Reddit's honest comparison of focus timer apps. Forest vs Focus Keeper vs TickTick vs the rest.
Last updated: January 2025. Based on discussions from r/productivity, r/ADHD, r/getdisciplined, r/pomodoro.
Work for 25 minutes (one "pomodoro"), then take a 5-minute break. After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break. The technique is named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a student. The core insight: sustained focus is a skill that improves with structured practice, and frequent breaks prevent mental fatigue.
| App | Timer | Task Tracking | Gamification | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest | Visual tree | Timer only | Growing trees | Real trees planted | $3.99 |
| Focus Keeper | Classic + custom | Basic | Charts | Simple & reliable | Free / $1.99 |
| TickTick | Built-in timer | Full task manager | Habit tracking | Timer + tasks combined | Free / $35.99/yr |
| Funtasking | 15-min coins | 8 life areas | Coins & rewards | Life balance focus | Free / $2.99 Pro |
| Be Focused | Mac menu bar | Basic | None | macOS integration | Free / $4.99 Pro |
| Pomofocus | Web-based | Basic | None | No install needed | Free |
| Session | Beautiful design | Goals | Streaks | Focus music | Free / $49.99/yr |
Your focus grows a virtual tree. Leave the app = tree dies. Real trees planted with earned coins. The guilt of killing a tree is surprisingly effective motivation.
$3.99 one-time (iOS/Android)
Full task manager with built-in Pomodoro timer. Link timers to specific tasks. See how many pomodoros each project actually took. Great for data lovers.
Free / $35.99 per year
No frills, just works. Customizable intervals. Clean statistics. Reddit loves it for being "boring but effective." Sometimes simple is best.
Free / $1.99 Pro
Works in browser, no signup needed. Integrates with Todoist. Perfect for trying Pomodoro without committing to an app. Minimal but functional.
Free (web-based)
Many Reddit users find 25 minutes too short or too long. Common variations: 50/10 (for deep work), 15/3 (for ADHD), 90/20 (ultradian rhythm). The technique is about structured focus + mandatory breaks - the specific numbers are personal preference.
Classic Pomodoro tracks work sessions. But what about exercise, relationships, rest? Funtasking takes a different approach: every 15 minutes of focused activity (any activity, any life area) earns coins. Reading? Coins. Gym? Coins. Calling a friend? Coins. This recognizes that "productive" isn't just work - it's whatever moves your life forward.
Controversial opinion: don't. If you're in deep flow, a forced break can destroy momentum. Some users skip break if truly flowing, or use longer intervals (50/10) when deep work is likely. The Pomodoro police won't arrest you. Adapt the method to your brain.
Fair. Pomodoro assumes controllable time blocks. If your work is reactive, try: (1) using Pomodoro only for specific tasks, (2) time blocking protected focus periods, (3) accepting that some jobs aren't Pomodoro-compatible. It's a tool, not a religion.
Forest if you need motivation/gamification and respond to guilt (dead trees). Focus Keeper if you just want a reliable timer without extras. Both work - it's personality-dependent.
Phone timer works. Apps add: automatic interval cycling, statistics, gamification, and (with Forest) phone lockdown. If you'll check notifications during "focus time," dedicated apps help. If you have discipline, any timer works.
Work until naturally fatigued, then break for 1/5 of work time. No fixed intervals. Better for creative work that needs variable focus lengths.
52 minutes work, 17 minutes break. Based on DeskTime's study of productive workers. Longer focus, longer recovery. Popular with developers.
Schedule specific tasks for specific times. No timer during the block - just focused work until the block ends. Better for varied task types.
Work alongside someone (virtually or physically). External presence maintains focus without timers. Great for ADHD. See Focusmate app.
15 minutes = 1 coin. Any life area counts. Set real rewards and earn them. Track focus across 8 life areas, not just work.
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