# Just Start vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is monetization model: Gentle Start at free against Just Start's freemium. Gentle Start also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 11 days). Just Start's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Just Start sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Just Start against 5.0 for Gentle Start. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Just Start ships an update every 11 days, Gentle Start every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Just Start | Gentle Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-start-adhd-focus-timer/id6760567262/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 85 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Estus Holdings LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879926455) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### Just Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-start-adhd-focus-timer/id6760567262)

This app helps individuals overcome task initiation challenges with ADHD-friendly focus sessions. It offers customizable timers, AI-powered task breakdown, virtual body doubling, and ambient soundscapes to enhance concentration and productivity.

**Highlights:** Customizable Pomodoro timers, AI task breakdown, Virtual body doubling, Live Activities & Dynamic Island integration, Lock screen widgets, Ambient soundscapes, Evolving focus garden

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Just Start Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Just Start Pro Annual | $29.99 | per year |


### Gentle Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117)

This app provides a simple, one-tap timer to help overcome procrastination. It focuses on the act of starting, counting up from zero without pressure or goals. Designed for those who struggle with initiating tasks, it offers a calm experience with visual themes and ambient sounds.

**Highlights:** One-tap timer start, Upward counting timer, Living themes with animations, Ambient soundscapes, Live Activities integration, No streaks or goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gentle Start Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Just Start free?

Just Start is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Gentle Start free?

Gentle Start is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Just Start or Gentle Start?

Just Start and Gentle Start are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Just Start or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither Just Start nor Gentle Start shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Just Start or Gentle Start?

Just Start ships an update every 11 days, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, Just Start was updated on October 31, 2026 and Gentle Start on October 31, 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.*