# Focus vs FocusBeats

The clearest difference is review sentiment: FocusBeats at 100% against Focus's 57%. FocusBeats also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). Focus's advantage is ratings volume (1.8K vs 1) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, 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 FocusBeats sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

FocusBeats holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Focus has 1.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of Focus's written reviews are positive against 100% of FocusBeats's.

Focus ships an update every 10 days, FocusBeats every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus | FocusBeats |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focus-deep-work-timer/id975017240/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbeats-study-music-timer/id6477829138/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 56.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 301 MB | 220 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Meaningful Things GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/896347016) | [Cihat Guenduez](https://appshunter.io/developer/556786619) |

## 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


### FocusBeats

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusbeats-study-music-timer/id6477829138)

Enhance your work and study with a unique blend of focus-enhancing music and the Pomodoro technique. Choose from 25 themed playlists and customizable sessions to boost productivity and enjoyment.

**Highlights:** 25 unique music themes, Customizable Pomodoro sessions, Thematic audiovisual experience, Curated focus-enhancing playlists, Community theme suggestions, Automatic break notifications

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium (Monthly) | $0.99 | per month |
| Premium (Yearly) | $4.99 | per year |
| Premium (Lifetime) | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus free?

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

### Is FocusBeats free?

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

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

FocusBeats is rated higher. Focus averages 4.4 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while FocusBeats averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Focus or FocusBeats have ads?

Neither Focus nor FocusBeats shows ads.

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

Focus ships an update every 10 days, and FocusBeats every 2 weeks. Most recently, Focus was updated on September 23, 2026 and FocusBeats on August 15, 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.*