Focusbuddy review (2026): is it any good?
Chrome extension combining categorized tasks with a countdown timer
Focusbuddy report card
Fair · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for a task list with timers in a Chrome extension
FocusBuddy is a Chrome extension with task categories, a task list and a timer per task. You install it from a ZIP in developer mode, the timer has fixed lengths and no breaks, and the site says it is free only for now.
Who Focusbuddy is for
- Fits if you live in Chrome and want one timer per task
- Works for people comfortable loading an unpacked extension
Who Focusbuddy is not for
- Skip it if you won't use developer mode, since install is a ZIP loaded unpacked in Chrome
- Not for you if you want break cycles, as the timer has fixed lengths only
- Not for you if you use another browser or a phone; Chrome is the only one listed
- Watch out: the site says free 'for now' and calls the extension new, with room to improve
Why Focusbuddy gets a 2.0
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- BValue for moneyFree, though the site says only 'for now', so the price may change.
- BFree plan and trialThe site calls it completely free, with the words 'for now', and no paid plan is listed.
- DFeaturesTask categories, a task list and a timer per task. The timer offers fixed lengths with no break cycle, and the site calls it new and simple.
- DEase of useNo store rating on record. Installing means downloading a ZIP from Google Drive and loading it unpacked in Chrome's developer mode.
- CPlatforms and integrationsChrome only; no other browser or device is listed.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Focusbuddy's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
Make Focusbuddy? Put this grade on your site
Paste this where you want the badge. It links here and follows the grade if it changes. About badges
<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/focusbuddy#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/focusbuddy.svg" alt="Focusbuddy: 2.0 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Focusbuddy stands among focus apps
Focusbuddy's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 2 of the 83 other focus apps we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on free plan and trial (B, above 44 of 83) and worst on features (D, above 0).
Focusbuddy has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 84 focus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. Focusbuddy’s own letter is outlined.
- BValue for moneyAbove 35 of 83, level with 11
- BFree plan and trialAbove 44 of 83, level with 19
- DFeaturesAbove 0 of 83, level with 4
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 83
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 11 of 83, level with 42
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 70 focus apps. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Focusbuddy, or make your own?
Keep it
Focusbuddy is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 76 of the 83 other focus apps grade higher.
What you could make
- Tasks and Pomodoro timer: an app builder makes these well.
What this rests on. Focusbuddy’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Focusbuddy?
Focusbuddy is a Chrome extension that pairs a short to-do list, sorted into categories, with a timer of 5 to 90 minutes. The site says it was made by one person and is free for now. It is installed by loading a downloaded ZIP in developer mode rather than from the Chrome Web Store.
Worth knowing
- Installation means downloading a ZIP from Google Drive and loading it unpacked in Chrome's developer mode.
- The site calls it new and simple, with room to improve, and free only 'for now'.
- Chrome only; no other browser or device is listed.
- The timer offers fixed lengths only, with no break cycle.
Key features
- Task categories
- Group tasks under titles such as health or wealth.
- Task list
- List the tasks inside each category.
- Timer per task
- Pick a task, then choose a 5, 15, 30, 60 or 90 minute timer.
- Toolbar extension
- Pin the extension to the Chrome toolbar and open it from the icon.
Focusbuddy pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Focusbuddy is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The site calls it completely free, with the words 'for now'.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The whole extension, installed from a ZIP file. The site says it is free for now. |
Read from focusbuddy.app on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Focusbuddy before you buy.
Focusbuddy alternatives
- Focusbuddy vs Pomofocus
Free plan · from $3/mo
- Focusbuddy vs Focus To-Do
Free plan · from $1.99
Common questions
Does Focusbuddy have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Focusbuddy is listed for no platform we could confirm.
Does Focusbuddy have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Focusbuddy is listed for no platform we could confirm.
Is Focusbuddy open source?
Focusbuddy is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.