Focus timer
A free focus timer that loads a 25 minute block and gets out of the way. It shows the time left in the browser tab, so you can keep your work on screen instead of glancing at a phone that wants your attention. Also searched as deep work timer, concentration timer, productivity timer.
Which block length to use
| Block | Best for | Break after |
|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | Getting started, tasks you avoid, days with low energy | 5 minutes |
| 50 minutes | Routine work: email batches, admin, editing | 10 minutes |
| 90 minutes | Creative and deep work: writing, coding, studying hard material | 15 to 20 minutes |
| 120 minutes | The practical maximum before quality drops | 30 minutes, away from the desk |
Use the 50 minute timer or the 90 minute timer for the longer blocks. The Pomodoro timer handles the 25/5 rhythm automatically, including the long break after four sessions.
Rules for a deep work block
- One task. Write it in a sentence before you press Start. If you cannot, the task is not ready.
- Phone in another room. Silent in your pocket still pulls attention.
- Close everything else. One window, one document. Chat and email stay shut until the alarm.
- Finish the block. Even if you get stuck, stay with the task until time is up. Being stuck is part of the work.
- Take the break. Stand up, look away from the screen, then start the next block.
Tips
- Turn on Notify so the end of a block reaches you even when the tab is hidden.
- Pick Chime for a softer ending that does not jolt you out of a thought.
- Students can follow the same approach on the study timer page, which compares study methods.
- Read the Pomodoro technique guide for the history and common mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best length for a focus session?
Start with 25 minutes if focusing is hard right now. Move to 50 or 90 minutes once you can hold attention, and keep a short break after each block.
Is a focus timer the same as a Pomodoro timer?
Pomodoro is one specific focus method: 25 minutes on, 5 off. A focus timer is any countdown you commit to, at whatever length suits the task.
Does the timer keep running if I switch windows?
Yes. The remaining time stays in the tab title, and Notify sends a desktop alert when the block ends.
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