Recently, I’ve been using the pomodoro method (and some interesting variations of the classic system) to supercharge my productivity. One of the core factors that helped me with the pomodoro technique was adding an app to my devices which helped encourage me to stick to the time and take away the thought process of setting times etc.
However, with all the apps out there some people asked me which I use and why. So here is a quick list of pomodoro apps worth using:
What Makes a Good App?
Depending on your personality, strengths and weaknesses, you’ll want different features in your pomodoro app. However, there are probably some core features you want:
- Simple interface.
- Traditional pomodoro times.
- Tracking work and rest.
Then there are some possible bonus features that you might want out of your pomodoro app like:
- Integrated todo list.
- Shuts down certain apps while you’re working.
- Ability to adjust the times of breaks and working.
iOS
Pomodoro Timer
On iOS I use the incredibly simple pomodoro app. This app has a very simple interface with a bright red background, a timer in the middle and it tracks how many pomodoros you have successfully completed. You can edit the time for each pomodoro and set a target for the number of pomodoros you do each day.
It’s a very simple app and will run in the background if you are doing a task on your phone, but I like using it to discourage me from using the device from anything other than the timer.
It doesn’t have some of the more advance features, but it’s a great starter choice.
Mac
Pomodoro Timer
I have the same app on my Mac by the same company. It offers a slightly different interface that will run in the background on your menubar if you want. It has all the same features, but it won’t sync your pomodoro progress with your iOS device unfortunately.
Again, this features basic customization and has a really simple interface making it a great choice.
Android
There are a few choices on Android, but the two I’d recommend are Simple Pomodoro and ClearFocus: Pomodoro:
Simple Pomodoro
Simple pomodoro includes all the standard features like the ability to change the timing periods for your work and rest schedule and a great easy to use interface. It also features some advance features including the ability to lock the phone during your pomodoro work cycle (no distractions!) different themes and the ability to track your pomodoros.
ClearFocus: Pomodoro
ClearFocus is very similar to Simple Pomodoro and can also disconnect your phone from the internet and disable notification to keep you focused as well as track how many pomodoros you complete over time and a clean interface.
PC
Keep Focused
Keep focused includes the basic pomodoro timer and also a tracking tool where you can input what you were doing at that specific time and log your results to observe your productivity.
Chrome
Simple Pomodoro
Simple Pomodoro (the same name as the afore mentioned Android app, but not related). It’s much more simpler than the Android app, but includes the essential functions such as a timer and adjustable break period. However, you can’t record how many breaks you have taken and so on.
Bonus
Focus Booster
Focus Booster is a cross platform pomodoro tool which supports both Macs and PCs. It has a simple interface, a timer which you can place in different areas and the ability to track your activity. This can also be exported for timesheet or to invoice your clients. Unlike many other applications, you can also input your work afterwards. This means it’s not only a pomodoro tool but also a great time tracking tool for the freelancer.
For some of these features, you’ll need to pay a subscription but you can get the basic features for free.
What pomodoro app(s) do you use?
[Tomato photo via actaeon1805 via Compfight cc]
Eric Dye says
Thank you for this!
I’ll try the Chrome extension first. 😀
Adolfo says
I use Pomodoro Time Management for macOS
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pomodoro-time-management/id1062002496?mt=12
I love it! Maybe cause I desing & develop it. 😉
Zoltan Schreter says
I think that the Pomodoro technique is particularly well suited for smart watches – for example, you can get alerts about starting a pomodoro or a break by the watch vibrating on your wrist. Another example: the sensors on the watch can be used to warn you if you are still working but should be having a break or vice versa. I just published an Android Wear watch face (‘Sprint Face’) on Google Play which does these things.
Tomáš Hubálek says
I’m using Focus Timer Reborn (see http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hubalek.android.apps.focustimer). It is free, it has nice stats and work log and what is the best: it is connected to web app. So you instantly share your data between web app and android app.
Chris Wilson says
For the website information you submitted I’m guessing you are the developer Tomas, am I right? There’s nothing wrong with that but I think other viewers of comments would probably like to know that when they see your comment.
The app does look nice, any plans on an iOS app? 😀
Dean Winchester says
Easy to use: You can set your alarm, add check list, change background colors, choose your ringtones, … Simple and beautiful UI, check it out here: [Pomodoros – Android Apps on Google Play]( http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pomodoros)