Focus timers
Focus timers turn an open-ended afternoon into a sequence of deliberate sessions. You decide the length up front, start the hourglass, and the cost of switching tabs becomes visible - every distraction is a session you'll have to start over.
This category holds the two ways Timglas frames focused work: a single deep-work block of 25, 50, or 90 minutes, or a Pomodoro engine that strings work and short breaks together automatically. Pick by how much structure you want.
Which one to pick
Both are about protected attention - they differ in whether the breaks are part of the timer or up to you.
Pick the focus timer
When you want one solid block of work and you'll decide for yourself when to break. Best for a single hard task - drafting, debugging, studying - with full control over the length.
Focus timer →Pick the Pomodoro timer
When you want the discipline of automatic short breaks built in. The classic 25-minute work / 5-minute rest rhythm runs for as many cycles as you set, with a longer break every fourth round.
Pomodoro timer →
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a focus timer and a Pomodoro?
A focus timer is a single block - you pick the length, work until it ends, take a break on your own schedule. Pomodoro is a fixed protocol: 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes off, repeated, with a longer break every fourth cycle. Use focus when you want flexibility, Pomodoro when you want the structure made for you.
How long should a focus session be?
Twenty-five minutes is a safe starting point if you struggle to begin. Fifty minutes is where most people produce their best work. Ninety minutes matches the body's natural ultradian rhythm and is great for one hard problem, but it needs a real break afterwards.
Can I listen to music while the timer runs?
Yes - Timglas only plays audio at the very end of the session, so it won't interrupt your music or podcast. Some people also turn off the completion sound and rely on the visual hourglass alone.
What if I get interrupted mid-session?
Pause the timer if it's something you have to handle, or let it run if the interruption is short. Either way, return to the same task - don't start a new session for a different one. If interruptions are constant, drop to a shorter length and protect just that block.