Comparison

Pomodoro Timer vs Pulse Focus

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

Head to head
About

Pomodoro Timer

Features
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PulseFocus: Master Your Time Stop doomscrolling. Start achieving. PulseFocus is the ultimate productivity companion designed to help you enter the "flow state" instantly. Whether you are studying for exams, coding a masterpiece, or just trying to get through your daily task list, PulseFocus gives you the tools to reclaim your attention. Combine a beautiful, customizable focus timer with powerful app blocking to eliminate distractions at the source. KEY FEATURES Eliminate Distractions (App Blocking) Struggling to stay off social media? PulseFocus integrates directly with Screen Time API to automatically block distracting apps while your timer is running. Select specific apps to block during sessions. Basic (Free): Block a standard list of apps for all sessions. Smart Blocking (Pro): Customize blocked apps per category (e.g., block Instagram during "Study" but block Slack during "Deep Work"). Beautiful Focus Timer A clean, minimalist timer that breathes with you. Pulse Visuals: A subtle, calming animation keeps you grounded without being distracting. Custom Presets: Create your perfect rhythm—standard Pomodoro (25/5), longer deep work sessions (50/10), or anything in between. Live Activities: See your remaining time right on your Lock Screen or Dynamic Island. Visualize Your Progress You can't improve what you don't measure. PulseFocus tracks every second of your productivity. Detailed Charts: View your focus data by Day, Week, Month, or Year. Streaks: Build momentum with daily streak tracking. Tag Breakdown: See exactly where your time goes (Work, Study, Creative, Fitness). Organize Your Life Create custom tags with unique icons. Assign every session to a category to keep your stats meaningful. GO PRO WITH PULSEFOCUS+ Unlock the full potential of your productivity engine: Advanced Category Blocking: Set unique blocklists for specific tags. Unlimited Sessions: No limits on how many times you focus per day. Unlimited Tags: Create as many categories as you need. Premium Presets: Save multiple timer configurations for different workflows. Extended Statistics: Access your full history and data insights. PRIVACY FIRST PulseFocus respects your privacy. Your focus data stays on your device, and we never collect or sell your personal information. App blocking is handled securely via Apple's Screen Time API. Reclaim your attention today. Download PulseFocus and get in the zone. By using this app you agree to Apple's Standard End User License Agreement available at: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Pulse Focus

Features
Read full description

In a world of endless notifications, noise, and digital overload, focus is no longer optional — it’s a competitive advantage. Pulse Focus is a wellness and focus-training app, not a medical device. It works with consumer fitness wearables (such as Apple Watch, Garmin, and Bluetooth heart rate monitors) to enhance focus training. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Pulse Focus is a science-based focus training app designed to help you build real, measurable focus performance under pressure. Using accuracy, reaction time, and optional heart rate signals from consumer fitness wearables, the app provides feedback on your focus performance during gameplay. As you play, behavioral and fitness-tracker data help you see how your performance changes under pressure. Pulse Focus is grounded in research-based methods but does not make medical claims or provide medical advice. TRAIN FOCUS UNDER PRESSURE Most productivity tools assume calm environments. Real life isn’t. Pulse Focus trains you to maintain clarity and composure in fast, noisy, high-distraction scenarios. The game introduces pressure, unexpected changes, and cognitive challenges designed to simulate demanding situations. You don’t just practice focusing — you practice staying focused when it’s difficult. PROGRESS-DRIVEN GAMEPLAY The game features progressive levels that unlock as you improve your focus performance (starting at 80%). As your ability to maintain attention and composure under pressure improves, new challenges increase in intensity and complexity. Focus becomes visible. Progress becomes measurable. Pulse Focus includes multiple game modes designed to challenge: • Sustained attention • Rapid response under pressure • Cognitive flexibility • Distraction recovery Each mode adapts as your performance improves — similar to progressive training. BUILD MENTAL RESILIENCE Mental stamina improves with consistent training. With regular use, you can: • Strengthen sustained attention • Improve composure under pressure • Reduce distraction recovery time • Increase cognitive endurance • Perform more consistently in demanding situations The real skill isn’t avoiding distraction — it’s recovering from it. Pulse Focus helps you understand: • How your focus changes during challenges • How your performance varies under pressure • How quickly you recover after distractions • Your progress trends over time COMPETE & STAY MOTIVATED Focus training becomes more engaging when it’s social. Compare performance with friends and stay motivated as you improve consistency under pressure. PRIVACY-FIRST DESIGN Your data is yours. All data is processed locally on your device by default and is never shared without your consent. Optional participation in research helps improve personalization, but is entirely user-controlled. You can export or delete your data at any time. Medical Disclaimer Pulse Focus is intended for general wellness, entertainment, and focus-training purposes only. It is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and before making any health-related decisions or starting any new wellness program.

Screenshots

Pomodoro Timer4 screens
Pulse Focus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pulse Focus at none against Pomodoro Timer's 2. Pulse Focus also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.1). On price, ads 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. Pomodoro Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Pulse Focus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Pomodoro Timer versus Pulse Focus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPomodoro TimerPulse Focus
PriceFreeFree
Update frequency—Every 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS26.116.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB141 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARMINAS SALTENISSynheart AI

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Pomodoro Timer

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium7 Days trial$14.991 Year
None

Pulse Focus

No in-app purchases

Questions

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

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