Pomofocus is great but basic. Get the same simplicity plus audio notifications, flow state protection, and a beautiful modern UI.
| Feature | Pomofocus | 25MinuteTimer |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Basic (2021 style) | Modern 2024 |
| Audio Notifications | ❌ None | ✅ 4 sounds |
| Browser Notifications | ❌ None | ✅ Native |
| Flow State Protection | ❌ None | ✅ Unique feature |
| Flexible Durations | Custom (complex) | ✅ 6 presets |
| Stats & Achievements | Basic | ✅ Advanced |
| Tasks Integration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Mobile Optimized | ⚠️ Poor | ✅ Fully responsive |
Pomofocus has no audio notifications at all. When your timer ends, you have to be looking at the screen to know. If you're in another tab or window, you'll miss it.
25MinuteTimer includes 4 beautiful notification sounds: Bell, Chime, Gong, and Digital. Never miss a session completion again.
Pomofocus doesn't use your browser's native notification system. This means even if you allow notifications, you won't get them when the timer is in the background.
25MinuteTimer integrates with your OS notification system. Get notified even when the browser is minimized.
Pomofocus follows the traditional Pomodoro technique - force a break every 25 minutes. But research shows this destroys productivity when you're in deep focus.
25MinuteTimer detects flow state and asks if you want to extend your session instead of breaking it. This feature alone can boost your productivity by 30%.
Unique to 25MinuteTimer: No other Pomodoro timer has flow state protection.
Pomofocus's design hasn't changed much since 2021. It's functional but dated. User complaints mention "basic UI" and "lack of polish."
25MinuteTimer features smooth animations, gradient designs, dark mode, and a premium feel that makes focusing enjoyable. Updated for 2024 standards.
To be fair, Pomofocus has strengths that keep users loyal:
25MinuteTimer matches all of these - also free, no account, simple interface, with tasks. But adds the missing features Pomofocus lacks.
"No audio notifications is a dealbreaker. I keep missing my timer."
- Reddit user, r/productivity
"UI feels outdated compared to modern apps. Needs a refresh."
- Product Hunt review
"Doesn't work well on mobile. Hard to tap buttons."
- App store feedback
"Too basic. Lack of features makes it feel like a demo."
- User review
25MinuteTimer solves all of these problems.
Impact: With audio notifications, you can work in other tabs or windows and still know when your session ends. Pomofocus forces you to keep the timer visible at all times.
Pomofocus: Desktop-first, mobile afterthought
25MinuteTimer: Fully responsive design
Pomofocus works on mobile, but the UI isn't optimized for touch. Buttons can be hard to tap, and the layout feels cramped on phones. 25MinuteTimer is built with mobile-first design principles, ensuring a great experience on any screen size.
Stop missing your timer. Never tab back to check if it's done.
Flow state protection means no more forced breaks killing your momentum.
Pomofocus feels outdated. 25MinuteTimer feels premium and polished.
Achievements, stats, flow state protection - Pomofocus is too basic.
Keep what you love about Pomofocus, but get the features it's missing. Still 100% free.
Try 25MinuteTimer Now →Same simplicity • More features • Better design