Bluebird Focus Timer
Bluebird's distinctive bird-inspired logo represents the app's mission to help users soar above distractions with beautifully designed focus sessions and task management across the Apple ecosystem.
Quick Overview
Type: Focus & Productivity App (Mobile App / Desktop App / Apple Watch App)
Pricing: Free download; Pro available for $4.99/month, $39.99/year, or $99.99 lifetime
Best For: Students, remote workers, freelancers, and anyone looking to improve focus and time management
Website: https://bluebird.app
What is Bluebird?
Bluebird is a beautifully crafted time management app designed to help users overcome procrastination, stay focused, and make measurable progress in their work or studies. Combining a Pomodoro-style focus timer with a simple-but-powerful to-do list, Bluebird provides a stress-free and intuitive experience whether you’re working from home, studying for exams, or tackling creative projects. The app has been featured as “App of the Day,” “Best Apps for iOS 17,” and “Best Apps for watchOS 10” on the App Store, reflecting its popularity and positive reception.
Bluebird’s mission is to make starting tasks easier and help you build momentum, eliminating the friction that often comes with productivity routines. It provides supportive timers, distraction-blocking, and clear time tracking, all wrapped in an elegant, user-friendly design.
Key Features
Flexible Focus Timer
Based on the Pomodoro Technique, Bluebird lets you customize timers to suit your preferred focus intervals.
Integrated Task Management
Add tasks with duration, priority, start/due date, repeat schedules, and tags. All tasks sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Time Tracking
Automatically record your session lengths and review how you spend your time for better habits.
Background Sounds
Choose from white noise and nature sounds to create your ideal focus environment.
Distraction Blocker
Block apps and websites during focus sessions to help resist temptation and stay in flow.
Widgets & Live Activities
Monitor your timer and tasks from your Home/Lock Screen and Dynamic Island.
Cloud Sync
iCloud sync lets you access your focus sessions and tasks across all Apple devices—no setup required.
Accessibility Support
VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, and other accessibility features make Bluebird inclusive.
SharePlay and Siri Shortcuts
Focus together with friends using Apple’s SharePlay, or automate workflows with Siri Shortcuts.
Strict Privacy Policy
Bluebird collects zero user data.
Apple Watch Support
Stay in sync between your watch and phone. Features include instant sync, haptic reminders, and optimized Always On display.
Mac App
Full feature parity with the iOS app, including a convenient timer in the menu bar.
👍 Pros
Elegant, intuitive UI and easy setup
Deep Apple ecosystem integration (iCloud Sync, SharePlay, Live Activities)
Distraction blocking and background sounds for better focus
Strict privacy—no data collection
Works across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch
Widely praised by users and featured by Apple
Accessible for users of all backgrounds thanks to thoughtful design
👎 Cons
No Android or web-based version—Apple devices only
No collaborative or team features—tasks and focus sessions are individual-only
Pro features require subscription or lifetime purchase
Lacks advanced project management tools found in specialized productivity suites
Pricing
Free Download:
Start using Bluebird’s core focus timer and basic task management features at no cost.
Pro Plan:
Unlock advanced features (distraction blocking, background sounds, advanced stats, and more) via in-app purchase:
$4.99/month
$39.99/year
$99.99 lifetime access
Family Sharing: Bluebird Pro subscriptions can be shared with family members through Apple's Family Sharing system
Integrations
Works with: Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac), Apple Shortcuts for automation, Apple Focus modes, system reminders and calendar apps. Limited third-party integrations due to focus on native Apple experience.
Learning Curve
Beginner Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Bluebird offers a gentle onboarding and focused workflows, so you can start a timer or add a task instantly—even if you’ve never used a productivity app before. Its Pomodoro-style approach, simple design, and automation options (Siri Shortcuts) keep things straightforward and stress-free.
Best Use Cases
Student Focus Sessions - Study with timed intervals, track study hours, and block distracting apps during exam preparation
Developer Deep Work - Long coding sessions with flexible timing and comprehensive task tracking for complex projects
Creative Professional Projects - Writers, designers, and artists can maintain flow states with gentle timing and progress tracking
Remote Work Productivity - Maintain focus and accountability when working from home with distraction blocking
Habit Building - Develop consistent focus habits using repeat tasks and detailed time tracking analytics
Team Collaboration - Use SharePlay to focus alongside colleagues or study partners for mutual accountability
ADHD Focus Support - Structured timing with gentle reminders helps maintain attention on important tasks
Accessibility Users - Full VoiceOver support makes focused productivity accessible to visually impaired users
Alternative Apps
If Bluebird isn't right for you, consider:
Forest - Gamified focus timer with tree planting metaphor, available on multiple platforms (iOS: $3.99 one-time purchase, Android: Free with ads, or $1.99 one-time to remove ads and unlock all features)
Be Focused - Simple Pomodoro timer for Apple devices with basic task management (Free)
Toggl Track - Professional time tracking with detailed analytics and team features (Free/paid tiers)
Focus Keeper - Basic Pomodoro timer with customizable intervals and statistics (Free)
Bottom Line
Bluebird is an outstanding time management solution for anyone seeking an elegant, distraction-free focus tool in the Apple ecosystem. While it doesn’t provide collaborative project management or web access, its blend of flexible Pomodoro timer, integrated tasks, privacy focus, and Apple device support makes it one of the best choices for solo users who want to spend their time more wisely. The free version is generous, and the pro upgrade delivers excellent value for those needing more power and customization.
If you’re looking for a reliable focus timer and task organizer—especially as a student, freelancer, or remote worker—Bluebird deserves a place on your home screen.
7 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Bluebird?
Bluebird provides a user manual and onboarding guide right inside the app to help new users get started quickly. You can access step-by-step instructions for timers, to-do lists, and distraction blockers through the manual.
Why can't I pause the focus timer?
The focus timer is intentionally designed to be non-pausable so users don't get distracted or break their workflow. This helps build strong focus habits and reduce procrastination.
Does Bluebird offer student discounts or education pricing?
Yes, Bluebird has an education program and offers discounts for students. You can apply within the app or contact support for eligibility details.
Can I share my Bluebird Pro subscription with my family?
Yes, you can share your Bluebird Pro subscription with family members through Apple Family Sharing if you purchased via the Apple App Store.
Is there a lifetime purchase option? How is long-term support handled?
Bluebird offers a lifetime Pro license for $99.99. The developers commit to supporting and updating Bluebird for at least 10 years.
What should I do if I find a bug?
Always update Bluebird and your device’s OS to the latest versions. Most bugs are resolved this way, but if problems persist, you can report the issue directly to the Bluebird team, who will address it as soon as possible.
Why is iCloud Sync not working?
iCloud Sync generally works, but if issues arise, check you’re using the latest app and OS versions on all devices, ensure you’re signed into the same iCloud account, verify storage is available, and restart all devices. Toggle iCloud Sync off and on in Bluebird’s settings for a quick reset.
Get Started
Last Updated: October 2025
Category: Time Tracking
