Comparison

Refocus vs Pomodoro Timer

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

Head to head
About

Refocus

Features
Read full description

Focus is not just about willpower. It can be designed. Refocus is a focus timer created with inspiration from scientific research on attention, breaks, and cognitive load. Today, our minds are constantly exposed to stimulation from smartphones, social media, notifications, videos, and endless streams of short information. When your mind is still filled with that noise, simply starting a traditional focus timer may not be enough to help you switch into a focused state. Refocus begins by preparing the state before focus. First, you take a short break to let your mind cool down and settle. Before the break, you can write down one small thing you want to do afterward. This helps you stop holding the next task in your head while resting, and makes it easier to return to work smoothly when the break ends. Refocus is not just about dividing time. It is about resting, clearing your mind, remembering what comes next, and returning to focus. Main features: ・A focus timer designed with scientific insights in mind ・A unique workflow that starts with a break ・A simple note feature to write down what you will do after the break ・A smooth flow that helps you return to focus after resting ・A simple cycle of focus and break sessions ・Calming animations and a minimal interface Recommended for people who: ・Take time to get into focus ・Feel mentally scattered after using smartphones or social media ・Forget what they were going to do after taking a break ・Want to reset their mind before starting work ・Prefer a simple and calm timer app ・Want to enter focus naturally, without forcing it Rest first. Clear your mind. Leave your next task behind. Then return to focus. Refocus is a timer designed to help create a state where focus can happen more naturally.

About

Pomodoro Timer

Features
Read full description

A Pomodoro timer that feels a lot less stressful. Focus Space helps you focus without making the timer another thing to worry about. Set a rhythm, choose a Focus Space, and get started. Watch your progress unfold visually instead of feeling tied to the clock. Pause when life happens, come back when you're ready, and remember that every minute counts. Focus without the pressure. • Beautiful illustrated Focus Spaces that give every session its own atmosphere • Visual progress that lets you focus without constantly watching the countdown • Optional countdown display during focus • Flexible focus rhythms for different kinds of work • Ambient sounds for a little more atmosphere • A gentle history of the time you've actually focused • Share your completed sessions and small wins Whether you're studying for an exam, working on an assignment, reading, or just trying to get something done, Focus Space gives you a simpler way to begin. Start when you're ready. Pause when life happens. Every minute counts. Privacy & Offline First: No account registration, no ads, and no tracking. Your focus journal stays private on your device and CloudKit. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://docs-taupe-pi-86.vercel.app/privacy.html

Screenshots

Refocus4 screens
Pomodoro Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Refocus at none against Pomodoro Timer's 2. 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. Pomodoro Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Refocus asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Refocus ships an update every 3 weeks, Pomodoro Timer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 5 level
Refocus versus Pomodoro Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRefocusPomodoro Timer
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size51 MB31 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHiroki NishikawaLakshya Agarwal

In-app purchases

None

Refocus

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Pomodoro Timer

Subscriptions2
  • Focus Space Premium Weekly3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Focus Space Premium Annual$24.901 Year

Questions

Is Refocus free?
Refocus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pomodoro Timer free?
Pomodoro Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Refocus or Pomodoro Timer have ads?
Neither Refocus nor Pomodoro Timer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Refocus or Pomodoro Timer?
Refocus ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pomodoro Timer fortnightly. Most recently, Refocus was updated on September 16, 2026 and Pomodoro Timer on September 9, 2026.

Other comparisons