7 Android Apps to Help Avoid Distraction

Technology can be a terrible distraction when you're trying to get work done. We've all had the experience of sitting down at our desks, then getting distracted by our phones and all the temptations it brings.

But while technology isn’t just a villain, it can also be a hero by helping you focus. From focus apps that help you schedule your work into blocks, to blockers and to-do lists, there are plenty of tools to help you focus when you need it.

Here are the 7 best focus apps for Android.

1. Focus To-Do

Focus To-Do has a whole suite of features to help you stay focused. The core feature of the app is the Pomodoro timer, which you can use to work in 25-minute increments. After that time is up, you take a 5-minute break. This makes it easy to focus on a task for short periods of time, knowing that you’ll be taking a break soon, so any task doesn’t feel overwhelming.

There are also task management and to-do list features so you can plan, schedule, and track every task, as well as set reminders for important things to do. You can view stats by day or by project and track exactly where your time is going.

2. Engross

Engross is also inspired by the Pomodoro technique , but with a twist. When you use the timer, the app has a Hit me when you are distracted button that will show you motivational messages. The app challenges you to reduce the number of times you press that button. The app also has a to-do list feature and an event and calendar feature to help you stay organized.

The app also has a to-do list and events & schedule functionality to help you stay organized.

3. Brain Focus Productivity Timer

Brain Focus is a simple Pomodoro app that also encourages you to work in 25-minute bursts. The app has a simple interface that makes it easy to stay focused.

You start by starting a work session. Then, when you need a break, you hit the Break button and go for a walk or make yourself a coffee. Then, come back and start a new session. After you complete 4 sessions, the app will prompt you to take a longer break.

You can change the ratio of work and rest to find the right balance for your workflow. The ability to configure different settings for each task is also useful to spend more time on the things that are more likely to get your attention.

4. Freedom

Freedom is one of the most popular distraction-blocking apps you can use to avoid getting caught up in time-wasters like games or social media. The app has a very comprehensive blocking strategy, listing several categories of apps and websites that you can block with just one tap. Of course, you can also select any app you want to block directly from your phone.

Unlike some apps that focus on adding a list of apps or websites to block as a distraction, Freedom’s developers spent a lot of time researching which websites and apps are most likely to cause problems. That way, even if you install an app later and forget to add it specifically to your block list, Freedom can still handle it.

Freedom also handles exceptions well, where a URL might slip through the block because it’s not exactly the same as the listed site. You trigger the block by clicking Start a session . For more flexibility, you can set Freedom to run on specific days and times and assign a custom block list to your schedule.

Freedom is cross-platform and syncs all your settings across all your devices. Try it out with the 7 blocking sessions offered in the free trial.

5. Forest

If you’re looking for something fun and different, try Forest. When you want to focus on a task, you “plant a tree.” As you work, it grows from a sapling to a full-grown tree. Then, it continues to grow taller as you progress without getting distracted. But if you switch to another app, the tree dies. This makes you less likely to play on your phone when you should be working.

You can customize the duration of your work session. As you work, you will see a beautiful and peaceful forest growing on your phone. Keep earning rewards and unlocking different species of trees that create a richer "virtual forest" with this game timer.

The Pro version makes it more competitive by allowing you to build a forest with friends and family. You can even earn virtual money to help the company plant real trees in needed places around the world.

6. Space

Space is a great focus app. You can set a goal for how long you want to focus each day and track your daily progress. Other tools include blocking apps and notifications, dimming your screen to make your phone less tempting, and getting reminders to stay on track.

There are also profiles for different types of users - whether you're someone who gets easily distracted by wanting to see the latest news headlines or someone who wants to keep up with what your friends are doing on social media . You can customise how the app works to help you overcome your distractions.

7. Headspace

If you have trouble concentrating and are looking for a more long-term solution, you might consider meditation. Regular meditation can help you feel more peaceful and fulfilled. This can help you stay away from distractions.

Headspace is a popular meditation app that offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and meditations for calm. Using the app before bed or right when you wake up can help you clear your mind and focus on what needs to be done.

The free version of the app includes 10 basic lessons, but for the full experience you'll need to purchase a subscription.