The Pomodoro Technique is simple: work for 25 minutes, break for 5 minutes.

So why are there 500 apps that do this, and why do most suck?

I tested the popular ones. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Quick Verdict

AppPriceBest FeatureWorst FeatureRating
FocusTimerFreeClean + flexibleNewer app⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Be FocusedFree/$5Mac integrationiOS only⭐⭐⭐⭐
PomofocusFreeWeb-basedNo mobile app⭐⭐⭐⭐
Focus KeeperFree/$2SimpleAds⭐⭐⭐
PomotodoFreeTask integrationBuggy⭐⭐⭐
ForestFree/$4GamificationNot pure Pomodoro⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Apps

1. FocusTimer

Price: Free Platforms: iOS, Apple Watch

The one I built because the others frustrated me.

What it does right:

  • Flexible timer (not locked to 25 minutes)
  • Clean interface
  • Automatic break tracking
  • Session history and stats
  • Apple Watch app
  • No ads

What could be better:

  • Newer than competitors
  • No web version (yet)

Best for: People who want a clean Pomodoro timer without bloat.

Download →

2. Be Focused

Price: Free (Pro $5) Platforms: iOS, macOS

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want sync.

What it does right:

  • Syncs between iPhone and Mac
  • Task labeling
  • Good stats
  • Menu bar timer (Mac)

What could be better:

  • Mac-only (no Windows/Android)
  • Pro version for basic features

Best for: Apple users who switch between phone and computer.

3. Pomofocus

Price: Free Platforms: Web only

The best browser-based option.

What it does right:

  • No installation needed
  • Simple, clean interface
  • Task list integration
  • Customizable times

What could be better:

  • No mobile app
  • Can’t work offline
  • Easy to close the tab and forget

Best for: People who work primarily in a browser.

4. Focus Keeper

Price: Free (Pro $2) Platforms: iOS

The most downloaded Pomodoro app.

What it does right:

  • Simple
  • Charts and statistics
  • Vibration alerts

What could be better:

  • Ads in free version
  • Dated design
  • Basic compared to alternatives

Best for: Someone who wants a basic free timer and doesn’t mind ads.

5. Forest

Price: Free (Premium $4) Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome

Technically not pure Pomodoro, but popular for focus.

What it does right:

  • Gamification (grow trees)
  • Multiplayer mode
  • Customizable times
  • Cross-platform

What could be better:

  • Not strict Pomodoro (no automatic breaks)
  • Timer isn’t the focus
  • Can get boring

Best for: People who respond to gamification more than timers.

6. Pomotodo

Price: Free (Premium available) Platforms: iOS, Android, Web

Combines Pomodoro with task management.

What it does right:

  • To-do list integration
  • Works across platforms
  • Reports and analytics

What could be better:

  • Buggy at times
  • Premium expensive
  • Tries to do too much

Best for: People who want one app for tasks and timing.

What Makes a Good Pomodoro App?

After testing these apps, here’s what matters:

Must have:

  1. Reliable timer — Runs in background, doesn’t reset
  2. Clear alerts — Know when your session ends
  3. Break reminders — The break is part of the technique
  4. Session tracking — See how many Pomodoros you completed

Nice to have:

  • Custom timer lengths
  • Apple Watch / widget
  • Statistics
  • Task integration

Red flags:

  • Ads interrupting your session
  • Premium required for basic features
  • Timer resets when you switch apps
  • No break functionality

The Overengineered Problem

Most Pomodoro apps try too hard.

They add:

  • Project management
  • Team features
  • Mood tracking
  • Habit formation
  • AI coaching

Bro. It’s a 25-minute timer.

The original Pomodoro Technique used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. It worked.

The best app is one that stays out of your way and just… times.

Do You Need an App?

Honestly? Your phone has a timer built in.

Use the built-in timer if:

  • You’re trying Pomodoro for the first time
  • You have strong willpower
  • You don’t care about tracking

Use an app if:

  • You want to track your focus hours
  • You need the structure (automatic breaks)
  • You benefit from stats and streaks
  • You want an Apple Watch complication

Classic vs Modified Pomodoro

Classic Pomodoro:

  • 25-minute work sessions
  • 5-minute short breaks
  • 15-30 minute long break after 4 sessions

Modified Pomodoro:

  • 50-minute work sessions
  • 10-minute breaks
  • Adjusted for deep work

Most apps let you customize. Start classic, adjust based on what works for you.

FAQ

What’s the best free Pomodoro app? FocusTimer or Pomofocus (web). Both free, no ads, no aggressive upsells.

Is 25 minutes really optimal? For most people, yes. Long enough to make progress, short enough to stay focused.

Can I extend sessions if I’m in flow? Technically against the technique, but real life is flexible. Don’t use it as an excuse to skip all breaks.

Why do some apps charge monthly? Because subscriptions are trendy. A timer doesn’t need a subscription.

What about physical timers? Great option. Removes phone distraction entirely.

Related reads:

— Dolce