# Philo vs Just Start

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Just Start at 15.0 against Philo's 26.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Philo sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Just Start sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Philo ships an update every 9 days, Just Start every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Philo | Just Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-start-adhd-focus-timer/id6760567262/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 11 days |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 34 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Qendrim Beka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1846214375) | [Estus Holdings LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879926455) |

## What reviewers say

### Philo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/philo-a-thinking-journal/id6753999155)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Philo Scholar Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Philo Scholar Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


### Just Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-start-adhd-focus-timer/id6760567262)

This app helps individuals overcome task initiation challenges with ADHD-friendly focus sessions. It offers customizable timers, AI-powered task breakdown, virtual body doubling, and ambient soundscapes to enhance concentration and productivity.

**Highlights:** Customizable Pomodoro timers, AI task breakdown, Virtual body doubling, Live Activities & Dynamic Island integration, Lock screen widgets, Ambient soundscapes, Evolving focus garden

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Just Start Pro Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Just Start Pro Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Just Start Pro Lifetime | $58.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Philo free?

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

### Is Just Start free?

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

### Do Philo or Just Start have ads?

Neither Philo nor Just Start shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Philo or Just Start?

Philo ships an update every 9 days, and Just Start every 11 days. Most recently, Philo was updated on September 7, 2026 and Just Start on September 19, 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.*