Software Alternatives & Startups

Strict Workflow VS Focusmo

Compare Strict Workflow VS Focusmo and see what are their differences

Strict Workflow logo Strict Workflow

Enforces the Pomodoro time management technique by blocking distracting sites

Focusmo logo Focusmo

Focus app for Mac that asks "what are you doing?" — like an accountability partner. Designed for ADHD and time blindness.
  • Strict Workflow Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-02
Not present

Focusmo is a focus app for Mac that works like an accountability partner. Instead of another to-do list, it asks you "What are you working on?" every hour — keeping you honest about your time. Your current task stays visible in a floating bar so you never forget what you're doing. Automatic tracking shows exactly which apps and websites consumed your day. Built specifically for people with ADHD and time blindness.

Focusmo

$ Details
freemium $2.46 / Monthly (Unlimited devices, Includes updates while active)
Release Date
2025 February
Startup details
Country
Spain
State
Gipuzkoa
City
Beizama
Employees
1 - 9

Strict Workflow features and specs

  • Productivity Enhancement
    Strict Workflow helps improve productivity by enforcing the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused bursts with scheduled breaks.
  • Distraction Blocking
    The extension automatically blocks distracting websites during work sessions, helping users stay focused on their tasks without getting sidetracked.
  • Easy to Use
    With a simple interface, Strict Workflow is easy to set up and use, requiring minimal configuration to get started with a structured workflow.
  • Customizable Settings
    Users can customize work and break durations as well as add or remove websites from the block list, tailoring the tool to their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Strict Workflow

  • Limited Browser Support
    Strict Workflow is primarily designed for Chrome, which means users of other browsers might not be able to utilize the extension.
  • Inflexible Break Enforcement
    The extension enforces breaks strictly according to the timer, which can be a drawback for users who might need to work longer stretches or take unscheduled breaks.
  • Potential Over-reliance
    Users might become dependent on the extension to maintain productivity, potentially struggling to focus without it.
  • Basic Features
    While effective, the extension offers relatively basic features compared to other productivity tools that might offer additional insights or functionalities.

Focusmo features and specs

  • Accountability-Based Focus
    Focusmo uses a unique accountability mechanism where users commit to focus sessions and face social or financial consequences for failing to complete them, which can be a powerful motivator to stay on task.
  • Distraction Blocking
    The app helps block distracting websites and applications during focus sessions, making it easier to stay productive and avoid common time-wasting activities.
  • Structured Focus Sessions
    Focusmo encourages users to set dedicated focus periods with clear start and end times, helping build consistent work habits and time management skills.
  • Gamification and Motivation
    The app incorporates gamification elements and stakes-based motivation, making the process of staying focused more engaging compared to simple timer-based productivity tools.
  • Simple and Purpose-Driven Design
    Focusmo has a clean, straightforward interface focused on its core mission of helping users concentrate, without overwhelming them with unnecessary features or complex settings.

Analysis of Focusmo

Overall verdict

  • Focusmo appears to be a productivity and focus-enhancing app, but I don't have verified, up-to-date information about this specific product to confirm its quality, features, or user satisfaction with certainty.

Why this product is good

  • I lack reliable, current data on Focusmo's actual features, pricing, or user reviews
  • I cannot verify claims about its effectiveness without access to real-time app store ratings or user feedback
  • Making definitive quality claims without verified information could be misleading

Recommended for

  • Users should check official app stores (App Store, Google Play) for verified ratings and reviews
  • Consider trying free trials if available to test compatibility with your workflow
  • Look for independent reviews on tech sites or productivity forums before committing
  • Verify the app's current features and pricing directly on focusmo.app as this information may have changed

Strict Workflow videos

Strict Workflow Demo

More videos:

Focusmo videos

Focusmo - The ultimate focus tool for Mac

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Strict Workflow and Focusmo)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100
Tool
86 86%
14% 14
Focus
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Strict Workflow and Focusmo.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Focusmo's answer:

No management overhead — Unlike Toggl or traditional time trackers, Focusmo doesn't require you to start/stop timers or categorize tasks manually. It just asks one simple question periodically.

Built for ADHD brains — Most productivity apps assume you can stay organized. Focusmo is designed for people who struggle with time blindness and context switching. The always-visible task bar and hourly check-ins were specifically built for this.

Truly passive tracking — Competitors require manual logging. Focusmo automatically tracks which apps and websites you use, showing you where your time actually went.

Simpler is better — No complex dashboards, no project hierarchies, no team features you don't need. Just you, your current task, and honest feedback about your time.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Focusmo's answer:

  • Swift and SwiftUI — 100% native macOS application
  • Core Data — local storage for privacy-first approach
  • macOS native APIs — for app/website tracking and system integration
  • No external AI/ML dependencies for core functionality

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Focusmo's answer:

People with ADHD — The app's core features (hourly check-ins, visible task bar, time visualization) were designed specifically for ADHD symptoms like time blindness and difficulty staying on task.

Knowledge workers who "lose days" — Developers, designers, writers, and freelancers who sit down to work and suddenly it's 6pm and they can't remember what they accomplished.

Students — Especially those struggling with focus during study sessions or working on long-term projects.

Anyone who finds traditional productivity apps overwhelming — People who've tried Toggl, Notion, or Pomodoro apps but found them too demanding to maintain.

What makes your product unique?

Focusmo's answer:

Focusmo takes a radically different approach to focus. Instead of another to-do list or Pomodoro timer that you have to manage, it works like an accountability partner:

  • Hourly check-ins — asks "What are you working on right now?" so you stay aware of how you're spending your time
  • Always-visible task bar — your current focus stays on screen so you never forget what you're supposed to be doing mid-task
  • Automatic tracking — see exactly which apps and websites consumed your time, no manual logging required
  • Time visualization — blue waves help visualize time passing, designed specifically for people with time blindness

Most productivity apps add complexity. Focusmo removes it.

What's the story behind your product?

Focusmo's answer:

Focusmo was born from personal frustration. I tried every productivity app out there — Toggl, Forest, Pomodoro timers, blocking apps — but nothing stuck. They all required too much management or were too aggressive.

I wanted something that would simply ask me what I'm doing, keep it visible so I don't forget, and show me where my time went at the end of the day. No complex setup, no maintenance overhead.

Built it for myself first. Then realized others — especially people with ADHD — were looking for exactly the same thing. The response from the community has been incredible, with users saying it's the first focus app that actually matches how their brain works.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

Focusmo's answer:

Focusmo serves primarily individual users rather than enterprise customers. Our growing community includes:

  • Independent developers and freelancers
  • Students and researchers
  • Remote workers
  • Content creators and writers
  • Professionals managing ADHD

With 800+ daily active users and growing, we're focused on helping individuals improve their relationship with time and focus.

User comments

Share your experience with using Strict Workflow and Focusmo. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Strict Workflow seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Strict Workflow mentions (1)

  • To Software folks here - how do you take care of your health (eyes and back especially)? Long work hours in a software role is straining my eyes and hurting my back due to sitting in front of the screen for that long. How do you all manage?
    As a reminder for taking breaks at regular intervals. I use this chrome extension https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/strict-workflow/cgmnfnmlficgeijcalkgnnkigkefkbhd . Set it up based on your requirement. You can also go for a physical Pomodoro timer. Source: over 4 years ago

Focusmo mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Focusmo yet. Tracking of Focusmo recommendations started around Jan 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Strict Workflow and Focusmo, you can also consider the following products

Time Sink - Time Sink helps you track how you spend your time on your Mac.

Focus App - New Tab page that gives you a moment of calm and inspires you to be more productive.

Anti-Social - Anti-Social is a productivity application for Macs that turns off the social parts of the internet.

Forest App - Forest is an app that helps you stay focused on the important things in life.

ChatterBlocker - ChatterBlocker is the prime software to reduce the nearby conversation’s distraction that allows you to focus on your work.

focusedOS - Hide all distractions in one click on Mac and iPhone.