Comparison

Focus by Artex Studios vs GemNote

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

Head to head
About

Focus by Artex Studios

Features
Read full description

Focus is an easy-to-use Pomodoro timer app, enhanced with a built-in habit tracker. The Pomodoro timer is a science-based method that helps you work or study in a highly focused way. You can track your completed tasks in a calendar, broken down by day and month. How the method works: - 25 minutes of focused work on your target task - 5-minute short break - 25 more minutes of focused work on your target task - 15-minute long break Key Features: - Start, pause and resume the timer - Customizable pomodoro/breaks lengths - Sound and haptic feedback notifications - Support for short and long breaks - Skip a break after the end of a session - Auto-start modes - Themes - Habit tracker Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Your subscription will automatically renew unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your Apple ID settings. Our app offers multiple auto-renewable subscription options with different durations and pricing. Detailed information about each subscription, including title, duration, and pricing, is clearly presented within the app before purchase. When you purchase a Subscription or Lifetime license, all features of the app become available, just like during the trial period. There are no in-app limitations. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use (https://www.artexgames.com/PrivacyPolicy/tos.html/) and Privacy Policy (https://www.artexgames.com/PrivacyPolicy/pp.html).

About

GemNote

Organize your thoughts with vibrant color-coding and unique visual navigation. This app allows you to create interconnected notes, manage tasks with widgets, and even send color-coded messages to friends. It offers a creative approach to productivity.

Highlights
  • Automatic color-coding of writing
  • Customizable color themes
  • Star constellation idea connection
  • Home screen widgets for tasks
  • Color-coded text messaging
  • Multiple syntax logic modes
Features
Read full description

Write in Color, read faster. Color Code your writing automatically, use our color themes or create your own. Choose from multiple syntax logic modes. Connect all your ideas as star constellations. Navigate your own personal galaxy of notes. Message your Friends in color coded texts. Add Widgets to your Home Screen. Keep a color coded task list. An AuDHD Dev that was fueled by caffeine and glitter made this. She hopes you enjoy! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Focus by Artex Studios4 screens
GemNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: GemNote at every 3 weeks against Focus by Artex Studios's every 2 months. Focus by Artex Studios's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). 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 by Artex Studios sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and GemNote 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

Focus by Artex Studios ships an update every 2 months, GemNote every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Focus by Artex Studios versus GemNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocus by Artex StudiosGemNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB33 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperArtex Studios, Inc.Rachel Masters

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Focus by Artex Studios

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription$0.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$29.99
2 purchases

GemNote

Subscriptions1
  • GemNote Pro7 Days trial$4.991 Month
One-time1
  • Own GemNote$9.99

Questions

Is Focus by Artex Studios free?
Focus by Artex Studios is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GemNote free?
GemNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focus by Artex Studios or GemNote have ads?
Neither Focus by Artex Studios nor GemNote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focus by Artex Studios or GemNote?
Focus by Artex Studios ships an update every 2 months, and GemNote every 3 weeks. Most recently, Focus by Artex Studios was updated on October 6, 2026 and GemNote on October 12, 2026.

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