Which computer-based Pomodoro timers exist and what are their features?

Question

I'm looking for computer-based The Pomodoro Technique timers with rational that provide cross-platform compatibility, it should not be restricted to a single Windows edition. Currently, I'm using Focus Booster because of its simplicity, but I don't like how it requires Adobe AIR.

Google repeats the same timers over and over again often with a lack of features or experience, I would like to see more specific options. So, which computer-based Pomodoro timers exist and what are their features?

Answer 1

I use Tomighty, because:

• it is not a heavy AIR-base application,
• it has a nice UI, it reminds me the simplicity of Pomodoro app on Mac OS X,
• open source and written in Java,
• it places itself in the tray.

If you need just a timer without any fireworks (task lists and other distractions), go for Tomighty.

Answer 2

Pomodairo

A very user-friendly application designed for Pomodoro users.

Technical Features:

• Freeware
• AIR application

• Mini version.

• Statistics (beta)

Pomodoro Features

• Always on top [on/off]
• Ticking sounds [on/off]
• Task list.
• Intervals. Once the timer reaches zero it starts counting the break time.
• Estimated Pomodoros. It will be displayed right next to how many pomodoros were used and it's limited to 7 according to Franceso Cirillo's instructions.
• Interruptions. Click the button and describe the interruption.
• Used Pomodoros. Counts how many times the timer finished for each task.
• Unplanned Activities. It creates another task in your list. It can be described and estimated later.

Drawbacks

No support for archiving or timetables. It's recommended to use another software to organize older tasks such as OneNote.

Answer 3

I use Pomodorium - because it's pomodoro timer with rpg-like game and you get 'golds' for poms.

Pomodorium is Air application and requires Adobe Air to run. Runs ok on computers with 1G RAM and more.

I like this timer because it has a game inside and for every completed pomodoros you
get 'gold' and there is game character - you buy him/her armors/weapons for this gold. There is a map you can travel through and fight monsters.

Answer 4

I use pomodoro.app for OS X (note: the website is broken, but you can get the source from github if you are comfortable building it yourself). I like it's clean interface and growl integration.

Answer 5

If you are a real hacker you can haz one on the command line:

#!/usr/bin/env ruby
STDOUT.sync = true
seconds = ARGV[0].to_i * 60
seconds.times do
    print "."
    sleep 1
end
system "tput bel"

Answer 6

I use http://tomatoi.st/. It's a web site, dead simple. You can run the timer, register breaks, and it makes a ding at the end. ;-) It also records your previous runs so you can get a history.

It doesn't do any task tracking, but you asked for a timer.

Answer 7

I use Pomodroido on my phone for whenever I am doing the technique.

Advantages:

• Use on the phone makes it platform-independent.
• Timer is separate from whatever you're doing and cannot get in the way.
• Keeps track of how many you have done today or this week.
• Very simple start / stop interface.
• Wakes screen up when timer is complete.
• Can leave a note on screen to remind you.
• Adjustable work time, rest time, long rest time, and how many pomos between long rests.

The pro version also has Tasker integration, so I can turn off all of the phone-based distractions when I'm working on a pomo as well.

Answer 8

The timer I use on Windows is Pomodoro Timer at http://sourceforge.net/projects/pomodorotimer/. It requires .NET 2.0, which is available on most recent versions of Windows.

Answer 9

I use Pizza Timer on Windows.

Have you ever put a frozen Pizza into the oven, and then left for the TV or computer. 20 minutes later, you are totally caught by the movie, a video game, or by some interesting website. You forget about your dish just for a minute too long, and what's left is a dark brown piece of waste.

This small tool is very easy to use, and can be configued for any countdown time. It is completely free to download and use.

Answer 10

I am using Grindstone 2 it has easy to use Stopwatch timer and it can even track my tasks and progress.

Answer 11

I use Chromodoro - it's a simple chrome extension

Answer 12

http://www.pomodorohelper.com has a real simple sign up, runs in a plain (I think!) browser and also keeps track of the projects/todos. I used it t'other day, it's simple and it works on any machine I might be sat at without needing an install.

Answer 13

PomodoroApp is a solution integrated GTD, you can plan your daily work and track with Pomodoro Technique. It has a free plan and premium plan.

Answer 14

I use a simple Python script that integrates into Xmobar and Dzen2: https://github.com/dattanchu/pymodoro

Answer 15

I've been using Flowkeeper for the past few months although I'm not sure if it beats all of the other pomodoro timers mentioned here but I like how boring its configuration is so that I could only use it as a tool and nothing else. I also like how its tray icon changes into a pie-looking thingy which lets me gauge how much time I've got left to work on that task. I've got screenshots but I'm a new user so here are some links instead:

Edit: I lost the screenshots so I'm now removing the link. Sorry.

Answer 16

I use Xnote Stopwatch, which is a very versatile stopwatch/timer that happens to also include a countdown timer. The app provides a single timer only, and can be configured to flash, play a sound or perform a user-specified action when the timer reaches its end.

The app has no ability to automatically finish one interval and start another of different length, so use for a "true" pomodoro technique would require multiple instances of the app. However, I use it productively to "firewall my attention" with only one timer.

Hotkey support allows for keyboard control over timer start, stop and reset events. The application has a free and a paid version, and the timer is available in both, with no functional differences between the versions.

Follow-up note: This application does not require the use of Adobe AIR, which was a plus for me. :)

Answer 17

I use Quick Timer desktop gadget for Windows 7. It includes 2 simple countdown timers and nothing else.

Answer 18

I've tried a few, and Instant Boss is the one that best suits my likes. Trivial to set up, and it can be sent to the background only to come up once a Pomodoro period has ended. This means you don't have to look at the countdown at all times, which personally drives me insane.

Answer 19

I use PomodoroScreenlet on Ubuntu.

It is a found in the third party section of: Screenlets.

I like it because it can be transparent... and it sits on top of everything on the screen. I used to find the bell a little loud sometimes but I found the file it pointed to (bell sound) and edited it.

Answer 20

I use Tomatoes, it's a dead simple web-based pomodoro timer and time tracker.

It helps me stay focused and it has also rankings to challenge my friends. The project is free software and you can fork the code at http://github.com/potomak/tomatoes.

Answer 21

Pomodoro Timer for Windows TaskBar

• 885 kb download
• Windows 7 Taskbar integration
• .Net 4.0 required

Answer 22

Old-good Windows Vista/7 gadgets:one, two (almost the same, but with 'off' button), three.

Features:

• Start Button
• Short Break - 5 minutes
• Long Break - 15 minutes
• Off Button

Answer 23

I use Strict Pomodoro from the Chrome web store, which has the advantage of being a toolbar item (does not require a browser tab), a website blocklist to prevent facebooking, and the ability to change the 25/5 cadence . I use 40 work/10 break which is better for programming.

The HTML pomodoros include Pomodoro Daisuki, Tomatoi.st Pomodoro or E.gg.Timer.com and the Flash-based like Focus Booster Pomodoro. I didn't like Pomodoro Screenlet -- very limited functionality. I couldn't get pomodoro-indicator to work in Ubuntu 11.10, nor the Tomighty Java app. On iPhone I use PomodoroLE, and on Android I use Pomodroido

Answer 24

I'm happy with http://e.ggtimer.com/pomodoro. Browser based, runs on any platform. This URL counts down 25 minutes and sounds a beep. Then counts down 5 minutes and sounds a beep. Refresh the page to start over. Simple, classic, unobtrusive, and without a lot of widgets and choices to distract me.

The e.ggtimer.com site has a lot of other timer options available by setting different URL parameters. See their home page for details.

Answer 25

I combined AutoFocus with a Pomodoro timer. Runs on Windows. Very basic. http://www.domussoft.com/AutoFocus/

Answer 26

For windows:

MaToMaTo

Build in WPF so .Net 3.5 is required.

No configuration available. Does the trick.

Screenshot:

Answer 27

I have been using KanBanFlow (http://www.kanbanflow.com) - I like that it's a web app - nothing to install and runs anywhere; it also has a nice, clean list manager UI. The Pomodoro timer is simple, but works fine.

Answer 28

If you are a proud Emacs user, then you can try small standalone lisp packages - tomatinho.el, pomodoro.el by Dave Kerschner, or pomodoro.el by Ivan Kanis (the first two available on MELPA package repository). Other option is to integrate pomodoro technique with org-mode, read more on Tracking Pomodoros In Emacs With Org-Mode and Pomodoro et org-mode (in French).

Note: Emacs is a text editor with great extensibility and lots of features. Mastering Emacs can arguably increase your productivity manyfold. Org-mode is a personal information manager (PIM) and planner with a gentle learning curve.

Answer 29

I like PomodoroPro for iPhone http://lifehacker.com/5882559/pomodoropro-for-iphone-keeps-you-on+task-and-productive

Answer 30

Minuteur (for Mac) is excellent for Pomodoro, having all of the qualities Francisco Cirillo recommends. http://www.phg-home.com/index_mac.html

It makes a good ticking sound, and it puts a visual/spatial indicator of time remaining in the menu bar.

Furthremore, it is easy to create a preset for 25 minutes and one for 5 minutes. (Or if you prefer to "physically" set it yourself, you can "physically" drag the timer to the setting you want.

..And, makes a good solid ring.

I have been using it for this, for several years.