# Focus vs Flow

The clearest difference is monetization model: Flow at free with in-app purchases against Focus's subscription. Flow also leads on review sentiment (86% vs 57%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.4). Focus's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Flow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 1.7K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of Focus's written reviews are positive against 86% of Flow's.

Focus ships an update every 10 days, Flow every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus | Flow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-deep-work-timer/id975017240/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1.7K |
| Positive reviews | 56.9% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 301 MB | 80 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Meaningful Things GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/896347016) | [Yugen GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1362171211) |

## What reviewers say

### Focus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-deep-work-timer/id975017240)

This app helps users improve concentration and productivity by breaking work into structured intervals with scheduled breaks. It offers task management, detailed statistics, and syncs across all Apple devices, including Apple Watch and widgets.

**Highlights:** Customizable Pomodoro timer, Unlimited to-do lists, In-depth productivity statistics, iCloud sync across Apple devices, Lock Screen and Home Screen widgets, Apple Watch app

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Focus - Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Focus - 3 Months | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Focus Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Focus Yearly | $27.99 | per year |
| Focus Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Focus Early Bird | $29.99 | per year |
| Focus Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Focus Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Patron Subscription | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Time tracking
- 👍 Minimalist design
- 🚀 Seamless cross-device sync
- 👍 Helpful for productivity
- 👍 Great for Pomodoro technique

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Sync issues between devices
- 🐛 Unreliable notifications
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Forced to pay for basic functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Infinite intro screen
- Prompts to set up app on every open
- Timer resets unexpectedly
- Sync issues between iPhone, iPad, and Watch
- Notifications not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to duplicate tasks
- Calendar integration
- Background sounds
- Customizable timer lengths
- Automatic focus mode switching


### Flow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932)

Enhance your concentration and productivity with a scientifically proven method. This app divides your workflow into focused work intervals and scheduled breaks, helping you reduce stress and stay motivated. Ideal for work, study, or any task requiring deep focus.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro timer with work intervals and breaks, App and web blocking, Statistics tracking, Commitment mode, Inspirational quotes, Home & Lock Screen Widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Minimalist and uncluttered design
- 💡 Customizable work and break durations
- 🔒 No ads or unnecessary features
- 🤖 Responsive and helpful developers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔇 Notification sound could be louder
- 📊 Lack of detailed statistics and analytics
- 🔀 Inability to pause or resume a flow session
- 🖥️ Inability to minimize the timer window

**Reported bugs**

- Live activity feature not working consistently
- Timer not recording sessions accurately
- App blocking functionality not working as expected
- Crashes and freezes on certain macOS versions

**Requested features**

- Allow custom work and break durations
- Add option to pause and resume flow sessions
- Implement real-time sync across devices
- Provide more detailed productivity tracking and reporting
- Include an Apple Watch app with complication support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus free?

Focus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Flow free?

Flow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Focus or Flow?

Flow is rated higher. Focus averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Flow averages 4.8 from 1.7K ratings.

### Do Focus or Flow have ads?

Neither Focus nor Flow shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Focus or Flow?

Focus ships an update every 10 days, and Flow every 4 weeks. Most recently, Focus was updated on September 23, 2026 and Flow on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*