Focused Work Reviews

So I’ll give an honest review. FocusedWork is weird. Why do the default settings include a constant ticking sound, in-session popup notifications, and automatic transition between segments only logical for a robot? Is this intended to help a person focus? Customizing the sessions is nearly impossible, and even when you succeed, FocusedWork attempts to be persistent about sticking to the original template. I’m often finding that sessions get paused and never restarted, or new segments never start, and I don’t remember doing this myself. Excessive pause during a session, or excessively long break between segments? Those would be good times to alert a user that something is amiss. The concept is simple on its face, I’m not sure why I have yet to find a well made app that matches the ease of a timer with a few thoughtful features. Hoping this one improves on some good foundations, namely the design and the big bold view of the timer on the lock screen. Update: it appears a 10 minute pause notification has been put into the iOS version at least, which I learned because I guess I’ve spent 10 minutes writing this review. Would add 1/2 a star for that. Minus half a star for going back in FocusedWork only to find it’s still asking me to review.

I have been using FocusedWork with SO MUCH success the past few months. As someone with ADHD, task initiation for those BIG projects with multiple steps can be mentally paralyzing to start so having timed sprints to get the ball rolling has been huge for my productivity.

That being said, I’ve been so disappointed with the performance of FocusedWork recently. I never had issues with glitches before, but noticed the free features of FocusedWork freezing or just not working ever since I noticed a pay wall on Pro features was introduced. It’s hard to identify if this is broader iOS performance throttling for my iPhone 12 Pro or specific to FocusedWork , but the fact that my issues started when some free features (like being able to name my sessions because my ADHD means that visual reminders to stay focused are incredibly important) were put behind a pay wall has put a bad taste in my mouth.

I came across FocusedWork while on my mac and was so excited for it. I upgraded it to pro on my mac and then went to add FocusedWork onto my phone. You can imagine my disappointment when I found out that the pro subscription on my mac did not carry over to my phone app and it was asking me to buy the same pro membership again.
I’m hoping that this is just a glitch and we’re not actually expected to buy two pro memberships for an app that’s supposed to sync across devices.
Aside from that, I’m looking forward to using this and hope the synchronization for the membership could be addressed soon.

I spent a lot of time searching for an app with a flexible Pomodoro timer that includes a count-up clock and tracks my sessions. I love that Focused Work offers a Flowmodoro option, a flexible timer, and the traditional Pomodoro. The Toggl integration is also very convenient. FocusedWork has really boosted my productivity.

I knocked off one star because there are some features that I find extremely annoying. So much so that every now and then, I stop using FocusedWork , try to find something similar, but never find it, so I come back. The main issue is the notifications. I didn’t like them, so I turned them off. Now I get reminders to turn on notifications so that I can get reminders! It really makes no sense. Then there are the reminders to rate and review, which I guess worked. I also wish we could complete the session without having to pause it and that it had better sync between iPhone and MacBook

As productivity tools go—especially for those who use Toggl and want to integrate time-tracking—Focused Work is probably the strongest. Add to that the ability to integrate Shortcuts and it becomes a powerful tool with a lot of flexibility and potential.

However, although it boasts many strengths, it does still have one (admittedly, superficial/minor) flaw: The emojis are non-negotiable. For all its flexibility, not having the option to opt out of using emojis—especially when they’re displayed so prominently—is incredibly distracting, and incentivizes me to hide what is otherwise a clean interface with crisp Live Activities.

That’s not suggesting adding an alternative like SF Symbols; just that I wish the emojis themselves were optional, so I’m not required to use them or forced to decide which garish emoji best fits the custom focus session I want to create. PLEASE make these optional.

I work from home as a virtual assistant as well as run my own business and it's hard to stay on top of my time. This is the best productivity app I have found so far! I really love it. I would have rated 5 stars but rated four because it really bothers me that I can't reorder/move around my favorites on the side that I use daily.. Also, in the middle of a session I tend to get a noise and a dumb message basically telling me to focus that I need to clear out while I'm in the middle of working on something for a client and I have to divert my attention... I wish there was a way to turn that off.

FocusedWork is gorgeous, I love the design. & the core functionality is only matched by two other apps that I know of. Creating custom sessions with URL schemes is super neat. The popover timer, too. There’s just a lot to live about FocusedWork. However, there are two things that cause it to lose a star.

1. I don’t understand the logic of being able to start a timer on one device but NOT having the option to mirror the timer on another device. I spent way too much time trying to start a timer on my phone & have it mirrored on my Mac, only to find out that the iCloud sync is limited to sessions & notifications. I think the option should be there.

2. FocusedWork uses shortcuts for blocking rather than Apple’s built-in screen time API. If I remember correctly, shortcuts was the way to go before developers could access the screen time API, it’s been out for ages now and is far easier to use from a UX perspective. But I’m not a developer, so I can’t speak to how challenging it would be to implement, I’m just sharing something that bothers me, personally.

I’d love to move away from a different app that I’m using, which is equally gorgeous, morris timers, and has a bonus watch app — but lacks the ability to set custom sessions. However, until the timer mirroring issue option is added, I just can’t do it. But, I don’t think that should deter anyone away from using FocusedWork, it’s really great & the developer has done a great job. He’s super innovative.

It was so hard to find a truly customizable focus timer but this was exactly what I was looking for. Being able to create my own sessions that work for my various workflows is awesome. Love that I can get it on my Mac, too but it seems like there’s a bit of lag or something (could be totally unrelated to FocusedWork itself). UI/UX is clean, easy to use, and fun (love that I can set emojis for each session!). FocusedWork makes me so productive :D

I’m a student and I have a hard time staying on task. I’ve tried other focus apps, but this one is the absolute best. It allows you to set custom setups for a session. For instance with a 30 minute focus, 10 min break and 30 min focus again. It sends useful reminders and is perfectly easy to use. 100% impressed and 11/10 would recommend

I want to check with the developer if they are planning to add the Apple Watch feature and what are the timelines if any for adding it

It would be essential for people who are usually off their phones. Really looking forward to the Apple Watch integration so I can stop using other apps when I am away from my phone!

I am easily distracted and have been searching for an app that will help me to focus. Well, I found it! I love FocusedWork. The colorful interface and focus reminder notes and the ability to create a variety of sessions. I’ve tried other apps including the Pomodoro app and this one wins hands down. I still need to learn about the paid features, however, the free version is fantastic. Wonderful App! 😊❤️💯

Great shortcuts and focus support, generally uses the platform to the fullest, and its thoughtful design makes it far and away the easy choice for this kind of app. Widget view is great for ambient awareness of your session. I’ve built out whole workflows around it thanks to its best-in-class integration with iOS/iPadOS and I would strongly recommend it to others who are serious about optimizing their work sessions!

There's so much good to say about FocusedWork, but it's all very self-explanatory so I won't repeat.

There's some features I wish existed that would level FocusedWork up.

1. Sync active timers across devices, say if you want to go for a walk during your break but the timer is on your work laptop.

2. I find it really annoying that the Scratch Pad input opens up as a modal over the timer. I wish this would open up within the timer view, pushing the timer aside but keeping it visible. It would be a dream if you could also set it to open by default!

3. More flexible time options while a session is active would be nice... for instance and " Add Time" input to increase the length of the current stage. Logging extra time after the stage runs out of time feels bad.

What a great piece of software, super impressed and very intuitive! Honestly it is just what I was looking for, something simple to help get me more active during the day and still be productive (as a software developer in cyber security that is not always and easy task haha). I like that you can even designate focus tasks to remind you what you are doing and it still works even if my Lock Screen is on! Great work on this!

FocusedWork is great for picking a task and staying focused on that task. You can rate how you did after that alloted time, which keeps you honest if you stayed present or got distracted.

It's a great overall interface with powerful features and highly customizeable. Although its a case where there are so many features and customizations that the deatils can be overwhelming and time consuming to tweak.

But there are quick start blocks to get going then you can adjust as you lean the in and out of FocusedWork .

The developer is very responsive to feedback, with app consatantly updated with useablity tweaks, along with bigger changes throughout the year. Great platform citizen, implementing new avaible OS features as well.

Great app from a great developer. A daily use app.

I've been using the Focused Wok ap for 3 months now. It has definitely made a positive difference in my productivty.
I started with the free version but quickly saw the benefits of upgrading. Having the website/app blocker integrated into 1 app was a game changer for me.
I downloaded multiple Pomodoro/Task apps at the same time to try them out. 'Focused Work' quickly proved to be the most effective for me.
Thank you to the developer for creating this excellent app!

This is such a thoughtful app! I’m able to customize it to my heart’s content. I also love all the data about my sessions. It helps me get better at focusing. Also adore the extra time that can get added when a stage is complete and the clock is still ticking. I can really see, in granular detail, how I may have extended a break or worked past my allotted focus stage time. I tried nearly every pomodoro app in the Apple Store. This is the winner in my book!

The Pomodoro technique is a well-regarded productivity methodology. It aids people distracted with too many things to do, folks with ADHD, or really anyone who needs to get stuff done, by focusing on one thing at a time.

Most pomodoro apps on the Mac and iOS platform are just ok: they're toy apps, one offs, that give you a timer and not much else.

Not Focused Work.

First, it's multiplatform: it runs and sycs on desktop, iOS, and tablet. Secondly, it allows you to create your own kind of focused work schedule. Want a single 25 min session? Easy. Want a 50 minute session, with a 3 min meditation and a 5 min break? You dream it up, you can make it here.

Finally, it's reliable and just fun. The simple, clear reporting makes it a joy to see what works and doesn't.

I very highly recommend FocusedWork, for anyone who needs to get stuff done.

Ive been looking for an app just like this one for a while cuz i got tired of setting up the same routine every time i wanna start a focus session so thank u so much for making FocusedWork.

I had a bit of an issue with the notifications, when i started a session i got way into it i didn’t notice when the break time started and didn't find any options of change how strong the alarm vibration can be also the alarm sound isn’t loud enough. please fix this i really really enjoy FocusedWork and it helped me a lot with procrastination

FocusedWork has changed everything for me just because I am able to create custom timers for the specific task I want to complete. creating a custom timer allows me to get started faster and stay focused for longer. If you are looking for a timer you should download, you have nothing to lose! you wont regret it