Focus Timer vs Focus To-Do: Focus Timer&Tasks
Which is better, Focus Timer or Focus To-Do: Focus Timer&Tasks?
Choose Focus To-Do if you want a full task manager built around Pomodoros, with projects, reminders and sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch; choose Focus Timer if you want a lighter iPhone timer with simple task planning, ambient sounds and an open-ended Flow mode. Focus To-Do adds sub-tasks, recurring due dates, priorities, detailed reports, white noise, lock screen widgets and Live Activities, and recent versions added app blocking. Reviewers note a steeper learning curve, and one reported losing data after a sync glitch. Focus Timer runs Pomodoro sessions with scheduled breaks, keeps a session history with progress tracking and achievements, and starts sessions from Home Screen widgets, quick actions, Siri or Spotlight. It has no daily timer limit, does not block apps and is iPhone only; Pro is an optional monthly or yearly subscription.
Focus Timer and Focus To-Do: Focus Timer&Tasks side by side
| Focus Timer | Focus To-Do: Focus Timer&Tasks | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows |
| Price to download | Free to download | Free to download |
| Store rating | 4.8 (6 ratings, 2026-11-01) | 4.8 (14,712 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
| Tasks | Task planning next to Pomodoro sessions | Projects, sub-tasks, recurring due dates, reminders and priorities [source] |
| Long sessions | Flow mode, an open-ended timer that runs until you stop | Customizable focus and break lengths [source] |
| Sounds | Ambient sounds for focused work | White noise options [source] |
| Reports | Session activity history, progress tracking and achievements | Focus time, completed tasks, time by project, Gantt and trend charts [source] |
| Devices and sync | iPhone only | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, plus Android and Windows [source] |
| Quick start | Home Screen widgets, app icon quick actions, Siri and Spotlight shortcuts | Lock screen widgets and Live Activities [source] |
| App blocking | No | Added in version 8.8 for timing periods [source] |
| Pricing model | No daily timer limit; optional Pro monthly or yearly | Free with a premium plan or a one-time lifetime upgrade [source] |
Choose Focus Timer if
- You already keep tasks elsewhere and want a simple timer with a short task list
- You want an open-ended Flow mode for long deep work
- You want something you can learn in a minute
Choose Focus To-Do: Focus Timer&Tasks if
- You want Pomodoros and a full project and task manager in one place
- You work across iPhone, Mac, Windows or Android and need sync
- You want detailed reports by project
- You want app blocking while the timer runs
Questions
Is Focus Timer simpler than Focus To-Do?
Yes. Focus Timer is a Pomodoro timer with task planning, breaks, sounds and session history. Focus To-Do is a full task manager with projects, sub-tasks, reminders and reports, which reviewers say takes longer to learn.
Does Focus To-Do work on Mac and Windows?
Yes, Focus To-Do syncs across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and other platforms. Focus Timer is an iPhone app.
Can I pay once for either app?
Focus To-Do offers a one-time lifetime upgrade. Focus Timer's timer has no daily limit for free; Pro is monthly or yearly, and extra timer themes are one-time purchases.
Sources: apps.apple.com, goalsandprogress.com, apps.apple.com