Comparison

Be Focused vs Engross

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

Head to head
About

Be Focused

This app helps you stay focused by breaking down tasks into timed work intervals with short breaks. It offers task management, customizable timers, progress tracking, and cross-device synchronization. Enhance your productivity and concentration with this effective tool.

Highlights
  • Task creation and management
  • Customizable work/break intervals
  • Progress tracking and reports
  • Cross-device synchronization
  • Widgets and Lock Screen controls
  • Sound and notification options
Features
Read full description

Staying on task seems is a real challenge for our screen-bound generation. The Be Focused lets you get things done by breaking up individual tasks among discrete intervals, separated by short breaks. It’s a surprisingly effective way to retain motivation and focus. Create tasks, configure breaks and track your progress throughout the day, week or custom period. Use Be Focused on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac — everything stays perfectly in sync. Task Management • Create and manage tasks • Add notes and due dates to tasks • Organize tasks with tags and filters • Paste task lists from other apps Timer Control • Start, pause, or skip intervals • Auto-start the next interval (optionally) • Plan intervals needed for task completion and track accuracy • Manage completed intervals Timer Customization • Set durations for work sessions, short and long breaks • Define number of intervals before a long break • Set a daily goal for completed intervals • Assign different timer settings to individual tasks Reports • View detailed reports to monitor your progress • Export your data in CSV format Sounds and Notifications • Chronometer ticking sound with adjustable frequency • Variety of alarm sounds • Interactive notifications • Adjustable volume for alarms and chronometer Integration • Sync across all your devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) • Integration with Focus Matrix to manage tasks using urgent/important principle * • Integration with Shortcuts app to automate workflow Quick Access • Widgets for Lock Screen and Home Screen • Live activities for Lock Screen and Dynamic Island • Control to start or stop the timer from the Lock Screen, Controls Center, or Action Button Automation • Integration with Shortcuts app (control tasks and timers via Shortcuts app) • Automate Shortcuts execution on events in Be Focused app Device Support • Apple Watch support • Also available for Mac • Dark and Light mode support Pro Version Features • Single purchase unlocks Pro on iPhone, iPad, and Mac • Sync across all your devices • Tags and filters to organize tasks and maintain focus • Integration with Focus Matrix to manage tasks using urgent/important principle * • Shortcuts execution on events in Be Focused app • Export data in CSV format • No banners, no ads Be Focused is free to download and use forever. However, if you want to access the Pro features on all your iPhones, iPads, and Macs, you can upgrade to the Pro version. The Pro subscription comes in three different options: Monthly, Yearly with a 7-day trial, and Lifetime (one-time payment). Payment will be charged to your App Store account and will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Subscription may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: https://xwavesoft.com/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use: https://xwavesoft.com/terms-of-use.html * Integration with Focus Matrix requires the Pro version of Focus Matrix, sold separately.

About

Engross

This app helps users improve focus and productivity, especially those with ADHD or time blindness. It offers customizable focus sessions, task management, and analytics to understand work patterns. Features include distraction alerts, planning tools, and ambient sounds.

Highlights
  • ADHD-Friendly Pomodoro Timer
  • Distraction detection and training
  • Task breakdown for executive function
  • Integrated daily planner
  • Deep work analytics and charts
  • Immersive white noise ambience
  • Minimalist black theme
Features
Read full description

Whether you're working on big projects, studying for exams, or just trying to improve productivity, Engross combines the power of the Pomodoro Technique, to-do lists, day planner, and focus analytics to help you stay organised and distraction-free. Why Engross? Its timer uses a unique ‘Hit me when you are distracted’ hack that makes you more focused & engaged whether you are working or studying. To-do list has features designed keeping in mind the approaches that help in getting things done faster. Calendar is neat & simple so that you can keep your days organised effortlessly. The app is designed to help you achieve more. Key Features: Focus Timer with Pomodoro Technique • Customise focus & break durations with ease • Use the Stopwatch when you simply want to track your time effortlessly • Attach a timer/stopwatch and start sessions right from the To-do list or Calendar • Session tagging for productivity insights To-Do List • Repeat tasks with flexible repeat options like twice a week, every alternate day etc. • Track progress of your long & big tasks with a flexible progress tracker • Reminders that can notify you up to 24 hours in advance • Break the big tasks into smaller & achievable sub-tasks and achieve bigger goals effortlessly Daily Planner/Calendar • Create events and plan routines • From main tasks of the day to lunch break & meditation time, get notified with reminders for everything and stay on track with your schedule • Create Recurring events for your regular routine & keep your days organised Productivity Analytics • Track your focus trends & peak performance times • Session history with charts and detailed insights • Understand where your time goes Clean, Distraction-Free UI • Minimalist design focused on getting work done White Noise • Soothing sounds help to be more focused & engaged when working Engross is perfect for: College Students & High Schoolers Remote Workers & Freelancers ADHD & Neurodivergent Users Writers, Designers, and Creators Anyone looking to work smarter, not harder For Students (High School & College) Study smarter, not harder.
 Engross is an ultimate study partner, combining the Pomodoro technique, task planner, and focus tracking to help you crush exams, stay ahead of assignments, and make every study session count. Key Benefits for Students: * ‘Hit me when you are distracted’ helps a lot in staying focused * Flexibility of focus timer * Plan out study blocks, breaks, and classes * Stats Dashboard shows how long you study daily, weekly, monthly * No Ads For Professionals * Pomodoro Timer: Stay productive without burning out * To-Do List + Calendar: Manage client tasks, meetings, and deadlines * Session Tags & Stats: Track work hours by client or label * Minimalist Interface For ADHD & Neurodivergent Users Engross supports focus, structure, and routine — helping people with ADHD or executive function challenges stay organised and productive. It's simple and flexible. * Flexible Pomodoro Timer: Adjustable sessions and breaks * Simple Task List: Break big tasks into smaller, doable steps * Visual Stats: Get dopamine boosts from seeing your progress * Routine Builder: Create and stick to daily structures * Low Clutter Design: No overwhelming menus or distractions No pressure. Just the tools you need to build focus, one session at a time. See real progress, every day. Don’t just manage your time — take charge of it. Whether you want to beat procrastination, develop discipline, or simply get more done, Engross gives you the clarity and control you need to succeed. Pomodoro™ and Pomodoro Technique® are registered trademarks of Francesco Cirillo. This app is not affiliated with Francesco Cirillo.

Screenshots

Be Focused4 screens
Engross4 screens

Verdict

The call

Be Focused and Engross both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 89% of Be Focused's written reviews are positive against 49% of Engross's. Be Focused also leads on ratings volume (4.3K vs 46). Engross's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 5 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Be Focused sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Engross sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Be Focused against 4.6 for Engross. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Be Focused has 4.3K ratings behind it against 46, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of Be Focused's written reviews are positive against 49% of Engross's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Be Focused ships an update every 5 months, Engross every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and July 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Be Focused versus Engross: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBe FocusedEngross
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (4.3K ratings) — better4.6 (46 ratings)
Positive reviews88.9% of reviews — better48.8% of reviews
Number of ratings4.3K — better46
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDenys IevenkoHusain Haidery

Customer experience

Be Focused

All ratings4,318 ratings
Positive94.5%
Neutral2.7%
Negative2.8%
Written reviews506 reviews
Positive88.9%
Neutral5.5%
Negative5.5%

Engross

All ratings46 ratings
Positive91.3%
Neutral4.3%
Negative4.3%
Written reviews41 reviews
Positive48.8%
Neutral14.6%
Negative36.6%

Bugs and requests

Be Focused

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer resets unexpectedly
  • Timers not syncing correctly across devices
  • Notifications not always working as expected

Requested features

5 requests
  • Option to override Do Not Disturb mode
  • Ability to log partial intervals
  • Time tracking with notes per interval
  • Customizable notification sounds
  • Ability to set task-specific time limits

Engross

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Be Focused

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Pro7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$39.99
1 purchases

Engross

One-time1
  • Engross Premium$5.99

Questions

Is Be Focused free?
Be Focused is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Engross free?
Engross is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Be Focused or Engross?
Be Focused is rated higher. Be Focused averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.3K ratings, while Engross averages 4.6 from 46 ratings.
Do Be Focused or Engross have ads?
Be Focused shows ads; Engross does not.
Which is updated more often, Be Focused or Engross?
Be Focused ships an update every 5 months, and Engross every 4 weeks. Most recently, Be Focused was updated on September 24, 2026 and Engross on July 17, 2026.

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