Focus Friend, by Hank Green icon
Focus Friend Review: Behavioral Psychology Meets Productivity Tracking

by B-Tech Consulting Group LLC

4.7
IOSProductivity
Focus Friend uses gamification and emotional engagement to improve concentration. The app combines timer functionality with decorative rewards, targeting students and professionals struggling with sustained focus sessions.

Detailed Review

Focus Friend represents an innovative approach to productivity management by combining timer functionality with emotional engagement mechanics. Developed by B-Tech Consulting Group LLC, the application transforms traditional focus timers into an interactive experience centered around caring for a virtual character called Bean. This approach distinguishes it from conventional productivity apps by leveraging behavioral psychology principles rather than purely utilitarian time tracking. The application's core functionality includes customizable focus timers with Live Activity support that displays progress even when the device is locked. Deep Focus Mode enables users to temporarily block distracting applications during work sessions, while integrated break timers provide structured intervals for reward-based decoration activities. The decoration system allows users to furnish Bean's virtual room using currency earned through completed focus sessions, creating a tangible feedback loop for productivity achievements. User experience centers around the Bean character, whose emotional state responds to user behavior—interrupting sessions results in visible disappointment, while completed sessions generate rewards. The interface employs minimalist design with intuitive controls for timer settings and decoration management. Real-world usage patterns show particular effectiveness when left running with the screen off, as users encounter the timer immediately upon device interaction rather than defaulting to distraction apps. User feedback consistently highlights the emotional motivation aspect, with reviewer ListeningImpaired (August 13, 2025) noting how 'the innate desire to care for and nurture a tiny adorable creature supports focus.' Multiple reviews reference specific functionality benefits, including kristelle jean's (August 6, 2025) observation about the app's effectiveness at preventing Instagram usage without requiring Deep Focus Mode activation. Some users, including lordebby (August 7, 2025), have requested additional customization options for resetting decoration progress. The application demonstrates particular strength in addressing attention challenges through emotional engagement rather than punitive measures, though its effectiveness may vary depending on individual responsiveness to gamification mechanics. While the decorative reward system provides ongoing motivation, some users might prefer more traditional productivity metrics alongside the character interaction. The application appears most valuable for individuals who respond positively to visual feedback and emotional incentives rather than purely data-driven productivity approaches.

Key Features

  • Live Activity display shows timer progress on locked screen, providing constant visual feedback without requiring device unlocking
  • Deep Focus Mode temporarily blocks selected applications during sessions, reducing digital distraction opportunities
  • Emotional feedback system where the Bean character reacts to session interruptions, creating psychological motivation to maintain focus
  • Decoration reward system allows furniture purchases using currency from completed sessions, providing tangible achievement markers
  • Break timers integrate decoration activities between focus sessions, structuring work-rest cycles effectively
  • Customizable session durations accommodate varying concentration capabilities from short intervals to extended deep work periods

Why Users Love It

Effective emotional engagement mechanics
Minimalist yet functional interface design

Perfect for: Students and professionals struggling with sustained concentration

Ranking History

Track Focus Friend, by Hank Green's performance in Productivity over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#50

7 from last week

Best Rank

#32

All-time high

Average Rank

#42

30-day average

User Reviews

Spottedluck
Sep 13, 2025

I absolutely love focus friend and I think that it’s the best focusing app that I’ve ever tried but my one suggestion is that they should add more rooms to the bean’s house because at the moment I’m sitting with 1000 something socks and I have filled up the whole room so it’s really appreciated that they came out with a new room, but I think that they need to add even more than this one because after you can’t buy any more furniture it doesn’t feel like there’s any real point in focusing READ THIS I absolutely love focus friend and I think that it’s the best focusing app that I’ve ever tried but my one suggestion is that they should add more rooms to the bean’s house because at the moment I’m sitting with 1000 something socks and I have filled up the whole room so it’s really appreciated that they came out with a new room, but I think that they need to add even more than this one because after you can’t buy any more furniture it doesn’t feel like there’s any real point in focusing

Port Abello
Sep 13, 2025

I have the bad habit of needing to feel productive at two things at once. E.g running ads on a game to earn points while I read a book. This is distracting and diminishes my productivity. With this focus game, I can set the timer, knowing that the little bean is earning sock points, while I do productive things in real life. It’s working with my weakness rather than against it. 5 stars⭐️ Great for “Multitasking” I have the bad habit of needing to feel productive at two things at once. E.g running ads on a game to earn points while I read a book. This is distracting and diminishes my productivity. With this focus game, I can set the timer, knowing that the little bean is earning sock points, while I do productive things in real life. It’s working with my weakness rather than against it. 5 stars⭐️

andy2014
Sep 13, 2025

This app is excellent, it keeps me wanting to use it because I keep building/ knitting things in bean’s home. Great for, reading, studying, focusing on chores, or staying off your phone to do a task. I think most people will use this for the Deep Focus mode where it locks all the apps on your phone except phone, messages, and maps. But if you want, you do have the option to use regular focus mode, where you can still use your phone, it just reminds you that you are not supposed to be using your phone. Excellent app for focusing This app is excellent, it keeps me wanting to use it because I keep building/ knitting things in bean’s home. Great for, reading, studying, focusing on chores, or staying off your phone to do a task.I think most people will use this for the Deep Focus mode where it locks all the apps on your phone except phone, messages, and maps. But if you want, you do have the option to use regular focus mode, where you can still use your phone, it just reminds you that you are not supposed to be using your phone.

dynamitemoney
Sep 12, 2025

Legitimately great focus app: very easy to use, no obnoxious ads, and the bean is so adorable. It’s really incredibly helpful to just interrupt the cycle of picking up your phone without even thinking about it. With the app I catch myself doing that and my sweet little bean Fab (you can name them!!) just asks me not to interrupt. Then I am like what did I need to see on there anyway? Help the Bean! Help yourself! Legitimately great focus app: very easy to use, no obnoxious ads, and the bean is so adorable. It’s really incredibly helpful to just interrupt the cycle of picking up your phone without even thinking about it. With the app I catch myself doing that and my sweet little bean Fab (you can name them!!) just asks me not to interrupt. Then I am like what did I need to see on there anyway?

Pooh poosh
Sep 14, 2025

I love this app. Only problem is that i have to earn socks again if I want to change the items color. For example, i buy white table for 150 and I cant just change my mind and turn into pink. I have to earn 150 socks socks again. That doesn’t make sense. I should be able to change my items with the same price or sell it back to get 150 back. Let me trade items! I love this app. Only problem is that i have to earn socks again if I want to change the items color. For example, i buy white table for 150 and I cant just change my mind and turn into pink. I have to earn 150 socks socks again. That doesn’t make sense. I should be able to change my items with the same price or sell it back to get 150 back.

App Details

Developer

B-Tech Consulting Group LLC

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

9/7/2025

Focus Friend, by Hank Green: Best Productivity App 2025