FocusTide vs Session

FocusTide is a browser-based Pomodoro timer for organizing work sessions and breaks. Its work period starts at 25 minutes, with adjustable session lengths, built-in presets, and controls for how often long breaks occur. At the end of a section, the timer can continue, stop, or move to the next section; automatic break starts are available. It can track time beyond expiration and display time with seconds, minutes, or percentages. A space-key shortcut starts or pauses timing, while adaptive ticking reduces background activity. Section endings can trigger sounds and desktop notifications, with Musical and Sharp sound sets. An optional task list limits active tasks and can remove completed ones when a new section starts. Settings can be downloaded, loaded from a file, or reset. FocusTide supports seven listed languages, is free at free, runs on the web, and can be installed as a Progressive Web App. Its source code is public.

Session is a focus app that blocks selected distractions and tracks work progress. It is built around uninterrupted 25-minute sessions: while a session runs, selected apps and websites are blocked, then restored when the session ends. Afterward, Session asks what the user learned and provides an end-of-day progress review. Its website blocker works with Safari, Chrome, Brave, and Microsoft Edge, but not browsers such as Firefox. Session is available as an extension and on iOS and macOS. Progress syncs between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with data saved and backed up on Session’s server. The Free plan is free and includes unlimited sessions and rests, analytics from the past two days, and calendar-event viewing. Pro adds custom session and break durations, full session logs, Mac app and website blocking, Slack status controls, calendar features, and AppleScript and Apple Shortcuts automation. Pro Yearly is $3.33 a year, billed at $39.99 per year; Pro Monthly is $4.99 a month. A seven-day trial is listed.