Comparison

GentleFocus vs Ember Pomodoro

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — 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 • Brain Dump First: Capture tasks instantly without organizing • Flexible Focus Modes: From 5-min sprints to mystery durations • Visual Progress: Color-coded timer that's satisfying to watch • Smart Breaks: Curated activities to recharge without losing momentum • No Judgment: Skip sessions, extend time, or reset without guilt TIMER MODES THAT WORK WITH YOU • Quick Start: Jump into 15-min sessions instantly • Flexible Flow: Adjust duration on the fly (10-45 min) • Pomodoro Classic: Traditional 25/5 intervals • Random Mystery: Surprise durations keep things interesting • Emergency Focus: 5-minute rescue sessions • Energy-Based: Match timer to your current energy • Deadline Mode: Work backwards from due dates DESIGNED FOR ADHD BRAINS • Clean, distraction-free interface • Large, tappable controls • Gentle notifications (never jarring) • Task time tracking without pressure • Visual and audio cues for transitions • Dark mode for sensitive eyes PREMIUM FEATURES • Unlimited timer modes • Advanced analytics and insights • Custom timer durations • Recurring task templates • 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

Ember Pomodoro

Features
Read full description

Ember Pomodoro is a beautifully minimal focus timer built around a visual, analog-style dial — inspired by the classic Time Timer. Watch your remaining time as a vivid red arc, drag the dial to set your session, and let Ember guide you through deep work and intentional rest. WHETHER YOU'RE A STUDENT OR A PROFESSIONAL, Ember adapts to how you work. Use it as a free-form countdown timer, or switch on Pomodoro mode to cycle through focused work sessions and automatic breaks — all without thinking about it. VISUAL TIMER DIAL The centerpiece of Ember is a large, satisfying circular dial. A red arc fills the clock face to show exactly how much time remains — shrinking in real time as you work. Drag the handle to set your time, just like winding an analog clock. POMODORO MODE Toggle into Pomodoro mode and Ember automatically transitions from your focus session into a break timer when time is up. Customize your break duration in Settings. A subtle session label ("Focus" / "Break") keeps you oriented throughout the cycle. AMBIENT WHITE NOISE Stay in the zone with built-in white noise. Choose from Rain, Pink noise, or White noise — all looping seamlessly in the background. Adjust the volume independently from your system volume, so it sits perfectly under your concentration. SMART NOTIFICATIONS Never miss the end of a session. Ember delivers a notification the moment your timer ends — whether you're in the app, on another screen, or have your phone in your pocket. CLEAN & CUSTOMIZABLE - Light and Dark mode support - Adjustable alert sounds - Independent white noise volume control - Persistent settings across launches - No subscriptions. No ads. Just focus. Ember is for anyone who wants to work with intention — one session at a time.

Screenshots

GentleFocus4 screens
Ember Pomodoro3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ember Pomodoro at none against GentleFocus's 2. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. GentleFocus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Ember Pomodoro asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 5 level
GentleFocus versus Ember Pomodoro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGentleFocusEmber Pomodoro
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 10 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.617 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEl ghali khalidJinseok Jang

In-app purchases

2 purchases

GentleFocus

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Premium$0.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime access$12.99
None

Ember Pomodoro

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GentleFocus free?
GentleFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Ember Pomodoro free?
Ember Pomodoro is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GentleFocus or Ember Pomodoro have ads?
Neither GentleFocus nor Ember Pomodoro shows ads.

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