Comparison

Focus vs DeskTabby

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

Head to head
About

Focus

Features
Read full description

Your brain forgot how to focus. You open Instagram for five minutes. Suddenly, it’s midnight. Focus helps you block distracting apps, reduce screen time, stop doomscrolling, and protect the time you want to spend studying, working, creating, or resting. BLOCK DISTRACTIONS BEFORE THEY STEAL YOUR TIME Choose the apps and websites that distract you most, then create a blocking system that works for your day. • Start an immediate focus block • Schedule recurring focus sessions • Set daily app limits • Control endless scrolling • Protect study, work, and sleep time FOCUS THAT FIGHTS BACK When you try to open a distracting app, Focus interrupts the impulse and helps you return to what matters. Less mindless scrolling. More intentional time. BUILD VISIBLE MOMENTUM Small focus sessions turn into meaningful progress. • Complete focus sessions • Build and maintain streaks • Earn XP and unlock progress • Track your focused time • See the time you are taking back CREATE A SYSTEM THAT WORKS FOR YOU Use Focus for: • Studying and exam preparation • Deep work and creative projects • Reducing social media use • Building healthier screen habits • Staying present during your day • Creating distraction-free routines YOU DON’T NEED MORE WILLPOWER Distractions are designed to keep you scrolling. Focus gives you the structure, friction, and accountability needed to break the automatic loop. Set your limits. Protect your attention. Build better habits. Take your time back with Focus. Some features require a Focus Pro subscription. Subscription details and pricing are displayed before purchase. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://focuslife.space/privacy-policy

About

DeskTabby

This app uses a charming virtual cat to help you stay focused using the Pomodoro technique. It offers a gentle, non-judgmental approach to productivity, rewarding your progress with in-game growth and customization options. Enjoy offline functionality and privacy-focused features.

Highlights
  • Pomodoro focus sessions
  • Live Activity on Dynamic Island and Lock Screen
  • Cat growth and customization
  • Offline functionality
  • Daily goals and streaks
  • Optional cosmetic in-app purchases
Read full description

Make a little time for one thing, with a cat beside you. DeskTabby keeps you company while you read, study, write, or work on something of your own. · Meet your cat: Bring it home, then start when ready. You can also choose a one-minute trial. Naming your cat and choosing a personality can wait. · One thing at a time: Choose a task or start a simple focus session. Pause and return when you need to. · Pick up again: Leave a short progress note or a next step, then find it when you come back. · A shared history: Look back on focused time, completed sessions, and the things you did together. Your cat grows with your focus. · A look of your own: Choose coat colors, patterns, and eyes. Try hats, glasses, scarves, little companions, and desk or sleep scenes together. · Optional gift packs: Some cosmetic choices are available as in-app purchases. They do not buy focus time or growth. · Private by default: No DeskTabby account, ads, analytics, or tracking. Task names and notes are stored locally and excluded from the optional iCloud progress backup. Local file backup and optional private iCloud progress backup are separate choices. Bring one thing. Leave a line. Come back whenever you are ready.

Screenshots

Focus4 screens
DeskTabby4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: DeskTabby at every 4 days against Focus's every 9 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Focus sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and DeskTabby sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focus ships an update every 9 days, DeskTabby every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Focus versus DeskTabby: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocusDeskTabby
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size88 MB130 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMohammed Sunain Ali军 郭

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Focus

Subscriptions3
  • Focus Pro Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Focus Pro Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Focus Pro Yearly3 Days trial$24.991 Year
9 purchases

DeskTabby

One-time9
  • Eyewear Pack$3.99
  • Headwear Pack$3.99
  • Patterns Pack$3.99
Show 6 more
  • Neckwear Pack$3.99
  • Sleep Scene Pack$3.99
  • Desk Scene Pack$3.99
  • Pastel Coat Pack$5.99
  • Sidekicks Pack$5.99
  • Everything, Forever$24.99

Questions

Is Focus free?
Focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DeskTabby free?
DeskTabby is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focus or DeskTabby have ads?
Neither Focus nor DeskTabby shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focus or DeskTabby?
Focus ships an update every 9 days, and DeskTabby every 4 days. Most recently, Focus was updated on October 14, 2026 and DeskTabby on October 24, 2026.

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