Due vs Focus@Will: Comprehensive Comparison
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Overview
In today's fast-paced world, choosing the right productivity tool can make all the difference. This comprehensive comparison between Due and Focus@Will will help you understand which tool best fits your workflow and productivity needs.
⚡ Quick Summary
Aspect | Due | Focus@Will |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Productivity app with persistent reminders and timers that nag until tasks are completed | Productivity app that streams scientifically designed instrumental music to improve focus and reduce distractions while working or studying |
Pricing | Paid app + $4.99/year | From $9.99/mo or $52/year |
Platforms | iOS, Mac | Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Sonos |
What is Due?
Due is a productivity app focused on reminders and task management, emphasizing persistent notifications until tasks are completed. It helps users set reliable reminders for tasks and events, with a 'magic timer' for scheduling and persistent alerts that nag until marked done, ideal for time-sensitive productivity.
🌟 Key Features of Due
✦Persistent reminders that continue until acknowledged
✦Magic timer for starting, pausing, and resuming countdowns
✦Natural language input for quick task entry
✦Smart conflict detection to avoid double-booking
✦Visual dashboard showing tasks, events, and conflicts
✦Native WhatsApp reminders and event sharing
What is Focus@Will?
Focus@Will is a subscription productivity app and web service that uses specially designed, mostly lyric‑free music, combined with a focus timer and optional productivity tracking, to help users increase concentration and reduce distractions while working or studying.
🌟 Key Features of Focus@Will
✦Scientifically curated focus music library with multiple channels/genres tailored for concentration
✦Personalization quiz to match music to your brain type and working style
✦Focus timer for work sessions with configurable session length and sounds
✦Productivity tracker where you rate how focused/productive you felt during sessions
✦Offline listening mode to play tracks without an internet connection
✦Team/enterprise offering for organizations
📊 Feature Comparison
Feature | Due | Focus@Will |
|---|---|---|
📅 Calendar Integration | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
✅ Task Management | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
⏰ Time Blocking | ✓ Yes | ◐ Limited |
🗣️ Natural Language Processing | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
🔔 Notifications | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
🌍 Time Zones Support | — | ✗ No |
📆 Scheduler | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
📈 Analytics | ◐ Limited | ◐ Limited |
🔗 Integrations
Due
iCloud, Dropbox sync, Siri Shortcuts
Focus@Will
Limited third-party automation via viaSocket for Wistia and Zendesk Sell
💰 Pricing Comparison
Due
Paid app + $4.99/year
Paid app with optional $4.99/year Annual Upgrade Pass subscription. No free tier available.
Focus@Will
From $9.99/mo or $52/year
$52-53/year annual subscription, $9.99/month option available. 7-day free trial with 30-day money-back guarantee
💡 Things to Consider
When Choosing Due
→Ideal for quick, forgettable time-based alerts but should be paired with other apps for complex project management
→Only available on iOS/Mac platforms with no Android, Web, Windows, or Linux support
→Persistent nagging notifications may annoy some users rather than motivate them - test if this approach fits your workflow
When Choosing Focus@Will
→Subscription cost vs free alternatives like Spotify playlists or YouTube focus music
→Works best for uninterrupted, single-task work blocks rather than frequent task switching
→Effectiveness varies by individual - try the 7-day free trial to test if instrumental focus music helps your productivity
⭐ User Reviews
Due
"Due is praised for its persistent nagging alerts, quick setup, and clean design, ideal for time-based tasks. Users love its reliability for critical reminders like medications or bills, with some using it daily for 8-10+ years. However, it has limited advanced repeat options and sync can be inconsistent (~80% reliability). Best for simple, forgettable time-based alerts rather than complex project management."
Focus@Will
"Users report significant productivity boosts and ability to enter deep focus states, with many describing entering a typing trance during work sessions. However, effectiveness is highly individual and the subscription cost is the main drawback compared to free alternatives. Best for deep, single-task work like writing, coding, or studying."
🎯 Conclusion
Both Due and Focus@Will are excellent productivity tools with their own strengths.
Due excels in Persistent reminders that continue until acknowledged, while Focus@Will shines with Scientifically curated focus music library with multiple channels/genres tailored for concentration. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow preferences, and budget.
We recommend trying both tools to see which one fits better with your productivity style.
