StartFocus vs NameSpark
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StartFocus
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StartFocus helps you enter deep work mode with one tap. No more distractions from turning on Do Not Disturb, setting timers, or silencing notifications—just one button to start focusing. **Key Features:** - One-tap deep work launch (25/45/60/75/90 minutes, custom duration supported) - White noise background sounds (rain, ocean, birds, cafe, fireplace, night) - Circular progress ring timer - Today/This Week/This Month/All Time statistics - CSV data export - 100% offline, local data storage - Dark/Light/System mode adaptive **Why StartFocus?** - One-time purchase: ¥8, no subscription, no ads - Privacy-first: all data stored on your device, no data collection - Clean design: distraction-free interface to keep you focused - Continuous updates: we're constantly adding new features **Perfect for:** - Remote workers - Students - Freelancers - Anyone who needs deep focus Start your deep work journey today with StartFocus!
NameSpark
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Meet several new people at a meeting, dinner, or networking event, and one name can disappear from memory moments after the introductions. You may think you remember it—but what if you are wrong? That uncertainty can make it difficult to address someone by name. And the less often you use the name, the harder it can become to remember. NameSpark is a simple, private tool that helps you remember the names of people you meet. Add each person’s name along with helpful cues, such as where they are, their organization, a distinctive detail, or something you discussed. When you need a reminder, NameSpark helps you find the right name without searching through a long list of contacts. REMEMBER PEOPLE THROUGH CONTEXT Names are easier to recall when they are connected to something familiar. With NameSpark, you can add cues such as: - Where the person is sitting or standing - Organization or relationship - Role or job title - A short identifying detail - Something you discussed - Who introduced you For example: - Near the entrance - Navy jacket - Works in clinical research - We talked about golf - Introduced by Alex Use only the details that help you remember. MADE FOR DIFFERENT WAYS OF MEETING NameSpark is not limited to assigned seating. Use structured layouts for meetings and dinners, or use a free-form layout when people are standing, moving around, or gathered informally. NameSpark can help during: - Business meetings - Client dinners - Conferences and seminars - Networking events - Receptions and social gatherings - Team introductions - Any occasion where you meet several people at once CHECK A NAME WHEN YOU NEED IT Names do not need to remain visible on the screen. Depending on your settings, you can press and hold a person’s position to reveal the name, or display it briefly with a tap. The information is hidden again when you release your finger or after a short period. REVIEW NAMES AFTERWARD After an event, use the information you entered to review the people you met. Short review questions help reinforce the connection between a person, the context in which you met, and the person’s name. PRIVATE BY DESIGN The information you enter is stored locally on your iPhone by default. - No account required - No advertising or behavioral tracking - No facial recognition - No automatic recording or photography - No automatic identification of people - Protect the app with Face ID or device authentication - Delete individual people, complete events, or all stored information - Set information to be deleted automatically after a selected period FOCUS ON THE CONVERSATION NameSpark is not intended to replace your address book or build a permanent database of everyone you meet. It is a simple cue for the moments when you know the conversation—but cannot quite remember the name. Remember names. Address people naturally. Focus on the conversation in front of you.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: StartFocus at Free against NameSpark's $1.99. NameSpark's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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
StartFocus is free to download; NameSpark costs $1.99 up front. StartFocus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NameSpark asks for nothing beyond the download.
StartFocus ships an update every 4 months, NameSpark every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.
| Parameter | StartFocus | NameSpark |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $1.99 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 通 庞 | Kohei Ishikawa |
In-app purchases
StartFocus
- StartFocus Pro Lifetime$0.99
NameSpark
No in-app purchases






