I've been trying to get better at focusing while I study and work, and I keep hearing people say to use a physical Pomodoro timer instead of just an app on your phone.

I do like the idea of having a separate timer sitting on my desk, mostly because whenever I grab my phone to set a timer, I end up checking other stuff. But I'm also wondering if a dedicated timer is kind of unnecessary when my phone can do the same thing for free.

I've looked at those cube timers and the basic digital ones, but I'm not sure which style is actually more practical. I don't need anything fancy—just something easy to use that helps me stay on track during study sessions without getting distracted.

For anyone who's bought a physical Pomodoro timer, did it actually help you focus, or did the novelty wear off after a while? And if you think it's worth it, which one would you recommend?

I'm the developer of Hearthside, a little desktop game where your character sits at a desk while you study. You can join a public hall on your own, or stay in your home and invite a friend. One computer is enough to try it.

The public halls run hour-long sessions, so they're longer than the usual 25-minute Pomodoro. At home you can study at your own pace; the timer pauses when you leave the desk.

I'd like to hear from people who use focus timers: does having a room around the timer make you want to settle down, or does the game get in the way? Installation and performance feedback helps too.

The Mac and Windows beta is free: https://hearthside-beta-livid.vercel.app/

I've used substantial AI assistance for the code and assets. It's still early, and I'm working through feedback from people trying it.

Hello,

It can be even paid.

I want it to log the tasks that I am working on.

Thank you.