Comparison

GentleFocus vs JustStart

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

Head to head
About

GentleFocus

Features
Read full description

GentleFocus reimagines productivity for ADHD minds and anyone who struggles with traditional focus methods. No more guilt, just gentle support that adapts to you. WHY GENTLEFOCUS IS DIFFERENT โ€ข Brain Dump First: Capture tasks instantly without organizing โ€ข Flexible Focus Modes: From 5-min sprints to mystery durations โ€ข Visual Progress: Color-coded timer that's satisfying to watch โ€ข Smart Breaks: Curated activities to recharge without losing momentum โ€ข No Judgment: Skip sessions, extend time, or reset without guilt TIMER MODES THAT WORK WITH YOU โ€ข Quick Start: Jump into 15-min sessions instantly โ€ข Flexible Flow: Adjust duration on the fly (10-45 min) โ€ข Pomodoro Classic: Traditional 25/5 intervals โ€ข Random Mystery: Surprise durations keep things interesting โ€ข Emergency Focus: 5-minute rescue sessions โ€ข Energy-Based: Match timer to your current energy โ€ข Deadline Mode: Work backwards from due dates DESIGNED FOR ADHD BRAINS โ€ข Clean, distraction-free interface โ€ข Large, tappable controls โ€ข Gentle notifications (never jarring) โ€ข Task time tracking without pressure โ€ข Visual and audio cues for transitions โ€ข Dark mode for sensitive eyes PREMIUM FEATURES โ€ข Unlimited timer modes โ€ข Advanced analytics and insights โ€ข Custom timer durations โ€ข Recurring task templates โ€ข Export session data Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Built by someone with ADHD, for people with ADHD. Finally, a timer that gets it.

About

JustStart

Features
Read full description

The hardest part of having ADHD isn't understanding what to do โ€” it's starting. JustStart is built around one simple truth: the smaller the first step, the easier it is to begin. Break any task into pieces small enough to actually start, then use a body doubling timer to keep your focus going. TASK BREAKDOWN โ€” START IN 3 SECONDS Add a task, hit "Break It Down," and JustStart splits it into micro-steps you can actually begin. No more staring at "write report" on your to-do list. Instead: "open document," "write one sentence," "find one source." The first step is always achievable. BODY DOUBLING TIMER Body doubling is one of the most effective focus strategies for ADHD brains โ€” working alongside someone else (even virtually) dramatically improves task completion. JustStart's body doubling mode pairs you with focus sessions so you're never alone in the struggle. HYPERFOCUS ALARM ADHD hyperfocus is a double-edged sword. JustStart's hyperfocus alarm gently interrupts you after a set time โ€” reminding you to eat, move, or switch tasks before hours have vanished without you noticing. ADHD-FRIENDLY DESIGN No overwhelming dashboards. No endless lists. JustStart shows you one thing at a time โ€” the very next step you need to take. Minimal visual clutter, high contrast options, and large touch targets make it accessible when your brain is already at capacity. FOCUS TIMER WITH FLEXIBLE INTERVALS Whether you prefer 25-minute Pomodoro blocks, 10-minute sprints, or custom intervals, JustStart's focus timer adapts to how your brain works โ€” not how productivity gurus say it should work. WIDGET โ€” YOUR NEXT STEP, ALWAYS VISIBLE The JustStart widget shows your current task's next step directly on your home screen. Glance, tap, start. No unlocking, no navigating, no decision fatigue. STREAKS BUILT FOR ADHD BRAINS Traditional streak systems punish one bad day and reset everything. JustStart's streak system is forgiving by design โ€” rewarding consistency over perfection, and celebrating effort rather than output. REMINDERS THAT ACTUALLY LAND Smart, non-repetitive reminders that vary their message and timing so your brain doesn't tune them out. Because the fifteenth identical notification is invisible to an ADHD brain. JustStart is for adults and teens with ADHD, ADD, or anyone who struggles with task initiation, executive dysfunction, time blindness, or chronic overwhelm. You are not lazy. You just need a different kind of start. Free tier: 10 active tasks, basic focus timer. A subscription unlocks unlimited tasks, body doubling sessions, full focus history, custom hyperfocus alarm profiles, advanced widgets, and detailed productivity insights. Questions? hello@sourcesoftware.net Terms: https://juststart.sourcesoftware.net/terms.html

Screenshots

GentleFocus4 screens
JustStart4 screens

Verdict

The call

GentleFocus and JustStart are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters โ€” price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them โ€” neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. GentleFocus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and JustStart sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
GentleFocus versus JustStart: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGentleFocusJustStart
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysโ€”
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size9 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEl ghali khalidDeniz Demirel

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GentleFocus

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Premium$0.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime access$12.99
2 purchases

JustStart

Subscriptions2
  • ADHD Monthly$4.991 Month
  • ADHD Yearly$29.991 Year

Questions

Is GentleFocus free?
GentleFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is JustStart free?
JustStart is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GentleFocus or JustStart have ads?
Neither GentleFocus nor JustStart shows ads.

Other comparisons