With social media and a constant news stream, it can be hard to focus on daily tasks. These distractions can hinder your productivity and overall work ethic. Luckily, people have created revolutionary apps to help with these constant distractions.

Before we dive into the five apps that can help you reduce distractions and boost your productivity, let's do a quick overview of the Pomodoro Technique, which is utilized by the apps listed.

Many of the apps listed in this article utilize the Pomodoro technique, which is based on a study showing that people focus better when working in 25-minute increments with breaks in between. Once the person has completed four 25-minute focus sessions it's encouraged to take a 15 to 30 minute break.

Session allows you to set a timer to block specific apps and websites that distract you the most. The free version lets you set a timer, incorporate breaks into your work, and set a ‘focus’ notification on Slack to alert coworkers.

Ideal User: Session is ideal for anyone seeking a simplified, affordable focus tool.

Cost: You can upgrade for $4.99 per month, or opt for a yearly plan with a one-time fee of $40.00, to unlock the ability to block apps and websites.

Available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

When you first download Opal, the app guides you through a survey to build a personalized focus plan. You'll be able to track your progress from day one, and Opal will provide you with an analysis report. You can set limits for each app, and once the time is up, those apps will be blocked.

Opal is available on both your phone and desktop, recording usage across devices. The app also offers digital wellbeing tips and hacks along the way.

Ideal User: Opal is the most intensive app and website blocking tool, making it impossible for users to bypass their own blocked apps and websites. This makes it perfect for those who struggle with 'ignore time limit' trigger fingers and want more self-control.

Cost: The app is free to download and includes basic screen limits and a daily focus score. For pro features like focus score history to track improvement and more intensive app locks, it costs $8.29 per month, billed annually at $99.99.

Rize is an AI-powered focus tool, available on both desktop and mobile. It tracks your activity across devices and categorizes each task, providing daily and weekly reports. The app also offers a calendar feature to schedule meetings and optimize your time each day.

Ideal User: Rize is perfect for those who want detailed insights into their digital usage with in-depth analysis.

Cost: You can download Rize for free, but this only includes access to the session timer. Advanced features cost $9.99 per month, while the top-tier plan is $16.99 per month.

The Forest app turns focusing into a game. Choose a tree to plant, set your timer, but don’t touch your phone or close the app, or your tree will die! If you stay focused until the timer ends, you’ll earn credits and coins, and your tree will fully grow to be displayed in your personal ‘forest.’

The app also offers a feature to play nature sounds in the background as you work. A fun social feature lets you connect with friends and share how many trees you’ve planted in a day.

Ideal User: Your focus truly pays off with the Forest app. It has partnered with Trees for the Future, allowing users to convert their virtual coins into real tree planting. This makes it the perfect app for those who want to make a difference while staying focused and need a little extra incentive for motivation.

Cost: You can download the Forest app for a one-time fee of $3.99. You earn coins by planting trees, but if you want coins faster to unlock features, you can purchase them.

Brain.FM is an app that uses science-backed music playlists to enhance focus. When you download the app, you'll take a quiz to customize playlists based on how you focus best.

Once in the app, you'll find playlists tailored to your chosen genre, with categories like deep work, motivation, creativity, learning, and light work. For example, the deep work playlist is “designed for demanding tasks that require sustained periods of intense focus,” while motivation features upbeat music to boost drive and energy. In your downtime, you can choose from playlists designed for sleep, relaxation, and meditation.

Ideal User: Brain.FM is perfect for the music lover who gets distracted by having to switch between playlists.

Cost: Brain.FM has a yearly plan of $69.99, and a monthly plan of $9.99.

Like any tool, it's important to find the one best suited to your personal needs. Each app offers a unique approach to focus, along with varying interfaces to match different preferences.

We hope this guide has expanded your knowledge of productivity apps and will significantly enhance the way you focus!

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