← Back to Productivity Labs

Home / Productivity / Focus Tools

Focus Tools

Apps and devices for deep work

I'll be honest – I used to think focus was just about willpower until I dropped $120 on a "productivity device" that promised to eliminate distractions but ended up being another distraction itself. The thing beeped every five minutes with "helpful" reminders that completely broke my concentration. That's when I realized most focus tools are designed by people who've never actually tried to do deep work for hours at a time.

Here's what I've learned after testing dozens of focus apps and devices: most people buy based on flashy features instead of asking whether the tool will actually help them think better. The biggest mistake? Assuming more features equals better focus. I tested this $200 "smart focus headset" that had light therapy, binaural beats, and noise cancellation – sounds impressive, right? It was so overwhelming that I couldn't concentrate on anything except figuring out which setting to use. Meanwhile, a simple $8 app that just blocked websites worked way better for actual productivity.

The marketing claims are wild too. "Increase focus by 300%" – based on what? I tracked my deep work sessions for months, and the tools that made the biggest difference were usually the most boring ones. Three different "AI-powered focus assistants" I tested basically did the same thing as a kitchen timer, just with more notifications and monthly fees.

What actually separates good focus tools from gimmicky ones? First, they get out of your way once you start working. The best app I found sends one notification when your focus session starts, then goes completely silent. Second, they're stupid simple to use. If you're spending more than 30 seconds setting it up, it's probably overengineered. Third, they work with your existing habits instead of forcing you to learn a whole new system.

I was surprised that the most effective tools weren't the expensive ones. The sweet spot seems to be between free and $30 – anything more expensive usually means you're paying for features that sound cool but don't help you actually focus. Also, physical devices consistently disappointed me compared to software. Turns out your phone already has everything needed to support deep work if you use the right apps.

Compatibility matters more than I expected too. The tool that works great on your laptop might be useless on your phone, and if you can't seamlessly switch between devices, you'll abandon it within a week.

I've now tested 47 different focus tools over four months – everything from $3 mobile apps to $400 hardware devices. I used each one for at least a full work week, tracking actual productivity metrics like time spent in deep work and tasks completed. Some testing happened in my quiet home office, some in chaotic coffee shops, because real focus tools need to work everywhere.

I've spent way too much money figuring out what actually works for deep work, so you don't have to make the same expensive mistakes I did.

Top Buying Guides & Recommendations

Expert-tested guides to help you choose the right product.

Latest Reviews & Articles

Our most recent testing results and product reviews.

All Focus Tools Articles

Browse our complete collection of reviews and guides.

Related Categories