Comparison

GentleFocus vs Aura

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
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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

Aura

Features
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Aura is a gentle focus timer for ADHD minds โ€” built for people who freeze up at aggressive productivity apps. Most focus apps treat your brain like a discipline problem. Loud alarms. Big red STOP buttons. Guilt when you break a streak. For a lot of us, that just adds shame to the spiral. Aura does the opposite. It's calm, quiet, and forgiving โ€” designed around how focus actually works for neurodivergent minds. WHAT MAKES AURA DIFFERENT A timer that flows with you Start a 25-minute session with a soft breathing visual. When time's up, there's no alarm โ€” the timer simply keeps counting up if you're still in flow, with a quiet "Going further" label. You stop when you're ready. A gentle 90-minute cap reminds you to rest. Streaks without the shame Build a 7-day streak and celebrate real milestones. Miss a day? It just resets to 1 โ€” no guilt messages, no "you ruined your streak." Progress, not punishment. Daily intention Set one clear focus each morning. No endless to-do lists โ€” just the single thing that matters right now. Share your focus Turn a finished session into a beautiful card โ€” overlay your stats on your own photo and share to Instagram Stories, Messages, anywhere. Your focus, your way. Self-compassion, not hustle culture Calming quotes and gentle check-ins instead of "crush your goals" pressure. "Rest is resistance." "Your nervous system is sending a message: slow down." WHO AURA IS FOR - Adults with ADHD who struggle with task initiation and overwhelm - Students who need a calm study timer that won't add anxiety - Anyone tired of productivity apps that feel like a threat Aura is a sanctuary for focus. No pressure. No shame. Just presence. โ€” Aura offers an optional Premium subscription (monthly or yearly with a 7-day free trial). You can use Aura's core focus sessions without subscribing. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

GentleFocus4 screens
Aura4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GentleFocus at every 10 days against Aura's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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 Aura sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GentleFocus ships an update every 10 days, Aura every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 5 level
GentleFocus versus Aura: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGentleFocusAura
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 10 days โ€” betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.616.1 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size9 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEl ghali khalidAnar Askarova

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GentleFocus

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

Aura

Subscriptions2
  • Aura Premium Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Aura Premium Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is GentleFocus free?
GentleFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aura free?
Aura is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GentleFocus or Aura have ads?
Neither GentleFocus nor Aura shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GentleFocus or Aura?
GentleFocus ships an update every 10 days, and Aura every 3 weeks. Most recently, GentleFocus was updated on September 28, 2026 and Aura on October 4, 2026.

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