There are a lot of productivity hacks out there but when it comes to getting things done, nothing is more powerful than sitting down on your chair and actually doing the work. I have used a lot of productivity tools ranging from very simple to borderline obsessive and I have realized that sometimes the simplest systems are the best, as they are easy to adopt and work for almost anyone. Once such technique which has helped me a lot in the past few years is the Pomodoro Technique.
The technique utilizes the fact that we humans have a very short attention span (around 20-25 minutes) and uses it to our own advantage. You work for a certain period of time (~25 Minutes) and then take a short break (~5 Minutes) and repeat. Essentially, all you need to get started with this technique is a timer but if you are a little bit serious, here are 6 best Pomodoro apps for macOS which will do the basics and then some:
1. Be Focused
All Pomodoro timer apps on this list are good but this will prove to be the best one for the majority of you. When launched, the app lives in your menu bar, clicking on which gives you access to its controls. You can customize the work and break time timers, name your tasks and assign goals (number of cycles) for each task. It also provides you with a detailed report of all your tasks. You can generate daily, weekly and monthly reports or even reports based on your custom time frame. Reports are a way to get the holistic overview of your time including details about time spent on each and every task.
The app is divided into two tabs, which give you access to the ongoing and complete tasks separately. It can also sync your data across multiple devices including Mac, iPhone, and iPad. However, you do need to buy the Pro version to use the sync feature. But apart from its inability to sync and showing some ads, the developers have not kept any other feature constraints on its free version. Even the free version of this app can go head to head with other paid apps on this list and hence it’s our top pick.
Install: (Free, with in-app purchases)
2. Tomates Time Management
Tomates is a fairly new Pomodoro timer app for Mac, which has rapidly risen in ranks due to its beautiful UI and powerful features. Sporting a beautiful modern UI which is pleasing to eyes, it lives unobtrusively in the menu bar. It lets you customize the timers, set tasks and goals, check your progress on the goals, and generate time-based reports to help keep track of your time. Not only can you see your reports, you can even share or print them from right within the app. Tomates is a paid app and is available only for Mac.
Install: ($2.99)
3. PomoDone
If you already use a task management app such as Trello, Asana, Wunderlist etc., this is the app for you. PomoDone has built-in integration with almost all the popular task management apps, hence, no matter what app you are using, chances are you will be able to sync your tasks here. As it syncs your tasks from your personal task manager, you do not have to create a separate task list in the app. If you mark a task complete in the PomoDone app, it automatically updates the status in your personal task manager.
It also has Slack integration. If you are using slack for your team management, your team can instantly know that you are busy whenever your timer is on. You can do so much more with this app. If you want to take your time management to a next level, use PomoDone.
Install: ($4.99)
4. Timork
Timork is the most feature packed app on the list and takes a little bit time to get used to. It lets you get more granular when setting up your timer and tasks. You can set different timers for different tasks and each task can be divided into sub-tasks. You can assign the number of cycles needed to complete the task.
The unique feature of Timork which sets it apart from other apps on the list is its inbuilt reward system. You earn stars based on the number of tasks you complete and level up. Not only that, the stars also help you to purchase different theme packs available in the app. Alternatively, you can directly purchase the themes through in-app purchases. But if you take the challenge and earn the stars to level up and unlock themes, it can act as a great motivation to stick to your schedule and complete your work.
Install: (Free, with in-app purchases)
5. Just Focus
Keeping the simplicity of Pomodoro technique in mind, we have included this simple timer app. When you launch the app, the timer starts automatically. It lives in your menu bar and allows you to the set the work and break time limits according to your preferences. The best part about the app is that when the break time starts it takes over the display of your Mac with a beautiful wallpaper and an inspiring quote. It looks beautiful and helps relax your brain. Also, it does not hurt that it is totally free.
Install: (Free)
6. ZoneBox
This ZoneBox pomodoro app is as bare-bones as it can get. You can add tasks and set timers for work and break time. That is pretty much it. The reason for its inclusion on this list is the way it represents the passage of time. All the apps on our list when launched stay in the menu bar with an icon and a count down timer. The timer shows you how much time is left until your work/break time is over. When you launch Zonebox, the whole menu bar acts as a timeline. As the time passes, the app fills the menu bar with a purple hue. It looks really cool while giving you an estimate of the time left at the same time. It is free, so there is no harm in trying it out.
Install: (Free)
SEE ALSO: 6 Best RSS Feed Readers For Mac You Can Use
Get Into Productivity Zone by Using the Best Pomodoro Apps on Mac
Pomodoro technique is a simple yet effective method which can help you fight your procrastinator self to get things done. The best part is that you do not need to set up anything, you can get started whenever you want. If you want to get things done you must give Pomodoro technique a chance. I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Try this technique with the help of above mentioned best Pomodoro apps and let us know how much more you achieved using it.
As always, if you are already using another Pomodoro app on your Mac, tell us why you chose it in the comment section below.
