JustStart vs Early Riser
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
JustStart
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The hardest part of having ADHD isn't understanding what to do — it's starting. JustStart is built around one simple truth: the smaller the first step, the easier it is to begin. Break any task into pieces small enough to actually start, then use a body doubling timer to keep your focus going. TASK BREAKDOWN — START IN 3 SECONDS Add a task, hit "Break It Down," and JustStart splits it into micro-steps you can actually begin. No more staring at "write report" on your to-do list. Instead: "open document," "write one sentence," "find one source." The first step is always achievable. BODY DOUBLING TIMER Body doubling is one of the most effective focus strategies for ADHD brains — working alongside someone else (even virtually) dramatically improves task completion. JustStart's body doubling mode pairs you with focus sessions so you're never alone in the struggle. HYPERFOCUS ALARM ADHD hyperfocus is a double-edged sword. JustStart's hyperfocus alarm gently interrupts you after a set time — reminding you to eat, move, or switch tasks before hours have vanished without you noticing. ADHD-FRIENDLY DESIGN No overwhelming dashboards. No endless lists. JustStart shows you one thing at a time — the very next step you need to take. Minimal visual clutter, high contrast options, and large touch targets make it accessible when your brain is already at capacity. FOCUS TIMER WITH FLEXIBLE INTERVALS Whether you prefer 25-minute Pomodoro blocks, 10-minute sprints, or custom intervals, JustStart's focus timer adapts to how your brain works — not how productivity gurus say it should work. WIDGET — YOUR NEXT STEP, ALWAYS VISIBLE The JustStart widget shows your current task's next step directly on your home screen. Glance, tap, start. No unlocking, no navigating, no decision fatigue. STREAKS BUILT FOR ADHD BRAINS Traditional streak systems punish one bad day and reset everything. JustStart's streak system is forgiving by design — rewarding consistency over perfection, and celebrating effort rather than output. REMINDERS THAT ACTUALLY LAND Smart, non-repetitive reminders that vary their message and timing so your brain doesn't tune them out. Because the fifteenth identical notification is invisible to an ADHD brain. JustStart is for adults and teens with ADHD, ADD, or anyone who struggles with task initiation, executive dysfunction, time blindness, or chronic overwhelm. You are not lazy. You just need a different kind of start. Free tier: 10 active tasks, basic focus timer. A subscription unlocks unlimited tasks, body doubling sessions, full focus history, custom hyperfocus alarm profiles, advanced widgets, and detailed productivity insights. Questions? hello@sourcesoftware.net Terms: https://juststart.sourcesoftware.net/terms.html
Early Riser
This alarm app requires you to read a quote aloud to disable it, using speech recognition to ensure you're awake. Build daily streaks, earn points, and collect virtual pets while establishing healthy habits. All data is kept private on your device.
- Voice-activated alarm deactivation
- Daily streak tracking with calendar view
- Gamified points and pet collection
- Home and lock screen widgets
- Secure and private on-device data
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Early Riser is a free alarm app with one twist: you have to read a quote out loud to turn it off. Pick your own quote or affirmation when you set up the app. In the morning, read the words on your screen, and the app checks with secure speech recognition that you actually said it (not just tapped snooze and rolled over). Do it every day and you'll build a streak! What's included: • Speech check confirms you're actually up, not just silencing the alarm • Daily streaks with a calendar view so you can see your progress • Earn points and hatch eggs to collect pets • Widgets for your home and lock screen show your streak without opening the app • Everything stays on your phone, fully secure and private • Free, no subscription Set your wake-up window, pick some quotes, and see how long a streak you can build. Highly recommended for anyone trying to start a new healthy habit!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Early Riser at none against JustStart's 2. Early Riser also leads on iOS requirement (15 vs 17.0). On price, 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
Both are free to download. JustStart sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Early Riser asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | JustStart | Early Riser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 10 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | Deniz Demirel | Niveditha Kaniselvan |
In-app purchases
JustStart
- ADHD Monthly$4.991 Month
- ADHD Yearly$29.991 Year
Early Riser
No in-app purchases









