Comparison

OverlayFocus vs Anchor

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

Head to head
About

OverlayFocus

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OverlayFocus is a productivity app that combines the proven Pomodoro technique with real app blocking. When you start a focus session, your selected distracting apps are actually blockedโ€”not just hidden. โ–  REAL APP BLOCKING Unlike other Pomodoro apps that just show a timer, OverlayFocus uses iOS Screen Time to block your distracting apps during focus sessions. Select specific apps or entire categories. When you're in focus mode, those apps are shielded until your session ends. โ–  CUSTOMIZABLE POMODORO TIMER โ€ข Focus duration: 5-60 minutes โ€ข Short break: 1-15 minutes โ€ข Long break: 1-60 minutes โ€ข Sets per session: 1-10 Adjust settings to match your workflow. Whether you prefer classic 25-minute Pomodoros or longer deep work sessions. โ–  DISTRACTION-FREE FOCUS MODE When a session starts, the app enters a fullscreen focus mode with minimal UI. Just you, the timer, and your work. The screen stays on so you can always see your progress. โ–  SMART SESSION MANAGEMENT โ€ข Name your task to stay focused on what matters โ€ข Pause and resume without losing progress โ€ข Automatic transition between focus and break phases โ€ข Visual and audio cues for phase changes โ–  SYNC ACROSS DEVICES Sign in with Apple or Google to sync your sessions across all your devices. Start a focus session on your iPhone and track it everywhere. โ–  PREMIUM FEATURES Unlock the full experience with Premium: โ€ข Unlimited app blocking โ€ข Extended timer durations โ€ข Cross-platform sync โ€ข Priority support --- Download OverlayFocus today and transform the way you work. Block distractions. Focus deeper. Achieve more. Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you. --- Terms of Use: https://overlayfocus.app/terms

About

Anchor

This app enforces focus by blocking distracting applications at the system level, eliminating willpower reliance. It offers various focus modes, ambient soundscapes, and progress tracking to help users build better habits. Optional cloud sync ensures data privacy.

Highlights
  • System-level app blocking
  • Multiple focus modes (Pomodoro, Deep Work)
  • Ambient soundscapes
  • Progress tracking and analytics
  • Task and project management
  • Dynamic Island and Lock Screen integration
  • Achievements and streaks
Features
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Anchor blocks your distracting apps during focus sessions. Not a reminder. Not a nudge. Actually blocked. Most focus apps send a notification hoping you'll resist the urge to scroll. That doesn't work โ€” especially when your brain craves dopamine. Anchor uses Apple's Screen Time API to lock apps at the system level. Try to open Instagram during a session? It won't open. No willpower required. FOCUS MODES Pomodoro: 25 min work, 5 min break with auto-cycling Deep Work: 45-90 min uninterrupted focus Creative Flow: Flexible timing for creative tasks Custom: Set your own duration and breaks REAL APP BLOCKING Select which apps to block during sessions System-level blocking via Apple Family Controls Animated shield screen when you try to open blocked apps No "Ignore Limit" button โ€” apps are genuinely locked DYNAMIC ISLAND & LOCK SCREEN Animated progress ring on your Dynamic Island Timer visible on your lock screen without unlocking Home screen widgets for quick session starts Siri Shortcuts: "Hey Siri, start a focus session" AMBIENT SOUNDSCAPES Rain, ocean, forest, cafe, fireplace, white noise, or silence Mix with your own music or listen standalone TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Focus Score (0-100) based on consistency and completion Weekly and monthly reports with focus charts Heat map calendar showing your focus history Session reflections with mood tracking Streaks with Streak Shield protection (skip one day without breaking) ACHIEVEMENTS Unlock badges as you build your focus habit Track milestones and celebrate progress Apple Health sync writes Mindful Minutes automatically TASKS & PROJECTS Built-in task management for focus sessions Organize tasks into projects Track what you accomplished each session BUILT FOR PRIVACY No ads. No tracking. No data collection. Your data stays on your device Optional cloud sync with end-to-end encryption Built by a solo developer from Finland Free to download with all core features. Pro unlocks unlimited history, all soundscapes, advanced analytics, app blocking, and more. Monthly: โ‚ฌ4.99/month (7-day free trial) Yearly: โ‚ฌ39.99/year (save 33%, 7-day free trial) Lifetime: โ‚ฌ79.99 (one-time purchase) Terms of Use: https://anchorfocusapp.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://anchorfocusapp.com/privacy

Screenshots

OverlayFocus4 screens
Anchor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: OverlayFocus at every 2 days against Anchor's every 4 days. Anchor's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. OverlayFocus sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Anchor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OverlayFocus ships an update every 2 days, Anchor every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 6 level
OverlayFocus versus Anchor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOverlayFocusAnchor
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviewsโ€”100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 2 days โ€” betterEvery 4 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetizationโ€”Freemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS18.615.1 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size15 MB62 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKhanh Cong NguyenLassi Kotamaki

In-app purchases

3 purchases

OverlayFocus

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Premium$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • OverlayFocus Lifetime$74.99
3 purchases

Anchor

Subscriptions2
  • Anchor Pro Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Anchor Pro Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • Anchor Pro Lifetime$69.99

Questions

Is OverlayFocus free?
OverlayFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Anchor free?
Anchor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OverlayFocus or Anchor have ads?
Neither OverlayFocus nor Anchor shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OverlayFocus or Anchor?
OverlayFocus ships an update every 2 days, and Anchor every 4 days. Most recently, OverlayFocus was updated on October 10, 2026 and Anchor on October 24, 2026.

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