Flow - Focus & Pomodoro Timer Reviews

by MJ23673

I like the variability in times for work duration and breaks and... that's about it.

The worst aspect about this timer is that there are no options to control the sound notifications! You can only set it to having or not having sound as a notification- no volume settings or different sounds to choose from. You can set the break timer to fill the entire screen, which I thought would be a good alternative option for the sound, but it's really irritating to be cut off in the middle of working. And if you aren't looking at the screen you'll miss it entirely.

The sound is so quiet and unobtrusive that I am not alerted to the notification, in fact I couldn't even describe the sound because I have never really heard it. And if you listen to music while working, even the quiet stuff, just forget it, you will not hear this timer.

by Laela Overmoyer

I only just got Flow, but I've shied away from pomorodo apps in genreal because they're so rigid. What if I start out thinking I want to work for 20 minutes, only to find out that I can, in fact, work 60? I don't want to be reminded to take a break at 20 because then I'll lose motivation. But, on the other hand, if there's a situation where I plan to work for 60 minutes and can only manage 20, how do I work around that? I just think pomorodo should be more flexible, that would really maximize everything. I don't know myself well enough to be able to plan that kind of thing, and theoretically Flow would help me to figure that out, but in the meantime I've just got this mental block. I've got ADHD so it feels like every second counts and I need all the motivation I can get, but I also can't put too much pressure on myself and I don't know where the boundary is. It would be great if, at the end of each session, there would be two choices to click on: break, or continue working. You'd get a motivating message if you continue, and a comforting message if you have a break. After a while, with being able to view the completed sessions, you'll be able to see exactly what times work for you and what to expect.

by AppUser-xyz

I loved the free version of Flow so much that I decided to pay for it, just as a token of gratitude to the developers, even though I have no use for the paid features. However, when I got the paid version I found that the ability to pause a this app and the ability to restart a this app from beginning were o longer there! I hope the developers will see this feedback and do something about it.

The other - unrelated -useful thing would be if Flow had its own login with a certain number of allowed devices versus using the iCloud account (how AdGuard does it). I have a different iCloud account for work, where I really need it but I bought Flow for home use, since I did not want to lose access if/when I change work. I guess it is a good thing the free version works for me in this case :)

Other than the above two issues, Flow is a total life saver for me - it forces me to take breaks, which I commit to honor 90% of the time. Thank you!

by AlvinGordian

One of the best pomodoro apps I've tried I just had to upgrade to the paid version, however I was upset to see that some features are missing. First, the apple watch app doens't have a widget so I can't easily see and use it from my modular watchface like you can on most other timer apps. Second, sessions don't sync across devices in real time so there's no way to start the timer on my mac and see the time left on my apple watch or phone. Also, there should be an option to adjust the volume of the ticking sound and the option to use ambient noises during sessions (white noise, rain, etc.) Other than that, really love Flow!

by Alex_474

Flow seems like one of the better Pomodoro apps, however I would like to provide the following feedback:

(1) One of the big productivity enhancers is allowing Flow to be fully functional independently on Apple Watch without phone. This means having a complication / widget on the watch to see time remaining, which I have not seen on Flow yet (in the free version). An example of this function is available on the ‘Focus To-Do’ app.

(2) As a design choice, I would also like to see the timer graphic as a visual representation of elapsed time in addition to solely numbers (ie the circle or clock timer showing elapsed time, examples in ‘Focus To-Do’/‘Be Focused’ or ‘Flat Tomato’ apps).

by Guategeek

this app is a nice Pomodoro timer if you follow the original Pomodoro concepts, its clean, user-friendly and free to boot!

Unfortunately, its customization options are too rigid, with no way to set your own custom values. The this app times are set in stone (15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 50, 60) I would like the option to add any time I want (say 90 for Optimiz's suggested Deep Work blocks). Likewise, the break times are set in stone (5 & 10 for short, 20 & 30 for long) I would like to be able to set any value for both of these. Lastly, there is no way to set how many Pomodoros you want before a long break (its always 4, I would like to set 3) and there is no way to reset the Pomodoro count, so if I do 3 Pomodoros, then have lunch and come back, or even quit for the day it will give me a long break after my next Pomodoro (even if its the first one of the day!). Adding this total customization control would make Flow exactly what I'm looking for, I'm hoping that the developers can implement some or all of my sugestions.

by NolyPoly326

I love Flow and use it every day. It's simple, effective, and nicely designed.

My one issue is that I wish I were able to operate Flow from the menu bar shortcut. Right now, if you click Flow in the menu bar, it brings up a pretty disruptive (and small) pop-up that sometimes gets buried in my multiple monitors / slew of other apps that I open throughout the workday. I'd like to be able to click the menu bar shorcut, pause/start a this app, and immediately resume work. Currently it is pretty distracting in the middle of focused work to click the shortcut, locate the small pop-up window, select what I need, then close the pop-up again.

by Neuromances

I like Flow so much; it's sleek and pretty, easy to use, and is generally quite simple. However, I can't give it 5* until I'm allowed to set my own Pomodoro times. As someone who is neurodivergent, it's very difficult for me to split my attention; sometimes it takes me 15 minutes to get the this app of my work, and then that is only 15 minutes to keep working before I'm interrupted, my ADHD flies off the rails, and then the process starts again. I have for some time chosen to do my pom sprints in hour blocks instead of 30 minutes ones (50 minutes working, 10 minute breaks). When Flow is able to accommodate that, I'd 100% change my rating to five stars.

by Denise Y Cho

As far as layout, this is my favorite pomodoro app as it has a small count down window, but can also be closed and just run in the tool bar at the top. The green logo and layout is neutral and not obnoxious color like other apps. I like that flexibility of choose you work & break length, the automatic continuation of the cycles, option for motivational quotes.

The only thing I disliked is that there is no button to restart the work cycle or the break cycle or add 5 minutes to it without restarting the entire 2-hour block in case something came up and I wanted to compensate for time missed.

by Aklaran

This is the only pomodoro app I have used for years. It is just about perfect.

I feel like I've already left a review years ago, but I felt the need to write again because it keeps getting better. I notice the regular updates the devs put out, and the little joy in each one. I especially appreciate how the simplified status bar icon now has colors to indicate break vs. this app and a pause icon; it makes it easy to use Flow with just keyboard shortcuts and not get caught on the wrong timer. I love the calendar integration. I love the little animations and the mini window option now. It's just a perfect app, and to me it reflects an environment of developers that appreciate their customers and their craft. As a software developer myself, this level of craftsmanship is what I aspire to. Great job guys.

by Zanderjones

I shopped around, and landed on Flow over competitors because of its simplicity in design. Shout-out to the UI/UX team! It has not disappointed thus far. A personal fave feature is the full-screen 5-minute break notification takeover. Feels like I have permission to walk away from my laptop. The floating timer "gamifies" the experience for me, pomodoro style. A 25-min challenge feels achievable! And I'm pleasantly surprised how much I've accomplished at the end of the day.

Suggestion to the developer(s) for a future release: when looking at my weekly analytics, it would be great to dig deeper... to see the names of each of my flows from the past to measure how much time I'm dedicating to certain projects. Tags might be helpful too, so I can categorize projects a little bit.

by Bdbknz

This is the best Pomodoro timer I've been able to find. It is very simple and unobtrusive (sometimes a little too unobtrusive, but more on that in a moment).

Features:
It's nice to look at! Great interface. No bugs that I've experienced.

You can select the lengths of your long break, short break, and this app from a small range of options.

You can blacklist apps (and they are working on adding websites as well!) so that when you try to access Flow a reminder pops up to get you back into yoru this app.

The timer sits in the top bar so you can always see at a glance where you're at and work accordingly without disruption.

You can have desktop and sound notifications. (the sound is a soft chime), and I've been told they are planning to add a full-screen notification option as well.

Speaking of which, I emailed with a few suggestions of what I would enjoy seeing from Flow and they responded very quickly to describe their plans and address my suggestions. They were very courteous and friendly.

Overall, happy to use! It's really helped me put the Pomodoro technique to use and I've already seen improvement in my work - especially the seemingly endless task of reviewing and summarizing literature for my research. Completing "flows" (so aptly named) is just enough motivation to help me stay on track and avoid procrastination techniques.

by Cheesecake Matters

I started trying out the Pomodoro method at work the past couple weeks to help with my focus. I juggle many different tasks every day and I get scatterbrained trying to do too much at once. I started by using the timer on my phone but the sound options aren’t ideal. I looked a few options for other timers and came across this app. I have been using it for the past few work days and it has made a huge difference in how I feel at the end of my day! The interface is simple and clean. I love how it automatically moves from breaks to focus and knows when to incorporate the long break. The slight ding at the end of each part of the session is soothing and just enough to alert you to move to your next part of your session. Highly recommend!

by Bnoskoviak

I've tried about a dozen of the popular ones over the last few years. This one is clean. I've uninstalled my others. Currently using free mode, which is incredibly generous, not spammy with ads like other top rated pomodoro apps. Considering the paid option simply to support this work. I do have a feature request: can the floating timer window, instead of matching system theme, can it have an option to be the inverse of the system theme. So that it's always highly contrasted against dark or light mode? If i forget the timer is there, i forget i'm doing a pomodoro. My other ask, is instead of a blocklist, instead could it be a safelist? It would be easier to safelist my handful of work apps as opposed to blocklisting dozens of non work apps.

by Jeremiahnnadi

I’ve tried a lot of Pomodoro apps in the past. Staying focused while studying is something I’ve always struggled with and this method makes it easier for time to just breeze by. Before you know it you’ve put 4, 6 hours in.

Flow gets right to the business and really is uncluttered and clean. Some of the other apps I tried were buggy or hid some of the main features behind premium upgrades. Shout out to the developers for making this free as well. I am a fan of the widget as well. Allows me to see how much time I’ve got left right from my Home Screen. That’s not something that a lot of other timer apps offer. I’ve got this on my Mac and iPad and I don’t think I’m going to be switching any time soon!

by Meowhowbrowncow

This version of Pomodoro is THE BEST app you can get for your MacBook. As a college student, I realized how fatigued I was becoming after I would study for hours at a time. I love the simplicity and how sleek Flow is. I especially love how there is a full screen option that will remind you of your break. Usually I would just skip past it, but because it takes up my whole screen, it's just easier to stop what I am doing since it already interupted me. Sound a bit agressive, but I am stubborn. So, this works for me.

It is so important to take breaks. I feel like it always for a refreshed mind as well a different prespective when your mind is rested. Also, it is good to get circulation back in your feet. So, walk around during your breaks!

by Cohdesignstudio

I am a college student w ADHD, and Flow has changed the game for me. I’ve also noticed how user driven the developers are. They truly respond to user feedback and Flow gets better w every update!

As for a suggestion:

I have both the Mac and iOS versions. I easily distracted by my phone and normally work on the silent floor of my university’s library, so I’m often working w the laptop version.

When my break time hits I often get up and walk around using just my regular iPhone timer to let me know when it’s time to get back to the desk. But the alert sound and interface aren’t as smooth as this app’s. Would it be possible to sync Flow and desktop version to where the timer is active on both devices?

That way I can have the notifications pop up visually on my desktop to tell me to take a break and then have my pocket buzz to bring me back to my desk.

Especially with the addition of the home screen widget, should I be tempted to open my phone during a work block the timer would be right in my face. Also! Would a lock screen widget be a possibility in addition to the home one?

by Heidner

I think this has come up in a few other reviews as well.

I love that the flexibility in session duration and break length. I set mine to 25 minutes / 2 minute break based on research. For those "deep" sessions that folks love to go into, I use the 2 minutes to stretch and look outside. It's a great way to keep thinking while also giving my eyes a break from the screen.

One thing I would love is to have a pause. While in a work phase, I typically block all email and communication apps (teams/slack etc). But sometimes I *do* need to message someone for clarification or requests immediately. Right now no easy way to pause. I either have to quit Flow entirely (boo!) or use alfred to pause. Would love if the pause capability was more discoverable for those moments. What would be a 30 second pause suddenly becomes longer, and I'm more prone to being distracted because I forget to restart this app.

All in all. Love Flow , love how responsive makers are to feedback. You can see the reviews over the years and suggestions that have been made and since incorporated. Happy to support such a awesome product and team.

by Pom4lyf

Flow is perfect for those committed to the Pomodoro time management and productivity method. I mostly like that the user interface is simple, it doesnʻt try to turn Pomodoros into something they are not (like candy rewards or groceries. weird.) I still prefer to make a physical check mark when I finish a Pom but a great feature is that Flow tracks how many pomodoros you do and compiles weekly statistics for you. I love how easy it is to skip my breaks, which I realize is counter to the foundation of the method, which encourages mental breathers to maintain productivity not only within the Pom, but over the duration of the work day and the work week. I tend to feel that the Pomodoro structure is not ideal for coding. But I love how Flow can function both to remind me to take mental breaks when I am in a more compulsive work mode, or motivate me to "work for rest" when I am feeling less motivated/fatigued.

by Gavin Griggs

As an ADHD student in school, I almost never sit down and focus, but with Flow it’s completely changed that. Not to mention the design is simple and gorgeous, gonna be an easy purchase from me.

But a big, big ask: can you guys make it so it syncs to iPad or Aaple Watch? In real time? I don’t know if it’s a pro feature or if I’m doing it wrong, but the timers don’t sync across devices and I’d really like for that to become a reality (especially since other timers do that, but they’re kinda ugly, not pretty like this one!)

I think proper syncing would make this an ELITE app. Thanks for what you do!

by Stéphanus

I like the clean and slim functionality of Flow. I’ve used it only for a couple of weeks, but already it has given me control over short periods of time. In the past I would fritter away five or ten minutes. With this app I easily turn these intervals into productive time. A feature I especially like is the ability to overwrite the name of a this app task and name it anything you like. This data can be exported to a spread sheet, giving a great summary of where my work has gone in a day. (nb This option may only be available

One reviewer noted that this app times are set in stone (15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 50, 60.) It’s now possible to set any duration up to 90 minutes. The same flexibility is in place for Break times.

by Gabriemarie27

When I first heard of the pomodoro method for studying, I tried various apps to support (manually setting timers was too time consuming for an efficiency tactic!)
Other apps were too complicated, had ads, too bulky. Flow is so simple and yet so customizable at the same time.
I love that I can set the break time to take up the full screen, it really forces me to step away from my work.
It is also super easy to track how much time you have left since the timer stays counting down in the menu bar! This is probably my favorite feature. I don't need any excuse to look down at my phone or switch from my working app.
It's also highly customaizable with basically 5 minute intervals for work, breaks, and long breaks.

by MarziMarzipan

As someone who struggles with executive functioning, Flow has been a real lifesaver. I turn to this app when I find myself procrastinating or unable to focus. The free version is great, allowing you to turn off any apps, but the paid version is 100% worth it because it allows you to block websites. If you struggle with falling down social media rabbit holes, this is Flow for you. It's easy to use and unobtrusive on your desktop. I have not experimented with any of the more advanced features like naming sessions and keeping statistics so I can't say how they function, but for my needs, it is perfect. Highly recommend.

by Neotint

July 2024 Updated Review:
Key to the pomodoro technique is the ticking sound, due to its somatic effects of creating an nonvisual environmental awareness of time passing as a reminder of your commit to 25 mintutes of focus. this app now allows the sound to be adjusted which is key for also listing to music or being this app with work that requries sound. Thanks for adding this! Other features are nice to have, this one was the last must have for serious pomodoro use of Flow . New rating: 5 stars.
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this app is a productivity timer that excels in simplicity and user-centric design. Its intuitive interface, authentic pomorodo ticking sound, stat views, and ingenious calendar integration make it a standout in the pomodoro app space.

While there's room for enhancements like adjustable ticking sound volume, resizable windows, and color themes, this app already delivers an exceptional core experience. It's helped me work more intentionally and stay focused. Their upcoming metronome feature is also exicting. Yes, time management is exciting lol.

Kudos to the this app team for creating a top-notch pomodoro timer! Danke! If you're looking to boost productivity and focus, give this app a try. It's a game-changer.

by #Turtle

Flow has really helped me focus, especially during the shift to having college classes online. I am really thankful to have found Flow. First of all, the language is really nice in like it literally asks you, would you like to take a break after the 25 min period and I'm like "yea, thank you so much"....lol. Second of all, the amount of time appears on the top of the screen, where the wifi and battery status are displayed so you can always keep tabs on how much time you have left (for macbooks). It's simple, to the point, and very easy to use. I love that I don't have to spend extra mental energy on figuring out how to navigate through the features, it's very user frinedly for any age. I. LOVE. IT.

by Tiller Starr

I’ve tried a lot of Pomodoro apps in the past. Staying focused while studying is something I’ve always struggled with and this method makes it easier for time to just breeze by. Before you know it you’ve put 4, 6 hours in.

Flow gets right to the business and really is uncluttered and clean. Some of the other apps I tried were buggy or hid some of the main features behind premium upgrades. Shout out to the developers for making this free as well. I am a fan of the widget as well. Allows me to see how much time I’ve got left right from my Home Screen. That’s not something that a lot of other timer apps offer. I’ve got this on my Mac and iPad and I don’t think I’m going to be switching any time soon!

by C_Jerris

Amazingly simple. Pomodoro is how we should all work. Focus on the process, not on the product. Flow helps that happen using a clean interface. I love the full screen setting, which overrides the "Do Not Disturb" function I have my mac and iPhone set to my entire working day.

Excited for new features, and developers respond quickly to ideas. I suggested custom filters for apps and websites that are blocked. I.e an "email filter" vs a "study/work" filter for students and those whose email work is not a primary part of their job. Hope to see it soon!

by Dan_nelson

I've used other Pomodoro apps intermittently for about 2 years. They've all been "fussy" and too complex (and sometimes gaudy and just weird). I've typically become frustrated with the developers' implementation of a very simple and useful idea.

I've been using this app for 3 weeks. This one feels like it's going to "stick." It's simple, unobtrusive, elegant and straightforward. I don't need more features. I don't want to have to engage with more features, spending extra time and attention. this app does what it needs to do for me. I have no reason to upgrade to Pro, but I like Flow so well I happily made a donation on the this app site.