Best ADHD Work Timers for Focused Productivity

Let me ask you a question—one that ties into ADHD work timers.

As an ADHD buzzing bee, you have 4 hours to complete a task. What do you do?:

a) Start working on the task

b) Start working on another task

c) Organize your computer files

d) Clean your kitchen

e) All of the above

If I had to guess, your answer is probably e) — all of the above.

And who can blame you?! Your brain is like a high-energy dynamo that operates on a different chemistry and structure; of course, you’ll choose the last option.

You have lower dopamine levels, which makes maintaining focus on less stimulating or longer tasks difficult so you seek more immediately rewarding tasks.

Your brain’s prefrontal cortex, which manages executive functions (like prioritizing tasks, focusing, and decision-making), views these functions differently, making it hard to stay organized and follow through with tasks. This is commonly known as executive dysfunction.

Moreover, your default mode network (DMN), has high activity during tasks that require focused attention, which is why you struggle to focus or concentrate.

Honestly, all I’m getting from this is that you're a pro multitasker. You can switch between tasks, tabs, and programs like a champ.

But there’s a catch: tasks still need to be completed and deadlines met. That’s where tracking your time becomes crucial.

And I know that time tracking is the last thing you want to do, as it’s such a pain in the… neck. 

Traditional time tracking doesn’t work for you, as you can’t keep pressing start and stop buttons on a stopwatch every time you switch a task.

Incoming: our list of 5 best ADHD work timers designed to help you control your time. 

Without losing your train of thought.

Helping you meet the deadlines and scratch tasks off your to-do list(s).

Enough talking, let’s roll.

⚠️ Disclaimer: The goal of this article is to share information about time tracking tools and strategies that can boost your productivity. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for ADHD or any other health-related conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

First, let’s talk quickly about ADHD and productivity.

As someone with ADHD, you know that productivity doesn’t always seem to be on your side.

That daily planner full of tasks? Not exactly a motivator.

And those "invisible" deadlines you set for yourself? Not much help either.

And it’s not because you don’t have willpower or are lazy. You just process information differently and need other motivators to keep you focused and concentrated.

But as an adult with ADHD, you don’t have the luxury of making up excuses about productivity issues. Being diagnosed with ADHD is a valid explanation, but you need to take responsibility for your own productivity. A great starting point is identifying the root cause of your lack of motivation.

The link between motivation & time management

Believe it or not, your struggles with motivation and productivity are often connected to poor time management.

One of the common ADHD symptoms is "time blindness".

Time blindness can be described as the inability to sense how much time has passed and having trouble estimating the time needed to get tasks done. Basically, you have trouble estimating and judging time.

Two quick examples:

• You can underestimate the time needed to get ready for work so you end up being late at the office.
• You can overestimate how much time you need to complete a project, only to find that it actually takes much less time. However, distractions, procrastination, or difficulty focusing might still cause delays, making you feel like the project is never-ending.

And “time blindness” is not an intentional act. You don’t want to disregard your own or someone else's time or disrespect them. It’s just how your brain views time.

This is why it’s important you find tools that will help you manage time and boost overall productivity. Many tools are available, from fidget toys and ADHD planners to clocks and digital timers.

For the purpose of this article, let’s stick to the best ADHD work timers.

What to look for in an ADHD work timer

One word: adaptability to your needs.

So, when choosing the right ADHD work timer for you, think of:

• How intuitive the tool is. Digital timers for ADHD need to be extremely user-friendly, without any learning curve and they surely can’t be exhausting to set up.
• How accessible the app is. The best ADHD timer apps should be available on platforms you commonly use; whether it’s on mobile or desktop.
• How affordable the timer is. Certain digital ADHD tools run on a subscription basis, and you can access others through a one-time payment. It’s important to choose one that fits into your budget.
• The fact that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people work better with apps that send reminders, while others may prefer a productivity tool that turns tasks into mini-games with rewards. Either way, we cover all of them in this article.

Without further ado, let's get to the list of timers:

#1 Memtime

You saw this one coming, didn’t you?

I put Memtime as the number one app because we know you and your business.

We know that no matter how big or small your business is, you need to estimate projects accurately, and Memtime can help your ADHD brain get the hang of it.

How?

I’m glad you asked.

At its core, Memtime is an ADHD-friendly time tracking app for Windows, macOS, and Linux widely used by software development companies, law firms, agencies, and creatives.

But it’s not just a regular time tracker. We love to call it a memory assistant. A tool that keeps track of your time for you一while you work一and is there to remind you what you did and for how long.

So, think of countless browser tabs and multiple screens; Memtime’s got them all!

To start tracking your time, you just set up your account (in less than 30 seconds) and let the app run in the background.

From then on, Memtime captures all your activity in apps and browsers, as long as your computer is turned on.

Here’s what Memtime can also do:

If Memtime is starting to seem like your cup of tea, use our 2-week free trial; no credit card details required; you sign up with just your email.

And if you want to give your coworkers also a chance to play with Memtime, book a call with us to start a team trial. Our hands-on team will answer all your questions, giving you a guided tour of the app and share tips and tricks on how you can increase your profitability using Memtime.

#2 Forest app

If you are a plant parent or just a leaf lover with a bit of affection for distraction, the Forest app might be a good choice for you. 

In its essence, this timer helps you stay focused by motivating you to plan a virtual tree. 🌳

First, you pick how long you’d like to stay focused so the app can start its timer. Then you start working, and your tree grows as you work on the task.

If you leave the app unexpectedly, the tree dies, inviting you to focus on the task and not check your phone every 10 seconds. Conversely, if you use the app to improve your focus frequently and actually do the tasks, you can build a forest.

Here’s how it all works:

If you ask me, I love the idea behind the app: if you focus properly, you’ll gain fruitful leafy results.

#3 Focus@Will

Focus@Will combines time tracking and music to keep you motivated throughout the tasks.

Basically, the app is based on human neuroscience (it’s created by music producers and backed by world-class scientists) which relies on evidence that music can help you concentrate and reduce distractions.

And it’s not just any music, exclusive music for focus with no entertainment purposes, designed to keep you focused for up to 100 minutes.

The Focus@Will team suggests that the average productivity in a one-hour Focus@will session is 75%.

Here’s how the tool works:

Here’s how my session “looked”. I set the session to be for 60 minutes.

Having tried the app myself, I beg you to stop relying on your Spotify list or random YouTube playlists. They’ve got nothing on Focus@Will一trust me.

#4 Llama Life

Llama Life is a task management app that helps you cross off tasks from your to-do list using timeboxing features.

Here’s a quick story of how Llama Life was born. 🦙

The app was created by Marie Ng, who is also the CEO. After working in advertising, Marie taught herself to code and built the productivity app as a solo founder. She was inspired by her own experience managing ADHD, and wanted to create a tool that could actually help people work more efficiently while maintaining calmness and concentration.

With all that in mind, here’s how the app works:

P.S. And if you’re wondering what the llama’s name is, it’s Lulu. So adorable!

#5 TickTick

TickTick is another task management app designed to help you organize daily tasks, set goals, manage time, and improve productivity.

Similarly to Llama Life, it combines task scheduling, reminders, and habit tracking to ensure you can actually increase your efficiency.

Here’s how it works:

Overall, it’s an ADHD work timer that does the job. I love the app’s user-friendliness; it allowed me to manage my day-to-day responsibilities and maintain focus.

Quick ADHD productivity hacks to implement today

If you have come this far in the article, I applaud you for staying with me. I truly appreciate your willingness to skim through or read the entire blog post.

I just need your attention for 3 more minutes. Hear me out.

After listing the top 5 apps that can help you concentrate and avoid time blindness, I wanted to share with you just one more thing: quick ADHD productivity hacks that actually work.

I wanted to write about these specifically because I believe that the listed apps (including Memtime!) are a good starting point. They can calm you, help you focus, and keep you concentrated.

But your ADHD brain doesn’t turn off after you’re done with your 9-5 job, you have to learn to navigate it daily.

That’s why I wanted to share with you tips that can help your overall productivity and efficiency. Knowing you cannot tolerate boredom, I decide to include only the ones that feel pleasurable to your brain and gamify your experience. 

Productivity hack #1: Start your day slowly, doing something relaxing or pleasurable.

Ensure that your morning routine is anything but uncomfortable or nerve wracking.

The more gently you ease into your day, the more energy, focus and overall mental clarity you’ll feel throughout that same day. 🧘

The logic behind this is pretty simple: a mindful morning routine helps you set the tone for better mental and physical health and performance.

Studies suggest that starting the day without rushing and being gentle with your brain (by avoiding staring at screens) and body (like going outside), allows you to prepare and be more productive later on, as you start the day more centered and grounded​.

And another thing.

As an ADHDer, I am sure you often experience sleep disturbances.

And poor sleep tends to worsen ADHD symptoms. A gradual, slow wake-up routine can help you regulate emotionally and reduce cognitive fatigue. So, getting adequate sleep followed by a smooth, non-rushed routine in the morning is key to managing ADHD symptoms throughout the day​.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast, 30-minute exercise, walk or just a “good morning” call from your closest family or best friend.

Productivity hack #2: Overestimate the time needed to complete a task.

Think you need 30 minutes before you leave the house and join your team for an in-office meeting? Make it 45.

Think you’ll be done with a mini subtask in 10 minutes? Make it 20.

Sounds a bit counterintuitive to overestimate your time when you are trying to be as productive as possible and work smarter, not harder. I understand.

But you need to come to terms with the fact that you have a different sense of time and are not the greatest at estimating and recording the passing of time. Your perception of time is not neurotypical, meaning you are more “in the now” than most people.

If you have a task due next week, you’ll put it somewhere “in the back” so it doesn’t mess with your current tasks. Once you get to that task, it will be too late to get it done in time. So, you start to overthink and panic.

And the solution to this common issue is to overestimate how long things will take.

Think of it as adding “buffer time”. A disaster can happen at any second and you are prepared to face it.

Productivity hack #3: Ditch the “I must do more” mindset.

Living with ADHD is anything but a walk in the park.

You are not just fighting to keep up with societal standards, you are also battling your own habits and thoughts that affect your self-esteem, self-perception and lead to stress and burnout.

That’s why I am proposing a new concept to introduce during the weekend: don’t schedule anything and go about your day based on your energy levels.

Don’t feel like getting out of bed till 11 a.m.? Then don’t, lay down a bit longer and read a book.

Don’t feel like making brunch for your friends? Then don’t. Make a reservation at your favorite brunch place.

You get the picture.

When you don’t schedule anything, you are letting your instincts guide you throughout the day. You’ll feel lighter, guided by your own body needs. It’s not about doing less but doing what feels right in the moment, which can help you recharge and reset. Plus, honoring your own needs is a form of self-care that benefits you and everyone around you in the long run.

I truly encourage you to learn how to take care of yourself, and in  return, you'll have more energy to show up for others when you're ready.

(And don’t worry, you won’t be letting people down by taking care of yourself; you’ll just have a break from being accountable and on schedule all the time.)

Wrapping it up in 5 sentences

I won’t take any more of your time; you have been kind enough to come this far in the article.

So, let these be my farewell words to you.

As you start tracking your time and boosting productivity, remember this: progress over perfection, as every step counts.

Keep things fun using Memtime (or any other app of your choice) and celebrate the small wins.

Make time management work for you一not the other way around一one task at a time. 💪