Comparison

Focus Loop vs TimeBarX

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

Head to head
About

Focus Loop

Features
Read full description

Focus Loop is a simple system for consistency: run a Pomodoro focus session, then track the habit you just practiced. Whether you’re studying, coding, reading, writing, or training — Focus Loop helps you show up daily with less effort and more momentum. POMODORO FOCUS TIMER • Start a focus session in one tap • Work/break cycles that keep you moving • Clear progress and completion feedback LIVE ACTIVITIES (FOCUS AT A GLANCE) • Keep your timer visible while you work • Live Activity on the Lock Screen (and Dynamic Island where available) • See time remaining without constantly reopening the app HOME SCREEN WIDGETS • Quick-start a session from your Home Screen • Glance at today’s progress and streaks • Stay consistent with less friction HABIT TRACKER • Track the habits you actually care about • Build streaks and keep your routines visible BUILT FOR REAL LIFE • Minimal UI — no clutter • Great for students, remote work, and deep work • Designed for consistency Automatically sync your habits and focus sessions with Apple Watch and HealthKit, so your progress stays accurate without manual tracking. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

TimeBarX

Features
Read full description

TimeBarX puts a countdown where you’ll actually see it - a full-screen progress ring, Live Activities on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, and Home Screen widgets. Glance at your time remaining without opening the app or breaking focus. Set a timer with the slider, pick an end time, or type in plain English. “25 minutes”, “1h30m”, “2:00 PM” - just type and go. SEE YOUR TIME • Large circular progress ring that fills as time runs down • Drag the ring to set the duration, with a tick for each minute • Live Activities on the Lock Screen, StandBy, and Dynamic Island - pause, resume, or add 5 minutes without opening the app • Home Screen widgets with quick-start controls • Near-end pulse when five minutes remain START IN SECONDS • Duration slider (free) • End-time picker and natural language input (Pro) • Presets for common focus durations - customize or add your own (Pro) • Siri and Shortcuts: start, pause, resume, repeat, or start a named preset • Picks up where you left off after quitting or restarting POMODORO WHEN YOU NEED IT • Work, short break, and long break cycles • Configurable durations, cycle count, and auto-advance (Pro) • Live phase badge while a session runs A FINISH YOU’LL NOTICE • Completion screen with optional custom message (Pro) • Effects: flash, pulse, fade, or none (Pro) • Notifications with 5- and 10-minute snooze MAKE IT YOURS (PRO) • Custom colors and customizable presets • Segmented ring with 2–6 arcs • Smart auto-pause when face-down or idle • URL scheme automation (timebar://) • Session history and optional mood check-in • Light or dark app icon, or follow the system BUILT RIGHT • Native SwiftUI for iPhone and iPad • Optional iCloud sync of timer state and settings with your other TimeBarX devices • No subscription. No account. No tracking. ONE PURCHASE. MAC + IPHONE. Free to download. TimeBarX Pro is a one-time $3.99 purchase that unlocks Pro across Mac and iPhone. No subscription, no recurring fees. If you already own TimeBarX Pro on Mac, you don’t need to buy it again on iPhone.

Screenshots

Focus Loop4 screens
TimeBarX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: TimeBarX at every 3 days against Focus Loop's fortnightly. 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 Loop sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and TimeBarX sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Focus Loop ships an update fortnightly, TimeBarX every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 5 level
Focus Loop versus TimeBarX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFocus LoopTimeBarX
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS1716.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSuryakant SharmaJonathan Tapia

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Focus Loop

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription$0.997 Days
  • monthly subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • yearly subscription14 Days trial$9.991 Year
1 purchases

TimeBarX

One-time1
  • TimeBarX Pro$3.99

Questions

Is Focus Loop free?
Focus Loop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TimeBarX free?
TimeBarX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Focus Loop or TimeBarX have ads?
Neither Focus Loop nor TimeBarX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Focus Loop or TimeBarX?
Focus Loop ships an update fortnightly, and TimeBarX every 3 days. Most recently, Focus Loop was updated on October 4, 2026 and TimeBarX on October 8, 2026.

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