Focus Friend by Hank Green

Focus Friend by Hank Green is a delightful and cozy app designed to help you stay on track with your tasks. As someone who often struggles with maintaining concentration, I was immediately drawn to its charming concept. The idea of having a cute Bean friend who focuses when I do—and gets sad if I interrupt—adds a surprisingly emotional layer to productivity. It turns the sometimes lonely act of focusing into a shared, almost nurturing experience.

Live Activity is one of my favorite features. Being able to see the timer progress even when my phone is locked means I’m not tempted to unlock it and get distracted. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in keeping me committed to the session.

The Deep Focus Mode has been a game-changer for my workflow. It locks distracting apps, so I can’t casually scroll through social media when I should be studying. I’ve noticed a significant boost in my productivity since using this feature—it feels like having a gentle but firm guide keeping me on the right path.

I love how Focus Friend incorporates the Pomodoro method with break timers. On breaks, I get to decorate my Bean’s room, which feels like a rewarding little escape. It’s a clever way to make rest periods feel purposeful and fun, rather than just time wasted.

With hundreds of decorations and unique Bean skins—like Coffee Bean or even Hank and John Bean—the customization options are endless. It’s amazing how personalizing my Focus Friend makes me more invested in sticking to my goals. Every time I earn a new item, it feels like a small victory.

I often use Focus Friend in the morning when I’m starting my workday. The gentle reminder to "drink water" and "don’t forget to be awesome" feels like a pep talk from a friend. And during longer study sessions, seeing my Bean focused alongside me is oddly motivating—it’s like we’re in it together.

The pros are clear: it’s engaging, effective, and genuinely fun. The emotional connection with the Bean makes me think twice before giving up on a session. If I had to mention a con, it would be that sometimes I wish there were more interactive elements during the focus timer itself, but that’s a minor point in an otherwise fantastic app.

I’d highly recommend Focus Friend to students, remote workers, or anyone who needs a little extra motivation to stay on task. It’s especially great if you appreciate gamification and emotional incentives in your productivity tools.