Comparison

Deep Work vs Focus

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

Head to head
About

Deep Work

Features
Read full description

Deep Work helps you focus on what actually matters. Unlike traditional focus timers, it distinguishes Deep Work — meaningful, cognitively demanding work — from Shallow Work like email and admin, so you can understand where your focused hours actually go. Built for people who value meaningful progress over constant activity, Deep Work helps you structure intentional focus sessions and develop a sustainable focus habit. Inspired by the philosophy of deep work, it gives you a calm system for putting your best attention toward work that matters. How it works 1. Plan your focus session Start with intention. Define a clear time boundary for the work you want to accomplish. Each session helps you enter a focused state without endless timers or drifting. 2. Work with depth Not all work is the same. The app helps you distinguish between: • Deep Work — cognitively demanding work that creates real progress • Shallow Work — reactive tasks like emails, admin, and quick responses Over time, you’ll clearly see where your meaningful work happens. 3. Reflect and improve Focus is a skill that improves with awareness. Weekly insights help you understand: • how many deep hours you created • where distractions appeared • how consistent your focus habits are Small adjustments lead to better focus. Key Features 1. Structured focus sessions Set a clear duration for intentional work with flexible time blocks and optional reminders to help you begin on time. 2. Deep vs shallow work tracking Understand the quality of your time, not just the quantity. See where meaningful progress happens. 3. Live Activities & reliable background alerts Keep your session visible on the Lock Screen and get notified when focus time ends, even when the app is closed. 4. Siri & Quick Start widgets Start tasks instantly with voice commands, Home Screen widgets, and Lock Screen quick actions. 5. Weekly focus insights Identify patterns, distractions, deep hours, and improvement opportunities over time. 6. Designed for sustainable focus Build deep work habits without burnout, pressure, or productivity guilt. 7. Calm, minimal interface No streak anxiety. No artificial rewards. Just clarity and focus. Who it's for Deep Work is designed for people who need real concentration: • Students preparing for exams • Engineers, developers, designers, and writers • Knowledge workers doing cognitively demanding tasks • People practicing time-blocking or focused study • Anyone who values depth over distraction Focus with intention. Work with depth. Build days that truly matter. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. • https://pmsoft.com.vn/deepwork/privacy • https://pmsoft.com.vn/deepwork/terms

About

Focus

Features
Read full description

Focus helps you protect your attention and make meaningful progress every day. When distractions compete for your time, create a focused environment with tools designed to keep you on track. Block distracting apps, start a focused timer, and stay present with the task in front of you. With Focus, you can: • Block distracting apps during focus sessions • Use a simple timer for deep, uninterrupted work • Set a clear rhythm for focused time • Review your focus time with helpful progress insights • Track daily and weekly patterns • Build more consistent focus habits over time Whether you are studying, working, reading, creating, or simply trying to spend less time scrolling, Focus gives you a calm and structured way to take back your time. Start with one focused session today. Small sessions can become lasting habits.

Screenshots

Deep Work4 screens
Focus3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Focus at none against Deep Work's 1. Focus also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, 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. Deep Work sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $6.99 per year. Focus asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Deep Work ships an update every 4 days, Focus every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Deep Work versus Focus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDeep WorkFocus
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperXuan Ham NguyenLE TRI THUC

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Deep Work

Subscriptions1
  • PRO Yearly — Intro Offer1 Year trial$6.991 Year
None

Focus

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Deep Work free?
Deep Work is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Focus free?
Focus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Deep Work or Focus have ads?
Neither Deep Work nor Focus shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Deep Work or Focus?
Deep Work ships an update every 4 days, and Focus every 5 days. Most recently, Deep Work was updated on September 8, 2026 and Focus on September 15, 2026.

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