FocusStack

What is FocusStack?

FocusStack is a desktop time-tracking and focus application that runs entirely on your machine. It automatically monitors every app and website you use, blocks distractions, and nudges you back when you drift. You start a focus session, name it after your task, pick the project, and FocusStack tracks everything. At the end of the day, you see exactly where your focus went and what each project actually cost you. There is no cloud, no subscription — you pay once and keep it for life.

Who it's for

• Makers and freelancers who want to protect their own time without being monitored by a manager.
• Developers and designers who need to track the full loop — UI, API, and infrastructure — in one place.
• Remote workers and ADHD users who benefit from a distraction-free environment with Pomodoro timers and gentle nudges.

Key features

App & website tracking

FocusStack installs as a desktop app on Mac or Windows and automatically logs every application and website you use. Your timeline stays on your machine, so your activity data never leaves your device.

Stacks and focus sessions

Bundle your apps and websites into stacks, then launch them all with one click. Focus stacks run Pomodoro, custom, or unlimited timers; normal stacks open without a focus block. You can set daily focus targets and get nudges to stay on track.

Dashboard and timeline

Get an overview of your today's time and your week in one glance. The timeline provides a detailed breakdown of your usage by app and website, also available in a calendar view. Insights are drawn directly from the dashboard.

Reports and projects

Bar and pie charts plus tables for any date range. Projects add color, rates, and any currency so reports can show earned estimates. You can create and export invoices from your tracked project time in one place.

What stands out

One payment unlocks everything. No gates, no upsells.

FocusStack is refreshingly simple in its pricing model. While many apps hide features behind higher tiers or charge monthly subscriptions that never end, FocusStack gives you lifetime access for a single payment. Your activity data stays on your machine — local first by design — so privacy is built in, not an afterthought. The tool is designed for makers who want to protect their own time, not for managers monitoring teams.

Worth checking out if…

You want a privacy-first, one-time-purchase focus tool that tracks apps and websites automatically, blocks distractions, and gives you clear reports on where your time went. It is especially useful if you work across multiple projects and need to see how much each one actually costs you in time.