PomodoroBar vs Session
Mindful focus timer with calendar integration.
The verdict
Session is a premium option with deep Apple ecosystem integration. However, it requires an ongoing subscription. PomodoroBar offers a simpler, one-time-purchase alternative for users who just need a reliable menu bar timer.
Pricing
PomodoroBar $4.99 one-time One-time purchase
Session $4.99/month or $39.99/year subscription
Feature comparison
| Feature | PomodoroBar | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Menu bar native | ✓ | ✓ |
| Focus statistics | ✓ | ✓ |
| Native notifications | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lightweight (<10 MB) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Privacy-first (no account) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works offline | ✓ | ✗ |
| Platform | macOS | macOS, iOS, watchOS |
| Pricing | $4.99 one-time | $4.99/month or $39.99/year |
Pros & Cons
PomodoroBar
- ✓ Lives entirely in the menu bar — zero UI clutter
- ✓ One-time purchase, no subscription
- ✓ Native macOS notifications
- ✓ Daily & weekly focus tracking
- ✓ Fully offline, no account required
- ✓ Under 5 MB, instant launch
- ✗ macOS only (no Windows/iOS)
- ✗ No team/collaboration features
Session
- ✓ Menu bar widget available
- ✓ Apple Watch support
- ✓ Calendar integration
- ✓ Beautiful design
- ✓ Apple Health sync
- ✗ Requires subscription ($4.99/mo)
- ✗ Feature-heavy — can be overwhelming
- ✗ Requires account creation
Who should choose Session?
Power users deep in the Apple ecosystem who want calendar + health tracking.
Who should choose PomodoroBar?
You want a dead-simple, menu-bar-native Pomodoro timer for macOS. No subscriptions, no accounts, no clutter — just a one-click timer with focus stats. At $4.99 once, it's the most lightweight option for developers, writers, and creators who value simplicity.