# CTRL Focus vs ThoughtRecorder

The clearest difference is update cadence: ThoughtRecorder at every 4 days against CTRL Focus's weekly. ThoughtRecorder also leads on device support (4 vs 2). CTRL Focus's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.1). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

CTRL Focus ships an update weekly, ThoughtRecorder every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CTRL Focus | ThoughtRecorder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Size | 54 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CTRL Studio UG (haftungsbeschrankt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860698869) | [GonzoDocs AS](https://appshunter.io/developer/6797487404) |

## What reviewers say

### CTRL Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ctrl-focus-deep-work-timer/id6772555209)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 CTRL Focus free?

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

### Is ThoughtRecorder free?

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

### Do CTRL Focus or ThoughtRecorder have ads?

Neither CTRL Focus nor ThoughtRecorder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CTRL Focus or ThoughtRecorder?

CTRL Focus ships an update weekly, and ThoughtRecorder every 4 days. Most recently, CTRL Focus was updated on October 6, 2026 and ThoughtRecorder on October 9, 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.*