships an update every 2 weeks, and Focus Timer every 2 months. Most recently, Monk was updated on October 6, 2026 and Focus Timer on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*