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I’ve been in the market for some kind of focus app so when I saw Hank Green post a screenshot of “Focus Friend” in the top 5 apps in the app store, I downloaded it immediately. To be honest, I didn’t even know what the app did, but I’m a fan of pretty much everything the man does, and it was free to download, so I thought “what the heck?” 

Hank Green describes “Focus Friend as “an app that helps you not use apps”. He created it along with mobile game developer Bria Sullivan.  I use Focus Friend like a pomodoro app. The pomodoro technique is a time management trick that involves a certain amount of time of focused work (usually 25 minutes) and then a short break (usually 5 minutes). The cycle is repeated 4 times, and then a longer break is taken. The term “pomodoro” is Italian for “tomato” (There’s a story behind the term being from a tomato shaped kitchen timer.) Focus Friend doesn’t have strict settings for focus routines, but instead, it allows the user to set the timer in 5 minute increments, up to 120 minutes. While the timer is going, a cute little bean character is knitting socks. You can trade the socks in for room decorations. There is pleasant music playing that can easily be turned off if you like. You can also toggle the “deep focus” switch on or off. The deep focus mode blocks certain non-productive apps, like Instagram and Tiktok, but still allows you to use most Google tools (except for Youtube). I turn off deep focus when I’m doing housework so I can listen to audiobooks while I clean. I’m less likely to pick up my phone while I’m using my hands anyway. 

Here’s what I love about the app (and I’m not an influencer. I promise I’m not getting paid or getting any other incentive for giving my review). 

I like the pleasant music and the fact that it’s easy to turn on or off. 

The bean character is adorable and makes me want to visit the app and press the focus button so they can work on their socks. This gives me the dopamine I would otherwise seek from social media apps or games.

I like the versatility of the standard mode vs deep focus.

I really like the simplicity of the app and the lack of pop up ads. It’s a “freemium” app, so you only have to pay for certain features like skins for your bean character. You can also subscribe to the pro plan which unlocks the ability to knit other things like scarves. It also gives you the ability to select the apps you allow for the deep focus setting. The app doesn’t bombard you with pop ups trying to get you to pay for the pro version, nor does it collect or sell your personal data.  

I heard that they are working on more things to do with your socks once you have your room all decorated. I’m looking forward to that, since I already have mine pretty much decorated after only a few days of use. I hope the free version continues to be free. I’m at my limit of subscriptions for now, although I could see it being a worthwhile investment for people who really need the extra help focusing. I know that app upgrades cost money, so I’ll probably at least spend a few bucks to dress my bean up like a cat.