There’s no denying the Pomodoro Technique is hot right now.

Windows 11 has a built in “focus timer”. TickTick has incorporated the method into its app. If you’re looking for ways to upgrade your productivity game it’s hard not to run into that red tomato everywhere.

The idea is simple: short bursts of 25 minute work followed by a 5 minute break. Committing to 25 minutes is a lot more manageable than working for hours on end. And the break, acting as a kind of light at the end of the tunnel, keeps you from procrastinating. It seems silly to give up when you only need to work for another 10 minutes or so.

The Real Purpose of the Pomodoro Technique

The most important thing the Pomodoro can do for you is to get you started.

The first step is the most important one in any journey, of course.

We’ve all had the experience of trying to get started on something for days, perhaps feeling it’s virtually impossible, only to realise that once we start it’s not so bad. From doing homework as kids, to going for a run, once we take the first step it’s usually a lot easier than we thought. A lot easier to keep going, that is.

In that sense, the Pomodoro technique is a kind of self-delusion.

You’re essentially tricking yourself by pretending you only need to do a short amount of work. There’s an implied “25 minutes and if you really can’t do more, you can stop”, knowing full well you need to keep going after that.

But here’s where I think most people get it wrong: once you’re in full swing, why cut yourself off after 25 minutes? The Pomodoro is there to get you started. It’s a mind hack for procrastination. It’s there to help you, not hinder your progress.

Flow State

Entering any kind of flow state is one of the most precious experiences we can have. Guard it with everything you’ve got. Whether it’s in writing, basketball practice, or playing a musical instrument — once you’re in the groove, just keep going.

As for procrastination, it isn’t necessarily a sign that the work is boring, or that you’re not good at it. Often times it’s probably just overwhelming. You may feel like the first step is pointless considering how much work is ahead of you.

Procrastination can also be fear of failure, of course. If we never try, then at least we can say we didn’t fail. This is obviously a ridiculous way to go about life, but who hasn’t resorted to excusing themselves in this way? I know I have.

Pomodoro apps usually suggest something like this:

• 25 minutes work/5 minute break
• 25 minutes work/5 minute break
• 25 minutes work/5 minute break
• 25 minutes work/30 minute break

That looks to me like work you don’t enjoy doing, or too afraid to really commit to. Ideally, this is what I think it should look like:

• 25 minutes work/5 minute break
• 25 minutes work — turns into 2–3 hours work
• “Oh wow, where did the time go”?

The trick is not to overthink it; stop trying to assess how far you’ve come. Start with a single session and see where it takes you. Just remember to listen to your own creativity and intuition, rather than some alarm clock.

The Best Pomodoro Apps

The first thing is to consider is where you do your work. If it isn’t on your computer then any iOS/Android app will do. Focus Keeper is my personal favourite: simple, looks nice, and works on Mac/Windows desktop too.

Now, if you’re disciplined enough to use it on your phone and avoid the Facebook/Instagram/Twitter trap, then by all means do that. As for the rest of us mortals, we need to keep our phone as far away as possible to maximise productivity.

However, using a Pomodoro app on desktop is a little more complicated. Here are my top choices:

1. Session

( Mac, iOS)

Session has everything you need in a Pomodoro app and a lot more. As you might have realised by now, I’m not looking for bells and whistles. Just a functioning and reliable Pomodoro app to get me going.

So what’s different about Session?

Session in MacOS menu bar

It shows up on the Apple Menu Bar. If you’re not working inside of a browser, it can be super handy to have it up there. Seeing it ticking away focuses me even more. It also reminds me I’m “on the clock” in case my attention starts wondering. It’s also highly customisable, you can tweak what info it displays: name of the task, countdown, or just the clock image. I like using Session this way, controlling it just from the Menu Bar.

The downside? None for me, but it might put some people off. Maybe you’re more calm and focused without constantly seeing the countdown. In that case, move onto Focus Keeper.

Download Session

2. Focus Keeper

(iOS, Android, Web)

I discovered Focus Keeper on my iPhone back in the day, and it’s handy to have the same iPhone app on my Mac. It doesn’t have a dedicated desktop app but I like it that way. Simple, lightweight and does the job. It also has a web version, but I much prefer the app.

So if you don’t want to see your Pomodoro on the menu bar, Focus Keeper is the perfect app.

Download Focus Keeper

3. Pomodor

( Web-only)

Speaking of perfect apps, The Pomodor app is the only web based one you’ll ever need. And that’s the only criticism I have of it — it’s only a web app. If you work inside a browser anyway, or one of those people who prefer not to download more and more apps, Pomodor is for you.

It’s fully customisable, including the timers, sounds, alarms, and light/dark mode. You can see the countdown on the tab itself, which is very useful. So if you’re after a web version, look no further. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Try Pomodor

4. TickTick

(Mac, iOS, Apple Watch, Windows, Android, Linux, Web, Chrome Extension)

If you’re using TickTick as your to do list app, and potentially your habit/streaks app, you might as well use their Pomodoro too.

Handling all of these in one place could be one of two things:

1. Inspiring and motivating
2. Overwhelming

The beauty of the Pomodoro technique is how minimalistic it is. Just one thing at a time. Clear your mind of all the noise. So being reminded of the million other tasks you have to do isn’t ideal. But it might be exactly what gets your juices going. Whatever works for you.

Download TickTick

5. Focus Timer

(Windows 11)

Microsoft incorporated the Focus Timer into its latest OS — Windows 11. You can find it in the notification centre in the taskbar. It’s convenient, quick, and highly customisable. It also fits Windows 11 perfectly. The main highlight is the Do Not Disturb feature, and Microsoft takes full advantage.

As much as I like new apps, when there’s one that’s built in and does the job, there’s just no reason to look elsewhere.