# Flow vs ThoughtRecorder

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ThoughtRecorder at none against Flow's 3. ThoughtRecorder also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 weeks). Flow's advantage is iOS requirement (17.2 vs 26.1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. ThoughtRecorder asks for nothing beyond the download.

Flow ships an update every 5 weeks, ThoughtRecorder every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Flow | ThoughtRecorder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Size | 11 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.2** | 26.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Neerav Kothari](https://appshunter.io/developer/1081411587) | [GonzoDocs AS](https://appshunter.io/developer/6797487404) |

## What reviewers say

### Flow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-timer/id6771008124)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pro | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly Pro | $14.99 | per year |
| Weekly Pass | $0.99 | one-time |


### ThoughtRecorder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thoughtrecorder/id6797487401)

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Flow free?

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

### Is ThoughtRecorder free?

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

### Do Flow or ThoughtRecorder have ads?

Neither Flow nor ThoughtRecorder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Flow or ThoughtRecorder?

Flow ships an update every 5 weeks, and ThoughtRecorder every 4 days. Most recently, Flow was updated on October 3, 2026 and ThoughtRecorder 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.*