Comparison

Markflow vs FocusFlow

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

Head to head
About

Markflow

This app allows you to open and read markdown files from various sources like Files, Mail, and Safari. It supports GitHub-flavored markdown, code syntax highlighting, and diagrams, with an integrated editor and a clean preview mode.

Highlights
  • Open .md, .markdown, .mdown files
  • GitHub-flavored markdown rendering
  • Syntax-highlighted code blocks
  • Mermaid diagram support
  • Markdown editing toolbar
  • Pinch to zoom
  • Export edited files
Read full description

The markdown reader you've been missing. Markflow opens .md files from Files, Mail, Safari downloads, or the share sheet and renders them properly. GitHub-flavored markdown, syntax-highlighted code, mermaid diagrams, tables, task lists, and more. Originals are never touched. Edits live in memory until you explicitly Save, Save as New File, or Share a copy. WHAT YOU CAN DO • Open any .md, .markdown, or .mdown file from any app • Read with a clean, native preview • Edit with a markdown toolbar above the keyboard. Bold, italic, headings, lists, links, images, code, quotes, all one tap away. • Pinch to zoom in both Preview and Edit • Export an edited copy via the system share sheet • Tap Create to start a new blank file, or "Welcome to Markflow" for a full feature tour WHAT IT RENDERS • Headings, lists, blockquotes, links, images • Syntax-highlighted code blocks • Mermaid flowcharts and diagrams • GitHub-flavored markdown tables • Task lists with checkboxes • Inline images (absolute URLs) PRIVACY Markflow makes zero network requests and collects zero data. No accounts. No login. No analytics. No tracking. No ads. The renderer is a sandboxed local file with a Content Security Policy that blocks all remote resources. Your files stay on your device. DESIGN Built native with SwiftUI and the Liquid Glass nav bar. Light and dark mode. Adaptive home screen. Stock Apple Human Interface Guidelines throughout. WHO IT'S FOR • Writers who keep notes in markdown • Developers reading READMEs and docs on the go • Anyone who's been emailed a .md and had nowhere to open it • People who want a markdown reader that does one thing well Open source. MIT licensed. github.com/madebysan/markflow

About

FocusFlow

Features
Read full description

Master Deep Work with the Pomodoro Technique FocusFlow Pomodoro is the ultimate productivity companion for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to get more done. Built on the scientifically-proven Pomodoro Technique, FocusFlow helps you work smarter, not harder -- breaking your day into focused 25-minute sprints with refreshing breaks in between. WHY THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE WORKS The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, is one of the most widely used time management methods in the world. By working in short, focused intervals separated by brief breaks, your brain maintains peak concentration while avoiding the mental fatigue that comes from prolonged work sessions. Studies show that this structured approach can increase productivity by up to 25%. FEATURES DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS FOCUS Persistent Timer -- Our intelligent timer uses date-based calculation so it never loses track of your session, even when you switch apps or lock your phone. Your focus session keeps running in the background, and you'll get a notification the moment your Pomodoro is complete. Beautiful Statistics -- Track your productivity journey with rich charts powered by Swift Charts. See your daily progress ring, weekly bar charts, current streak, total focus hours, and your personal bests. Data that motivates. Focus Sound Engine -- Immerse yourself in productivity-boosting audio. Choose from White Noise for deep concentration, Lo-Fi Vibes with binaural beats (200/240 Hz) to enhance focus, or soothing Rain sounds with pink noise for creative flow. All sounds are generated in real-time by our DSP audio engine. Home Screen Widget -- Glance at your daily progress without opening the app. The FocusFlow widget shows your completed sessions and goal right on your home screen or lock screen. Fully Customizable -- Tailor every aspect to your workflow: adjust focus sessions from 5 to 90 minutes, set short breaks from 1 to 30 minutes, configure long breaks, choose how many Pomodoros before a long break, and set your daily session goal. Smart Notifications -- Never miss the end of a session. FocusFlow schedules precise notifications so you're always in the loop, even in the background. FOCUSFLOW PRO Unlock the complete experience with FocusFlow Pro: - Unlimited daily sessions (free tier: 5/day) - Full statistics dashboard with weekly charts - All focus sounds including Lo-Fi Vibes and Rain - Priority support Available as monthly ($1.99/month) or yearly ($9.99/year) subscription. Cancel anytime. Start your first Pomodoro today. Your best work is one session away.

Screenshots

Markflow4 screens
FocusFlow1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: FocusFlow at every 2 days against Markflow's fortnightly. FocusFlow also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Markflow ships an update fortnightly, FocusFlow every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Markflow versus FocusFlow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMarkflowFocusFlow
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSantiago Alonso AlexandreDatachain Consulting Pty Ltd

In-app purchases

None

Markflow

No in-app purchases

None

FocusFlow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Markflow free?
Markflow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is FocusFlow free?
FocusFlow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Markflow or FocusFlow have ads?
Neither Markflow nor FocusFlow shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Markflow or FocusFlow?
Markflow ships an update fortnightly, and FocusFlow every 2 days. Most recently, Markflow was updated on September 30, 2026 and FocusFlow on October 7, 2026.

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