Be Focused vs ZenTimer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Task creation and management
- Customizable work/break intervals
- Progress tracking and reports
- Cross-device synchronization
- Widgets and Lock Screen controls
- Sound and notification options
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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.
ZenTimer
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Transform your productivity with ZenTimer – the beautifully designed focus timer that makes time management effortless and enjoyable. Whether you're studying, working, meditating, or taking mindful breaks, ZenTimer helps you stay focused and achieve more with its intuitive circular interface and customizable alerts. **Effortless Time Management** Set your timer with a simple drag around the elegant circular dial – no typing, no hassle. Choose any duration from 1 to 60 minutes with precise control. The visual progress ring shows your remaining time at a glance, helping you stay aware without being distracted. **Designed for Focus** • Clean, minimalist interface that won't distract from your tasks • Beautiful gradient backgrounds that create a calming atmosphere • Smooth animations and haptic feedback for a premium experience • Large, clear time display visible from across the room **Smart Notifications** Never miss the end of your timer, even when the app is in the background: • Visual alerts with camera flash (perfect for noisy environments) • Gentle vibration notifications • Optional sound alerts • Do Not Disturb mode for uninterrupted focus sessions • Background timer completion ensures reliability **Perfect For** • Pomodoro Technique practitioners • Students timing study sessions • Remote workers managing break times • Meditation and breathing exercises • Cooking and kitchen timers • Exercise intervals and workouts • Kids' timeout and activity timers • Meeting time management **Key Features** • Intuitive drag-to-set circular timer (1-60 minutes) • Continues running in background • Multiple notification options (flash, vibration, sound) • One-tap play/pause/reset controls • Portrait orientation optimized for one-handed use • No account required – works offline • No ads or subscriptions • Minimal battery usage • Supports iOS 15.0 and later **Why Choose ZenTimer?** Unlike complex productivity apps cluttered with features, ZenTimer masters one thing perfectly – beautiful, distraction-free time management. The innovative circular interface feels as natural as a traditional stopwatch, while modern notification options (flash, vibration, sound) ensure you never miss an alert in any environment. **Privacy-First Design** ZenTimer respects your privacy completely: • No account required – start timing immediately • Zero data collection or tracking • Works entirely offline • No advertisements or subscriptions • Your focus time stays private Transform your productivity with purposeful simplicity. Download ZenTimer and experience how elegant design can revolutionize your time management.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ZenTimer at none against Be Focused's 3. ZenTimer also leads on ads (none vs shown). Be Focused's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Be Focused sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ZenTimer asks for nothing beyond the download.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 10, 2026.
| Parameter | Be Focused | ZenTimer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (4.3K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4.3K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 5 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 38 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Denys Ievenko | ANDREI POP |
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
ZenTimer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Be Focused
- Monthly Pro$2.991 Month
- Yearly Pro7 Days trial$19.991 Year
- Lifetime Pro$39.99
ZenTimer
No in-app purchases









