Work Focused: The 7 Best Pomodoro Timer Apps

In a business environment, every minute counts. That’s why we use systems to track time. But what really matters, is what we do in that time. With distractions everywhere, how do you stay focused? The pomodoro technique might be just what you are looking for. We’ll show you some of the best pomodoro timer apps.

With our complete solution for managing work time, businesses around the world empower their teams and streamline administrative processes, saving them time and money. To continue our journey to improve productivity and efficiency, let’s take a look at the pomodoro technique.

The theory behind the pomodoro technique is very basic, but sometimes that’s all you need to be effective. Set a timer for 25 minutes, and focus on work without interruptions. When your time is up, you can allow yourself a 5-minute break. Repeat this process three more times, and you have completed one full pomodoro cycle and you can take a longer break.

Find your pomodoro timer online

The pomodoro technique was developed in the 1980s by an Italian college student, using a simple tomato-shaped kitchen timer (the Italian word for tomato is ‘pomodoro’). It taps into the concept that the human brain can only maintain focus for a limited amount of time. By working in intervals, you make the most of your time, be productive and stay well-rested.

You too, can use any sort of timer for your pomodoro sessions. You can also look for a pomodoro timer online, as a dedicated app makes the process more enjoyable, by automating the process and sending you regular reminders.

1.      Pomodor (web)

Pomodor is a simple (and free) timer that offers just enough flexibility and automation to keep you going. Once started, it shows the remaining time for your session in  your browser screen and tab, and sends you a notification when your time’s up. A settings menu allows you to change the duration of sessions and breaks, the number of sessions in a full cycle, and a few other things. For most people, this is all they need in a pomodoro timer.

2.      PomoTimer (web)

Pomotimer is even more basic than our previous suggestion. Basically, it offers the functionality of Pomodor without the customization options. But with tomato theme. And it’s free.

3.      Pomofocus (web)

Another web app that is basically just a big timer with some extra options that allow you to tweak the pomodoro experience to your liking. Where Pomofocus shines is in its ability to add tasks and the estimated number of sessions to complete them. You can also set an alarm on your mobile device. Next to these free features it offers some paid features such as reports and integration with other apps, most notable Todoist.

4.      Forest (iOS, Android, Firefox Add-on)

In terms of functionality and features, Forest might be the most impressive app in our list. Instead of a timer, it grows a tree if you keep away from your (phone) screen. But beware, it withers and dies if you don’t. Can you grow a forest by the end of your (work) week? This app is a good example of how gamification might help you to improve your productivity.

5.      Focus Mode (Slack integration)

If you work in an (office or hybrid) environment where you use Slack to communicate with your team, this free integration might be interesting for you. Focus Mode by GeekBot automatically sets your Slack status to “do not disturb” during your Pomodoro sessions, with all notifications switched off. It also complements to Slack as a collaborative work environment, allowing you to share the tasks you are working on.

6.      Focus To-do (iOS, Android, web)

Focus To-Do is interesting because of two reasons. One, it works on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, and web). And two, it helps with your task management. Using categories and labels, you can run analytics on your results and see which tasks take up the most of your time. There is both a free and paid version, with the free version probably covering most (if not all) of your needs.

7.      Pomodoro Timer (Android)

This app does exactly it advertises, without any bells or whistles. Pomodoro Timer has a minimalist design, with just enough settings to adjust to your way of working. Set your daily goals, pick a preferred colour, tweak the duration of your sessions – that’s all. There are many more apps like this one, but that does not take away that the functionality of the Pomodoro Timer app on Android is excellent.  

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