Cofocus vs Focusmate

Cofocus is a web app that connects two people for a 50-minute video session focused on mutual accountability. Users book a time in a calendar and are matched with a partner. They greet each other, share goals, work, then discuss how the session went; a bell and notification mark the end. The maker lists reading, writing, studying, PhD research, side hustles, administration, planning, freelance work and meditation as possible uses. Bookings can synchronize with Google Calendar, with events created for sessions and removed if they are canceled. Cofocus requests permission to view and edit calendar events and stores access and refresh tokens in its database. Its pricing page says subscriptions fund the service, which does not sell data or show ads. Starter costs nothing and allows three sessions a week; Premium costs $4.99 a month for unlimited sessions. The app also lists live coworking rooms, video presence, a focus timer and accountability tools, with two users per room. A free trial is available. Users must be at least 17, or older where local law requires.

Focusmate pairs people for scheduled virtual coworking sessions, with each person working alongside an accountability partner. Sessions run for 25, 50, or 75 minutes, and members can favorite partners to work with them again. Task modes include Desk Mode, Moving, and Anything; Quiet Mode allows a session without a microphone. Video options include virtual backgrounds, screensharing, and effects. Focusmate runs in a browser, where users can book and join sessions without installing software. Calendar invites support major calendars such as Apple, Google, and Outlook, and listed integrations include Google Calendar, Beeminder, and a Developer API. The free plan includes 3 sessions per week at free, with no credit card required. Plus costs $8 a year when billed annually or $12 a month when billed monthly; both plans include unlimited sessions. A camera and internet-connected device are required, while a microphone is preferred. Sessions are not recorded, and users can report sessions or partners.