# Focus Train vs ShelfApp

The clearest difference is rating: ShelfApp at 5.0 against Focus Train's 4.0. ShelfApp also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 weeks). Focus Train's advantage is ratings volume (4 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus Train sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. ShelfApp asks for nothing beyond the download.

ShelfApp holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

Focus Train ships an update every 2 weeks, ShelfApp every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus Train | ShelfApp |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-train-study-timer/id6759213973/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelfapp/id6780681265/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 200 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Eloan Tourtelier](https://appshunter.io/developer/1822243551) | [Jon Keseley](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780681267) |

## What reviewers say

### Focus Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-train-study-timer/id6759213973)

Enhance your focus with immersive railway journeys and ambient soundscapes. Track your progress like a travel log, unlock new destinations, and earn medals. This app offers a unique, atmospheric approach to productivity.

**Highlights:** Immersive focus journeys with satellite landscapes, Ambient soundscapes (train, rain, ocean, forest), Gamified progress tracking and medal system, Cinematic views (satellite map or window mode), Premium aesthetics with gesture-driven interface, Privacy-focused local data storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


### ShelfApp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelfapp/id6780681265)

Organize and save links, books, recipes, podcasts, and videos for later. Keep important content accessible with titles, summaries, images, and notes. Ideal for thoughtful reads and useful references.

**Highlights:** Save links and content, Organize with notes and tags, Keep titles, summaries, and images, Share directly from other apps, Access saved content later

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus Train free?

Focus Train is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ShelfApp free?

ShelfApp is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Focus Train or ShelfApp?

ShelfApp is rated higher. Focus Train averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while ShelfApp averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Focus Train or ShelfApp have ads?

Neither Focus Train nor ShelfApp shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Focus Train or ShelfApp?

Focus Train ships an update every 2 weeks, and ShelfApp every 4 days. Most recently, Focus Train was updated on October 12, 2026 and ShelfApp on October 8, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*