We all need motivation from time to time. Even when we are working hard to meet deadlines, knowing fully well that not finishing the task at hand can cost us dearly. This is where Pomodoro technique comes in. It can help you clear distractions and get things done.
When you are working on a big project, break it down into smaller tasks at short intervals of about 25 minutes. Work on your task for 25 mins and once it’s done, take a short break of 5 mins and then repeat the same process 3-4 times. This 30-minute duration (25 min work and 5 min break) is called a session and after 4 such sessions, you should take a longer break of 15-20 minutes. If you are still apprehensive, it is backed by science so you don’t have to explain your short diversions from work.
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Best Pomodoro Apps for Android
There’s no shortage of Pomodoro timer apps on Google Play Store. But what if you need more than a simple Pomodoro app? For instance, you would like to set up different time blocks, say 35 or 45 mins, or want to track tasks, or even see how much time you’ve spent on each task, etc. Well, that’s where we come in. We did the heavy lifting for you and hand-picked several Pomodoro Timer apps for Android which might suit your needs.
1. Kotodoro: Minimal Timer
Why start with anything complicated when all we’re trying is to save time? Kotodoro, is a simple app that sticks to this logic. As soon as you download, install and open it. You’re greeted by a minimal looking screen with just the necessary controls. There is a timer set to 25 minutes, which is a Pomodoro technique standard. To start the timer all you’ve to do is click on the start button which starts the countdown.
There are just two options when you run out of time. You can either choose a short break which is generally what you should take as you start. The other is a longer break of 20 minutes which should be taken after four to five Pomodoro sessions.
Oh! Besides being minimal and free, there are no ads in the app whatsoever. So you’re sure to be productive.
Get Kotodoro Minimal Timer (Android)
2. Scheduler: Productively Timer
While Pomicro is for users looking for a simple Pomodoro timer, Scheduler takes things further by offering the ability to create and save multiple Pomodoro sessions for different activities and tasks. This allows you to have more control over workflow and batch out the sessions for different projects.
To avoid confusion, you can color-code different tasks based on the project it belongs to. You can also assign different notification sounds for different sessions and tasks. In addition to that, there is a statistics section, you can check the number of tasks and sessions that you have completed to draw meaningful conclusions.
Scheduler is a great app that allows you to divide your tasks and break down your projects helping you be more productive and efficient.
Must Read:Â Best Pomodoro Apps for Mac to get shit done
Price: The free version comes ads-free but the paid version ($1.7) will give you widgets and power-saving mode options. You can create one-click shortcuts for repetitive and daily tasks. If you don’t want to pay for the widget, create a shortcut for the app on the home screen to launch it quickly.
Install Scheduler (Android)
3. Pomotodo
Pomotodo is a hybrid app that takes two different concepts and mixes it up. Instead of relying solely on Pomodoro sessions to complete individual tasks, Pomotodo takes your to-do list and adds Pomodoro to it. I love this concept. Unlike the Scheduler, which is good for managing different projects, Pomotodo shines, when you are working on single big projects that have multiple sub-tasks in it.
To get started, open up the app and create a list of to-do tasks that you want to complete. The app allows nesting which means you can create sub-tasks within each task. This is good for breaking down large tasks or creating and managing small projects. For example, if you are studying for the physics exams, you can set Pomodoro timers for each chapter.
For each task, a Pomodoro session will begin, helping you to check off that list more effectively and easily. There are statistics to check your daily/weekly/monthly progress. What’s more? Pomotodo app can also block other apps (like Snapchat, gaming apps) from sending you notifications. It also supports tags. Moreover, if you wish to block a certain app you can do that as well. So when the timer is on, you can’t access the app and get a quote screen asking you to go back to work.
Pomotodo is a cool app that will definitely help you achieve more in less time, and increase your productivity from day 1. It is expensive though. I would have bought it for a one-off price.
Price:Â Pomotodo offers a 15-day free trial after which you will have to subscribe to a monthly plan ($4/month). Other features include more audio options, sub-tasks, and detailed day-wise reports.
Install Pomotodo (Android)Â
4. Focus Timer Reborn
If you usually work on your computer and then get up and go walk for a while, then tracking breaks on the computer is useless. And that’s where Focus Timer Reborn comes in.
Like most Pomodoro app, you can change the session time. There are no ads even in the free version and all your data will be backed up to the cloud. All your progress and sessions can be seen graphically on the built-in calendar.
If you are looking for a Pomodoro timer, that sync between your computer and Android, this app is for you. I like the cloud backup option because it is all too easy to lose your progress in case of theft or damage. Plus, you can set goals that are cool.
Price:Â The free version will get you the timer with session logs and stats but the data will be stored for 90 days only. The basic plan ($0.99) will remove ads and save data for 180 days.
Install Focus Timer (Android | Web)
5. Engross
The next app is not just a Pomodoro timer. Engross is a Pomodoro based productivity app that helps you stay focused and improves efficiency. It has some unique features designed carefully keeping students in mind. Along with a standard Pomodoro timer, it also has a recap and a revision option. These two options are great when you’re studying or preparing for a test. Engross has one little feature that I find super useful, Session end time. It calculates when the sessions would end based on the number of breaks and work sessions. It’s super useful.
The in-built To-do planner lets you plan days ahead so that you can maintain and meet deadlines. To keep things clean and modern the app also has a dark mode to ease the strain your eyes during night sessions. If you’re skeptical of efficiency improvements then you can check statistics in great detail. It gives you Work Statistics, Focus analysis and overall history of your app usage. You also get a notification showing you the end time when your tree will be planted.
Engross is a great app to increase productivity and efficiency and is a must app for students and with added to-do features, it can be your everyday task book as well. If you’re tasks added to your phon’s calendar, it syncs and shows you the tasks n the app as well.
Price:Â Engross is free on the Play Store with a few ads and you can remove those and unlock all the premium features for $1.99.
Install Engross (Android)
6. Forest
Forest takes a unique approach in a sea of apps that have little to differentiate themselves. It is not exactly a Pomodoro app but can be easily used as one. You can set the timer to any length and schedule it to repeat.
Set the timer and plant a tree. As long as you don’t leave the app and concentrate on your work, the tree will grow, eventually blooming into a forest. If you leave and open another app, it brings you back to the timer and shows you a warning, if you’d decide to stop the timer, the plant withers away You can either start the timer without any sound or click on the top right headphone icon which plays ambient sounds to help you focus. In addition to that, you can add personal comments as well.
Forest is a great app with a social message that actually helps you use the app more and work better. Most users end up downloading the app and using it a few times before moving on to other shiny toys. Plus, it comes with a bunch of advanced features in the pro version.
Price:Â The app is free to use, but with the pro version ($1) you can compete with other users, backup forests and work stats online and sync on other devices, and unlock more achievements. There is also an option to block/whitelist apps.
Install Forest (Android | iOS | Chrome)
7. Pomodone App
What if you are working on your laptop/desktop, in your browser and need to manage your time and sessions from then and there? Pomodone is available on iOS and Android as well as on Windows and Linux platforms. There is also a Chrome browser extension.
Where Pomodone really shines is its ability to connect, via API, to a number of project management tools like Asana, Slack, Trello, Basecamp, and more. The list is pretty big. You can easily import your tasks and projects from these services and use this powerful little app to work hard and distraction-free.
It comes with a lot of advanced features that are beyond the scope of this article because of its ability to connect with so many 3rd party apps. For example, I added a Trello board, so as soon as I add a task, I can simply start it with the app. This will transfer the task from Things To-do to Doing in Trello automatically.
Pomodone is better suited for enterprise users who are working in a team-based environment and need to collaborate. Otherwise, it is an overkill for such a simple little concept.
Price:Â PomoDoneApp is free to use, the pro version starts at $14.5/year.
Install Pomodone (Android | iOS)
8. Marinara TimerÂ
Marinara Timer is a web-based app that you can use by visiting their website. It has a big bold timer. There are three timer options you can choose from. Either use the Pomodoro Timer which is a 25-minute work cycle with five minutes break. There is also a kitchen timer that can be for longer durations or a custom option as well, which lets you name the timer in addition to custom time. After you’re done setting the desired time, you’ll be shown a link that you can share with others. This opens the same time as you see on their browser. There is also a link for making someone else the admin for multiple user control. Moreover, you can choose between the multiple notification sounds in the list.
Note: The timer has the same time and sound for all countdowns and will buzz at the same time.Â
Wrapping Up: Best Pomodoro Apps for Android
If you are just a beginner who is looking for a simple app-based solution, try Pomicro. If you are looking for motivation, some advanced features, and cross-platform compatibility, I highly recommend the Forest app. We at TechWiser use it. If you are looking for an enterprise solution, Pomodone is the best app out there hands down.
Let me what you think and which one are you using in the comments below.
