Deep work is the superpower of the 21st century.

Cal Newport wrote a whole book about it. But knowing about deep work and actually doing deep work are different things.

These apps help bridge that gap.

What is Deep Work?

Professional activity performed in a state of distraction-free concentration. The kind of work that creates new value and is hard to replicate.

Basically: focused work without checking Twitter every 5 minutes.

Quick Comparison

AppBest ForPriceRating
FocusTimerPomodoro-style deep workFree⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OpalBlocking distractions$99/year⭐⭐⭐⭐
ForestGamificationFree (IAP)⭐⭐⭐⭐
CenteredFlow state music$15/month⭐⭐⭐
FreedomCross-device blocking$40/year⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Best Deep Work Apps

1. FocusTimer

Price: Free Best feature: Focus sessions with automatic breaks

My pick for pure deep work timing. No unnecessary features, just focused work.

What it does:

  • Custom session lengths (not locked to 25 minutes)
  • Automatic break reminders
  • Focus statistics and history
  • Do Not Disturb integration
  • Apple Watch support

Why it works:

  • Clean timer keeps you aware of your session
  • Break reminders prevent burnout
  • Stats show your actual focused time vs. what you think

What it doesn’t do:

  • App blocking (it’s a timer, not a blocker)

Download →

2. Opal

Price: $99/year Best feature: Intelligent app blocking

The most aggressive distraction blocker for iPhone.

What it does:

  • Blocks specific apps during focus sessions
  • Can’t be easily bypassed (seriously)
  • Screen time insights
  • Schedule recurring focus sessions

Why it works:

  • Actually blocks apps. Other blockers have easy workarounds. Opal doesn’t.
  • Scheduled sessions build a routine.

The catch:

  • Expensive
  • iPhone only
  • Some find it too restrictive

3. Forest

Price: Free (premium $4) Best feature: Gamified focus

Your tree dies if you leave the app. Guilt as motivation.

What it does:

  • Plant a virtual tree when you start focusing
  • Tree grows during your session
  • Leave early = dead tree
  • Build a virtual forest over time

Why it works:

  • Gamification actually works for many people
  • Visual representation of focus time
  • Achievement unlocks add motivation

The catch:

  • Gets old after a few months
  • Doesn’t block anything, just guilts you
  • Dead tree guilt is annoying

4. Freedom

Price: $40/year Best feature: Cross-device blocking

Block distractions on your phone, tablet, AND computer simultaneously.

What it does:

  • Synced blocking across all devices
  • Website and app blocking
  • Scheduled sessions
  • Locked mode (can’t override)

Why it works:

  • Closing distracting sites on your computer while your phone is unblocked = pointless. Freedom blocks both.
  • Scheduling prevents decision fatigue.

The catch:

  • Requires subscription
  • Setup is more complex
  • Some people find ways around it

5. Centered

Price: $15/month Best feature: Flow state soundscapes

Combines focus music with a virtual coach.

What it does:

  • “Flow state” playlists scientifically designed for focus
  • Virtual coach checks in periodically
  • Task-based focus sessions
  • Integration with your calendar

Why it works:

  • The music actually helps some people focus
  • Coach check-ins keep you accountable
  • Calendar integration means fewer decisions

The catch:

  • Expensive ($180/year)
  • Music isn’t for everyone
  • The coach can be annoying

How to Choose

You need a simple timer:

→ FocusTimer (free, clean, just works)

You lack willpower and need apps blocked:

→ Opal (aggressive blocking) or Freedom (cross-device)

You respond to gamification:

→ Forest (grow trees, unlock achievements)

You want music + coaching:

→ Centered (if you can justify $15/month)

Deep Work Tips (App-Agnostic)

  1. Schedule it. “I’ll do deep work when I feel like it” = you won’t do deep work.

  2. Start with 25 minutes. Expand from there.

  3. Define the task. “Work on project” is vague. “Write introduction section” is specific.

  4. Remove the phone. Another room is better than face-down on desk.

  5. One browser tab. Maximum. Ideally zero.

  6. Same time daily. Deep work becomes easier when it’s habitual.

Do You Actually Need an App?

Honestly? No.

You can do deep work with:

  • A kitchen timer
  • Phone in another room
  • Blocked websites in your browser

Apps help if you:

  • Need accountability (tracking/stats)
  • Lack willpower (app blocking)
  • Want motivation (gamification)
  • Can’t keep your phone away (DND integration)

The best deep work happens when you don’t need an app. Until then, use one.

FAQ

What’s the ideal deep work session length? Start with 25-50 minutes. Some people work up to 90 minutes. Beyond that, diminishing returns.

How many deep work hours per day is realistic? 4 hours is elite level. Most knowledge workers average 1-2 hours of actual deep work.

Should I use headphones or silence? Depends on you. Some focus better with noise-canceling + nothing. Others need background music.

Can I do deep work on my phone? Rare. Phones are designed for distraction. Best to use computer or paper.

Related reads:

— Dolce