# GradeGrind vs Focustown

The clearest difference is monetization model: Focustown at free with in-app purchases against GradeGrind's subscription. Focustown also leads on ratings volume (9.6K vs 26) and update cadence (daily vs every 5 days). GradeGrind's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, rating, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GradeGrind sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.29 per month and Focustown sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for GradeGrind against 4.8 for Focustown. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focustown has 9.6K ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two.

GradeGrind ships an update every 5 days, Focustown daily. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GradeGrind | Focustown |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gradegrind-student-focus/id6748651719/reviews)** | [4.8 (9.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focustown-pomodoro-timer/id6758457625/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **9.6K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 77.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#188** |
| Size | 35 MB | 1.1 GB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HealthyAI LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819143566) | [Second Round Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818164945) |

## What reviewers say

### GradeGrind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gradegrind-student-focus/id6748651719)

This app helps students improve focus and grades by scheduling distraction-free sessions, tracking progress, and setting weekly goals. It also manages deadlines, parses course syllabi with AI, and calculates GPA.

**Highlights:** Scheduled focus sessions with app blocking, Discipline score and streak tracking, Weekly commitment and progress goals, Deadline and workload management, AI course syllabus parsing, GPA calculation and target tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited | $2.29 | per month |
| Unlimited | $4.99 | per month |
| Unlimited | $7.99 | per 6 months |
| Unlimited | $9.95 | per year |
| Unlimited | $9.99 | per year |


### Focustown

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focustown-pomodoro-timer/id6758457625)

**Currently charting:** #188 Top Free · Productivity (US App Store)

This app provides a virtual study environment with others worldwide. Choose from cozy settings, join real-time focus sessions, and earn rewards to customize your experience. It's designed to help users stay motivated and productive during study or work.

**Highlights:** Cozy study environments, Study with real people globally, Earn coins and customize character, Study sessions with friends, Built-in focus timer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Foucstown Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Foucstown Pro Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Foucstown Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Foucstown Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Starter Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pocketful Golden Beans | $0.99 | one-time |
| Purchase Coffee Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Sack of Golden Beans | $2.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Golden Beans | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Golden Beans | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GradeGrind free?

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

### Is Focustown free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GradeGrind or Focustown?

GradeGrind is rated higher. GradeGrind averages 4.8 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Focustown averages 4.8 from 9.6K ratings.

### Do GradeGrind or Focustown have ads?

Focustown shows ads; GradeGrind does not.

### Which is updated more often, GradeGrind or Focustown?

GradeGrind ships an update every 5 days, and Focustown daily. Most recently, GradeGrind was updated on October 30, 2026 and Focustown on November 11, 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.*