# Focus vs 52/17

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 52/17 at 100% against Focus's 57%. 52/17 also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (13 vs 18.0). Focus's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and 52/17 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Focus ships an update every 10 days, 52/17 every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus | 52/17 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-deep-work-timer/id975017240/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 57.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 302 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Meaningful Things GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/896347016) | [Vladislav Khaykov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1525508564) |

## 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


### 52/17

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5217/id1604356537)

This app uses the 52-minute work, 17-minute break method to enhance focus and productivity. It's designed to help users achieve deep concentration while ensuring adequate rest periods for better performance.

**Highlights:** 52-minute focus intervals, 17-minute rest periods, Deep focus enhancement, Mindful rest cycles, Balanced productivity

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Colors | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus free?

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

### Is 52/17 free?

52/17 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Focus or 52/17 have ads?

Neither Focus nor 52/17 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Focus or 52/17?

Focus ships an update every 10 days, and 52/17 every 6 weeks. Most recently, Focus was updated on October 13, 2026 and 52/17 on September 29, 2026.

---

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