Short answer: if you like Pomofocus but want a count-up Flowtime mode, a 52/17 mode and every feature free with no account, try FlowTime. If you rely on Todoist, projects or a downloadable desktop app, Pomofocus is still the better fit. Both are good, simple browser timers. The facts below about Pomofocus come from pomofocus.io and were checked on November 13, 2026.
What Pomofocus does well
Pomofocus describes itself as a customizable Pomodoro timer for desktop and mobile browsers, aimed at helping you focus on study, writing or coding. It opens straight into a 25 minute countdown. According to its homepage, you can:
- Add today's tasks and estimate how many pomodoros each needs (1 pomodoro = 25 minutes of work).
- See an estimated finish time for your task list.
- Save repeat tasks as templates.
- View visual reports of your focus time by day, week and month.
- Change focus and break lengths, alarm sounds and background sounds.
It also offers desktop downloads for Mac, Windows and Linux. Its own page warns that Windows may flag the app as unsafe because it isn't signed with a developer certificate.
Pomofocus pricing (checked Nov 13, 2026)
The timer is free. Premium was listed at $3 a month, $18 a year or $54 for lifetime access. Premium adds projects, yearly reports, CSV download of your history, more than three templates, Todoist and webhook integrations (Zapier, IFTTT and similar) and removes ads. Prices change, so check pomofocus.io before you buy.
Where FlowTime is different
A count-up Flow mode
Pomofocus is built around the Pomodoro countdown. FlowTime adds a count-up mode based on the Flowtime Technique: you start the clock, work until your focus fades and then take a break sized to the work, by default one fifth of it. If an alarm in the middle of a hard problem is what puts you off Pomodoro, this is the main reason to switch. It's in the FlowTime app as Flow and on its own page as the Flowmodoro timer.
52/17 and other presets
FlowTime has a one-click Deep Work mode (52 minutes on, 17 off), a 52/17 timer page, an ADHD timer with 10/2 and 15/5 presets and simple countdowns from 1 to 90 minutes. You can set the same lengths in Pomofocus by hand, so this is about convenience, not capability.
Everything free, no account
FlowTime has no paid tier and no sign-up. Tasks, streaks, a 12-week focus heatmap, eight themes and ambient sounds (rain, white noise, brown noise, binaural beats and café) are all included. There are no ads inside the timer; some content pages such as this blog show ads.
Private by default, works offline
FlowTime stores your settings, tasks and stats in your browser (localStorage), not on FlowTime servers. Once loaded it works offline and can be installed as an app (PWA).
Where Pomofocus is the better choice
- Integrations. FlowTime has no Todoist import or webhooks.
- Projects and exports. Pomofocus Premium tracks time per project and exports CSV. FlowTime shows stats in the app but has no export.
- Accounts and devices. Pomofocus lets you log in. FlowTime keeps data in one browser, so it doesn't sync between your phone and laptop.
- Desktop downloads. Pomofocus offers native downloads. FlowTime is a web app you can install from the browser.
Side by side
| Pomofocus | FlowTime | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free timer; Premium $3/mo, $18/yr or $54 lifetime | Free, no paid tier |
| Account | Optional | None |
| Pomodoro countdown | Yes, customizable | Yes, customizable |
| Count-up Flowtime mode | Not listed on its site | Yes (break = work ÷ 5, ÷ 4 or ÷ 3) |
| 52/17 preset | Set it manually | One click |
| Tasks | Yes, with pomodoro estimates and finish time | Yes |
| Reports | Day, week, month; yearly and CSV on Premium | Streaks, daily chart, 12-week heatmap; no export |
| Integrations | Todoist, webhooks (Premium) | None |
| Ads | Removed with Premium | None inside the timer |
| Desktop app | Mac, Windows, Linux downloads | Installable web app (PWA) |
How to switch in two minutes
- Open getflowtime.com/app/timer. No sign-up.
- Pick Pomodoro to keep your 25/5 routine, or Flow to try counting up.
- Add the tasks you had in Pomofocus to the task panel.
- Optional: install it from your browser's menu so it opens like an app and works offline.
Not sure which rhythm suits you? Read Pomodoro vs Flowtime or our guide to how long a Pomodoro break should be.