Comparison

ZenFocus vs Cycle

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

Head to head
About

ZenFocus

Features
Read full description

Leaving your seat with the timer running? That's not studying. ZenFocus analyzes your AirPods' motion sensor and Apple Watch's heart rate & movement to distinguish genuine focus time from distraction. Not "time spent sitting" β€” but your actual focused time. [Key Features] β–Ά AirPods Focus Detection Your AirPods' motion sensor tracks whether they're worn and how your head moves, so we can tell when you're truly focused. No extra devices needed β€” just your AirPods. β–Ά Apple Watch Integration Check your real-time focus level from your wrist and start or stop sessions right from the Watch app. Heart rate and wrist movement are analyzed together for more accurate tracking. β–Ά Detailed Statistics View today's, this week's, and all-time study hours at a glance β€” and understand your learning patterns. β–Ά Nationwide Rankings Compare your study hours with other students through regional and nationwide leaderboards to stay motivated. [Who It's For] β€’ Anyone curious about their actual focus time β€” not just how long they sat at a desk β€’ Students preparing for exams, college, or certifications who want data-driven study habits β€’ Self-studiers who need motivation to keep going Start tracking your real study time with ZenFocus today. [Subscription] Some features require a ZenFocus subscription that auto-renews. (Pricing and duration shown in-app.) β€’ Payment is charged to your Apple ID upon purchase confirmation. β€’ Subscriptions auto-renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. β€’ Manage or cancel in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions after purchase. Terms of Use (EULA): https://zen-focus-app-fdf5b.web.app/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://zen-focus-app-fdf5b.web.app/privacy.html

About

Cycle

Features
Read full description

Cycle is a refined, distraction-free timer built for deep work, study sessions, and productive break rhythms. With custom cycle profiles, Dynamic Island integration, and live Apple Watch synchronization, Cycle keeps you in the flow state effortlessly. KEY FEATURES: Custom Focus & Break Cycles Seamlessly rotate between focus intervals and multiple break durations. Keep your mind sharp all day with structured work-rest rhythms. Multiple Preset Profiles Switch context with a single tap. Create personalized profiles for Pomodoro, deep work, or quick sprints with tailored focus and break times. Dynamic Island & Live Activities Track your remaining focus or break time directly from your Lock Screen or Dynamic Island without opening the app. Apple Watch Companion App Stay on track from your wrist. Haptic feedback gently alerts you when a session ends so you never miss a beat. Hold-to-Restart Protection Accidental taps won't ruin your flow. Restarting a session requires an intentional press-and-hold gesture with rich haptic feedback. Accessibility First Fully optimized for VoiceOver, Reduced Motion, and high-contrast dark aesthetics. Boost your productivity and prevent burnout with Cycle. Terms of Service: https://www.habit180.app/apps/cycle/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://www.habit180.app/apps/cycle/privacy.html

Screenshots

ZenFocus4 screens
Cycle4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Cycle at none against ZenFocus's 4. ZenFocus's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. ZenFocus sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Cycle asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 4 level
ZenFocus versus Cycle: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZenFocusCycle
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 daysβ€”
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.6 β€” better17.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size62 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSUHEE BYUNACHMET MOLLA BEKIR OMPASI

In-app purchases

4 purchases

ZenFocus

Subscriptions4
  • 찐곡 베이직7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • 찐곡 프리미엄7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • 찐곡 베이직7 Days trial$17.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • 찐곡 프리미엄7 Days trial$29.991 Year
None

Cycle

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ZenFocus free?
ZenFocus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cycle free?
Cycle is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ZenFocus or Cycle have ads?
Neither ZenFocus nor Cycle shows ads.

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