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Focus Timer

Free Pomodoro timer for Linux, formerly GNOME Pomodoro

FreeFocusChecked Oct 9, 2026
Visit focustimerhq.github.io

What is Focus Timer?

Focus Timer, formerly GNOME Pomodoro, is a free, open-source Pomodoro timer for the Linux desktop. It alternates focus sessions with short and long breaks, covers the screen with an overlay when a break is due and keeps daily, weekly and monthly statistics in a local database. An optional GNOME Shell extension adds a top bar indicator, and the timer can be scripted through shell commands, D-Bus and a command-line interface.

Focus Timer is free to use. See every plan

Good for

  • Linux users who want a Pomodoro timer built for their desktop
  • People who skip breaks and want a full-screen reminder
  • Scripting actions around the timer with shell commands or D-Bus

Worth knowing

  • Linux only: it ships as a Flatpak on Flathub, with community packages for Fedora and Arch. No Windows, macOS or phone app is listed.
  • On GNOME, the top bar indicator needs the separate Focus Timer extension, which supports GNOME Shell 48 and later and is only picked up after logging out.
  • Renamed from GNOME Pomodoro: people moving to the Flatpak version copy their old database file across by hand to keep their statistics.
  • The D-Bus interface has no reference manual yet; the FAQ points to the interface XML files in the repository instead.

Key features

Custom sessions with full control
Set your own focus, short-break and long-break lengths. A running session can be paused, rewound, extended or skipped, and work resumes automatically after a break by default.
Screen overlay on breaks
A full-screen overlay appears when a break starts as a prompt to step away. Notifications and sounds mark the start and end of sessions, and an announcement warns before a break.
Statistics
Daily, weekly and monthly statistics show how much focused work was logged. History sits in a local SQLite database that is backed up automatically every day.
Tray icon and global shortcuts
A system tray icon shows timer status with quick actions, global shortcuts control the timer from any app, and a compact mode shows a small countdown window.
GNOME Shell extension
An optional extension for GNOME Shell 48 and later adds a top bar indicator, a live countdown in notifications, automatic Do Not Disturb and a lock screen widget.
Automation, D-Bus and CLI
Custom actions run shell commands on timer events, media playback can pause for breaks, and a D-Bus interface and command-line options link the timer to your own scripts.

Focus Timer pricing

Starts at
Free
Free plan
Free and open-source software under the GPL 3 or later, installed from Flathub. The project lists no paid version and takes donations through GitHub Sponsors, Ko-fi, Liberapay and PayPal.
Free trial
None listed
Focus Timer$0The complete Linux app and its optional GNOME Shell extension: timer, break overlay, statistics, tray icon, shortcuts and automation.

Read from flathub.org on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Focus Timer before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Works with

  • GNOME Shell

Focus Timer alternatives

All Focus Timer alternatives comparedAll focus apps

Common questions

Is Focus Timer free?

Yes. Focus Timer is free to use. Free and open-source software under the GPL 3 or later, installed from Flathub. The project lists no paid version and takes donations through GitHub Sponsors, Ko-fi, Liberapay and PayPal.

How much does Focus Timer cost?

Focus Timer lists one plan. Focus Timer: $0. Prices were read from flathub.org on Oct 9, 2026.

What platforms does Focus Timer work on?

Focus Timer is available on Linux.

Does Focus Timer have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Focus Timer is listed for Linux.

Does Focus Timer have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Focus Timer is listed for Linux.

Is Focus Timer open source?

Yes. Focus Timer is open source, according to its own site.

What does Focus Timer integrate with?

Focus Timer's listing names GNOME Shell. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Who makes Focus Timer?

Focus Timer is made by Kamil Prusko. It dates from 2011.

What are the alternatives to Focus Timer?

The closest alternatives to Focus Timer in our directory are Pomofocus, Pomello, RoundPie, TomatoBar and Goodtime. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Focus Timer.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.