Comparison

Just Start vs Solo Focus

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

Head to head
About

Just Start

This app helps you overcome procrastination by providing a simple, focused timer. It features a virtual companion, unlimited categories, and historical statistics to track your progress. Connect with others through a unique 'starlight' feature that shows past user efforts.

Highlights
  • Minimalist timer interface
  • Virtual companion for focus
  • Unlimited custom categories
  • Full history and trend charts
  • Starlight mode for shared effort visualization
  • Pro features unlocked for free
Features
Read full description

【About Just Start】 We believe that "Starting" is the greatest action of all. Just Start is not just a timer; it’s your launchpad to beat procrastination. We stripped away the clutter so you can do one thing the moment you open the app: Act Now. 【Why Just Start?】 1. A Companion from the Stars: Laika Remember Laika, the first dog in space? She didn't disappear; she traveled to your phone. When you focus, Laika waits by your side on the screen. Whether you're studying late or working early, she is there. It’s not just a timer; it’s a warm, silent guardianship. 2. Pro Features Unlocked (Yes, Free) We believe your growth data belongs to you. No paywalls for self-reflection. 3. Unlimited Categories: Coding, Reading, Meditation—create as many tags as you need. Free. 4. Full History Stats: Your every minute counts. Access all history records, duration stats, and trend charts without paying a cent. Visualize your achievements. 5. Starlight Mode: A Connection Across Time Focusing can feel lonely, but not here. When you start the timer, you will see the glimmering starlight left by others who have traveled this path before you. Just like looking at the night sky, these lights are echoes of past efforts from people around the world. It’s a subtle "cloud companionship" that tells you: someone else has worked hard right here, just like you.

About

Solo Focus

Features
Read full description

Just one task. Right now. Solo Focus is a focus timer for people who get overwhelmed by long to-do lists. Instead of everything, it shows you one task at a time — so starting feels possible. A built-in body-doubling mode and ambient sound keep you company, and the timer is gentle about breaks so you don't burn out. WHY SOLO FOCUS • One task at a time — beat overwhelm and just start • Body doubling, built in — focus alongside ambient company • A Pomodoro-style timer that cares about your breaks • Ambient sounds to settle into deep work • Session insights — see your focus over time • Made with ADHD and neurodivergent brains in mind NO ACCOUNT NEEDED Everything stays on your device. No sign-up, no cloud. SOLO FOCUS PRO Unlock unlimited tasks, all ambient sounds, every theme and full insights. Pro is available as a subscription with a free trial. — Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://rivership.notion.site/3830e18e9943817b9973f8dd62fcbf4c

Screenshots

Just Start4 screens
Solo Focus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Just Start at none against Solo Focus's 2. Just Start also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, 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. Solo Focus sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Just Start asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Just Start ships an update weekly, Solo Focus every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Just Start versus Solo Focus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJust StartSolo Focus
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.2 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer江涛 丁RIVERSHIP

In-app purchases

None

Just Start

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Solo Focus

Subscriptions2
  • Solo Focus Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Solo Focus Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Just Start free?
Just Start is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Solo Focus free?
Solo Focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Just Start or Solo Focus have ads?
Solo Focus shows ads; Just Start does not.
Which is updated more often, Just Start or Solo Focus?
Just Start ships an update weekly, and Solo Focus every 5 days. Most recently, Just Start was updated on October 6, 2026 and Solo Focus on October 31, 2026.

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