Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro)

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Linux users wanting GNOME integration
• Paid from
  Free
• Custom intervals
  Yes
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Custom work and break intervals with reminders and fullscreen notifications
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly statistics for reviewing focus patterns
  • CLI, D-Bus, and shell-command extensibility for Linux workflows

• Where it doesn't

  • Available on Linux rather than across multiple platforms
  • Does not include a task list for planning work
  • Focused on desktop timing rather than a broader productivity suite

Our verdict on Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro)

Focus Timer, formerly GNOME Pomodoro, is an open-source Linux desktop application for managing work and break intervals with the Pomodoro technique. It suits individuals who want a focused desktop timer integrated with the GNOME environment rather than a web-based productivity suite. Customizable session lengths, break lengths, reminders, fullscreen notifications, and a system-tray or desktop indicator support a structured work rhythm. Global keyboard shortcuts and a screen overlay during breaks keep the timer visible within a desktop workflow.

The strongest fit is its Linux and GNOME integration. The published feature set includes daily, weekly, and monthly statistics, giving users ways to review focus activity over time. Installation is available through Flatpak or Linux distribution packages, while the project’s official website states that GNOME Pomodoro was renamed to Focus Timer and ported to GTK4. For users already working in GNOME, these desktop-oriented features make the app more relevant than a browser-only timer.

Focus Timer also has a narrower scope than productivity suites. It provides timing, notifications, statistics, shortcuts, and extensibility through CLI, D-Bus, and custom shell commands, but it does not include a task list. That makes it a suitable choice for users who already manage tasks elsewhere and want a configurable timer, while users seeking task planning in the same application should choose a tool with task-management features. Its Linux-only platform coverage further limits it for people who need the same timer across multiple operating systems.

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Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro) pricing

Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro) fact sheet

Alternatives to Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro)

• FTFocus To-DoA low-cost Pomodoro app for organizing tasks, tracking focus, and syncing across devices.9.4
• PomofocusA free, cross-platform timer that adds task estimates, reports, and project tracking.9.2
• SessionA focused Apple timer with calendars, blocking, analytics, and automation.9.0

See all Focus Timer (formerly GNOME Pomodoro) alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update