The Focus Timer Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Focus Timer in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Focus Timer
The Insider’s Guide
Free Pomodoro timer for Linux, formerly GNOME Pomodoro
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among focus apps, read from Focus Timer’s own pages.
Made by Kamil Prusko · checked Oct 9, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Focus Timer’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Focus Timer’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 30 of the 65 other focus apps we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Focus Timer, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It covers your whole screen when a break is due and keeps stats in a local database.
- 1
Best for a free Pomodoro timer on the Linux desktop
Focus Timer, the app that used to be GNOME Pomodoro, is a free, open-source Pomodoro timer for the Linux desktop.
- 2
It is free
Focus Timer has no paid plan at all. 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.
- 3
It runs on Linux
Linux.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
A 2.6 GPA, above 30 of 65
That is against the other focus apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
Focus Timer is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
Focus Timer at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Linux
- Made by
- Kamil Prusko, since 2011
- Category
- Focus Apps
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
Best for a free Pomodoro timer on the Linux desktop
Focus Timer, the app that used to be GNOME Pomodoro, is a free, open-source Pomodoro timer for the Linux desktop. It covers your whole screen when a break is due and keeps stats in a local database. It's Linux only, it blocks nothing, the GNOME top bar indicator is a separate extension, and moving from the old version means copying your data by hand.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free and open source under the GPL, with no paid version at all, when the rest of this category starts at $2.99 a month. It runs on donations through GitHub Sponsors, Ko-fi, Liberapay and PayPal. |
| Free plan and trial | A | All of it is free: timer, break overlay, statistics, tray icon, shortcuts and the automation. Nothing is held back to sell you later, because there's nothing to sell. |
| Features | C | It does Pomodoro timing completely: your own lengths, a full-screen overlay when a break starts, pause, rewind, extend or skip, daily, weekly and monthly stats, and shell, D-Bus or command-line hooks. But timing is the smaller job here. Nothing blocks a website or an app. |
| Ease of use | C | No rating on record, and a few hurdles the listing admits to: the GNOME top bar indicator is a separate extension that only appears after you log out, and moving from GNOME Pomodoro means copying your old database across by hand. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Linux and nothing else, as a Flatpak on Flathub with community packages for Fedora and Arch. One operating system. No Windows, macOS or phone app is listed. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Focus Timer is for
- Fits if you're on Linux and want a Pomodoro timer built for the desktop
- Works for people who skip breaks and need the whole screen covered to make them stop
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're on Windows or a Mac, as it's Linux only
- Not for you if you want the same timer on your phone, since no phone app is listed
- Too light for blocking, as nothing in it blocks a website or an app
- Watch out: the GNOME top bar indicator is a separate extension, needs GNOME Shell 48 or later, and only shows after you log out
- Watch out: moving from GNOME Pomodoro means copying your old database across by hand, and the D-Bus interface has no manual yet
Good to know
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
Focus Timer is free to use.
It runs on donations through GitHub Sponsors, Ko-fi, Liberapay and PayPal.
Focus Timer
$0
The complete Linux app and its optional GNOME Shell extension: timer, break overlay, statistics, tray icon, shortcuts and automation.
The 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.
Read from flathub.org on Oct 9, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Linux
Free Pomodoro timer for Linux, formerly GNOME Pomodoro. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, local-first, Pomodoro timer, time tracking.
Linux and nothing else, as a Flatpak on Flathub with community packages for Fedora and Arch.
- 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.
Where it runs
- Linux
What it works with
- GNOME Shell
Focus Timer is made by Kamil Prusko, and has been around since 2011.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
30/65
Other focus apps it is graded above
Focus Timer's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 30 of the 65 other focus apps we grade, and level with 10.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 53 of 65) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Focus Timer has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 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 66 focus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. Focus Timer’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 40 of 65
- AFree plan and trialAbove 53 of 65
- CFeaturesAbove 3 of 65
- CEase of useAbove 0 of 65
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 65
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 56 focus apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Focus Timer is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
Focus Timer is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
What you could make
- Pomodoro timer and time tracking: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- A real app for Linux. Something home-made would be a web page.
- Hooks into the device itself: widgets and the lock screen.
What this rests on. Focus Timer’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.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Pomofocus, Pomello, RoundPie, TomatoBar and Goodtime
The 5 tools Focus Timer is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.0GPA
Pomofocus
Free plan · from $3/mo
Browser-based Pomodoro timer with a task list and reports.
- Only Pomofocus lists a web app.
- Only Pomofocus lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Focus Timer is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.6GPA
Pomello
Free plan · from $20/yr
Desktop Pomodoro timer that runs on your Trello cards.
- Only Pomello lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Focus Timer is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.6GPA
RoundPie
Free plan · from €2/mo
Pomodoro timer that tracks time on tasks from other tools.
- Only RoundPie lists a web app.
- Only RoundPie lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Only RoundPie lists a browser extension.
- 2.6GPA
TomatoBar
Free
Free open-source Pomodoro timer for the Mac menu bar.
- Only Focus Timer lists a Linux app.
- Only TomatoBar lists a macOS app.
- Focus Timer also covers time tracking.
- 2.4GPA
Goodtime
Free plan · from $6.99 one-time
Minimalist open-source Pomodoro timer for Android.
- Only Focus Timer lists a Linux app.
- Only Goodtime lists an Android app.
- Goodtime can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Focus Timer free?
Yes. Focus Timer is free to use.
How much does Focus Timer cost?
Focus Timer lists one plan. Focus Timer: $0.
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.
How does Focus Timer compare with other focus apps?
Focus Timer's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 30 of the 65 other focus apps we grade, and level with 10.
Is Focus Timer good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Focus Timer A for value for money. Focus Timer has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of Focus Timer?
Focus Timer is free, so making your own would save you nothing. What you could not make: A real app for Linux.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Focus Timer’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Focus Timer's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-03-29.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Kamil Prusko. Prices change, so check focustimerhq.github.io before you buy.
- focustimerhq.github.io/
- gnomepomodoro.org
- flathub.org/en/apps/io.github.focustimerhq.FocusTimer
- raw.githubusercontent.com/focustimerhq/FocusTimer/main/README.md
- raw.githubusercontent.com/focustimerhq/FocusTimer/main/NEWS
- raw.githubusercontent.com/focustimerhq/FocusTimer/main/CONTRIBUTING.md
- raw.githubusercontent.com/focustimerhq/gnome-shell-extension-focus-timer/main/README.md
- api.github.com/repos/focustimerhq/FocusTimer
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Focus Timer, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/gnome-pomodoro
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Focus Timer: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/gnome-pomodoro
Know someone choosing between focus apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/gnome-pomodoro/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded focus apps after Focus Timer, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Focus Apps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 66 focus apps we grade, compared
- ScreenZen Insider's GuideFree app that delays and blocks distracting apps and sites3.6 GPA
- Flora Insider's GuideFree focus timer that grows trees, alone or with friends3.2 GPA
- Flow Insider's GuideMinimal Pomodoro timer for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Focus Timer’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Focus Timer is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Kamil Prusko. Prices and plans change: check focustimerhq.github.io before you buy.