Comparison

Be Focused vs Stage Timer

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

Stage Timer

This app provides precise timing for live events, presentations, and performances. It offers a clear display, intuitive controls, and multi-device synchronization to keep everyone on track. Enhance your event management with customizable features and a sleek interface.

Highlights
  • Precision timer display with progress bar
  • Intuitive start, pause, and reset controls
  • Multi-device synchronized timer sessions
  • Fullscreen mode for presentations
  • Customizable messages on screen
  • Advanced settings like dark mode and auto-start
Features
Read full description

StageTimer is a powerful, versatile, and intuitive timer app designed for professionals, educators, event hosts, and performers who need precision timing for live events, presentations, conferences, and stage performances. With its sleek interface, robust functionality, and seamless multi-device connectivity, StageTimer helps you stay on track, manage your time efficiently, and ensure your events run smoothly. Whether you’re a teacher timing classroom activities, a presenter coordinating your speech, or an event organizer managing multiple timers across devices, StageTimer provides you with an elegant, customizable timing solution. Enjoy a large, easy-to-read timer display accompanied by interactive controls that let you start, pause, reset, and update your timer with just a few taps. Plus, thanks to its innovative multi-device connectivity, you can share timer sessions across several devices—keeping your entire team or audience perfectly synchronized no matter where they are. But StageTimer isn’t just about keeping time—it’s about enhancing your entire event experience. Use the fullscreen mode for a distraction-free view that’s ideal for large presentations, or set custom messages to display important cues or instructions directly on the timer screen. Every aspect of the app has been designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, ensuring that your timing experience is not only accurate but also visually appealing. StageTimer offers a rich settings menu that empowers you to tailor the app to your exact needs. Set your default duration, enable auto‑start for immediate timing, toggle between dark and light modes, or keep your screen on during critical moments. And for those who demand even more, our premium upgrade unlocks advanced features like multi‑device sharing, remote controls, custom themes, and audio alerts. With a one‑time payment, you can upgrade to premium—no recurring subscriptions, just professional-grade tools that are yours forever. Every detail of StageTimer is crafted to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience. The user-friendly interface, paired with clear controls and flexible options, makes it simple to focus on your performance rather than fiddling with settings. Whether you’re preparing for a live stage performance, running a workshop, or simply managing everyday tasks, StageTimer is the perfect companion to keep you punctual and in control. Join thousands of satisfied users who have elevated their timing game. With StageTimer, you’re not just managing time—you’re mastering it. Key Features: • Precision Timer Display with a dynamic progress bar • Intuitive Start, Pause, and Reset Controls • Customizable Timer Duration (up to 1 hour for free users, 24 hours for premium) • Multi-Device Connectivity for Synchronized Timer Sessions • Fullscreen Mode for Distraction-Free Presentations • Custom Messaging for On-Screen Instructions • Advanced Settings including Dark Mode, Auto‑Start, and “Keep Screen On” • Premium Upgrade with a One‑Time Payment (No Subscription) • Remote Controls, Custom Themes, and Audio Alerts (Premium) • Sleek, User-Friendly Interface Designed for Professionals Download StageTimer today and experience the ultimate tool for managing your time. Whether you’re leading a classroom, staging a live performance, or orchestrating a large event, StageTimer ensures you’re always in control—and always on time. Your payment will be charged to your Apple ID account. In-app purchases are processed by Apple and are subject to their standard terms and conditions. By downloading StageTimer, you agree to Apple's End User License Agreement (available at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/) as well as our Privacy Policy, which is available at https://mattcowlin.com/policies/privacy.html. Please review these terms carefully before making any purchase.

Screenshots

Be Focused4 screens
Stage Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Be Focused at 91% against Stage Timer's 11%. Be Focused also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (4.3K vs 16). Stage Timer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support 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 Stage Timer 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

Be Focused holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Be Focused has 4.3K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Be Focused's written reviews are positive against 11% of Stage Timer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Be Focused ships an update every 5 months, Stage Timer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Be Focused versus Stage Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBe FocusedStage Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (4.3K ratings) — better3.9 (16 ratings)
Positive reviews90.7% of reviews — better11.1% of reviews
Number of ratings4.3K — better16
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDenys IevenkoMSDC TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Customer experience

Be Focused

All ratings4,323 ratings
Positive94.5%
Neutral2.7%
Negative2.8%
Written reviews1,709 reviews
Positive90.7%
Neutral4.7%
Negative4.6%

Stage Timer

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive11.1%
Neutral11.1%
Negative77.8%

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

Stage Timer

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$23.99
1 purchases

Stage Timer

One-time1
  • Stage Timer Pro$17.99

Questions

Is Be Focused free?
Be Focused is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Stage Timer free?
Stage Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Be Focused or Stage Timer?
Be Focused is rated higher. Be Focused averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.3K ratings, while Stage Timer averages 3.9 from 16 ratings.
Do Be Focused or Stage Timer have ads?
Be Focused shows ads; Stage Timer does not.
Which is updated more often, Be Focused or Stage Timer?
Be Focused ships an update every 5 months, and Stage Timer every 2 months. Most recently, Be Focused was updated on November 4, 2026 and Stage Timer on November 3, 2026.

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