# Focus vs SXSW BaaM

The clearest difference is rating: SXSW BaaM at 5.0 against Focus's 4.4. SXSW BaaM also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 9) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). Focus's advantage is ratings volume (1.8K vs 1) and device support (4 vs 2). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Focus sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. SXSW BaaM asks for nothing beyond the download.

SXSW BaaM 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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Focus | SXSW BaaM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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/sxsw-baam/id6759499345/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 57.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | — |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 302 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Meaningful Things GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/896347016) | [Snowman Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/620083342) |

## 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


### SXSW BaaM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sxsw-baam/id6759499345)

This app serves as a companion for faith-based innovation missions, offering daily devotionals, team connections, and a shared agenda. It features an AI assistant for instant answers and a community mural for sharing insights and photos. The app also includes an Austin guide and profile management for registered participants.

**Highlights:** Daily devotionals with Bible verses, Daily random partner connections, Shared mission agenda with filtering, AI assistant for instant answers, Mission participant directory, Community and photo murals, Austin city guide, Bilingual support (English/Portuguese)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Focus free?

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

### Is SXSW BaaM free?

SXSW BaaM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Focus or SXSW BaaM?

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

### Do Focus or SXSW BaaM have ads?

Neither Focus nor SXSW BaaM shows ads.

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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.*