Best Free Open-Source Android Pomodoro Timer Apps for 2024 – Boost Your Productivity Legally
In today’s hyper‑connected world, staying focused is a superpower. Whether you’re a software developer in Bengaluru, a college student in New Delhi, or a remote freelancer in Austin, the Pomodoro technique remains one of the simplest yet most effective ways to slice work into bite‑size, high‑impact intervals. But not every timer app respects your privacy or follows legal licensing rules.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best free open‑source Android Pomodoro timer apps that you can download from the Google Play Store or directly from trusted GitHub repositories. These apps are 100 % legal, ad‑free (or minimally ad‑supported), and constantly updated by vibrant developer communities. No cracks, no keygens, just pure productivity.
Key Features
All the apps highlighted below share a core set of features that make the Pomodoro technique painless on Android:
- Customizable session lengths – Adjust work (25 min by default) and break times (5 min short, 15 min long) to suit your workflow.
- Task tagging – Assign a project or task name to each Pomodoro for later analytics.
- Statistics dashboard – Review daily, weekly, and monthly focus metrics.
- Offline operation – No internet required; data is stored locally.
- Open‑source transparency – Full source code available on GitHub under permissive licenses (Apache‑2.0, MIT, GPL‑3.0).
- Widget support – Quick start/stop from your home screen.
- Dark mode – Optimized for night‑time work and battery saving.
Top Free Open‑Source Pomodoro Apps for Android
1. Pomodoro Timer (by Masa)
Licensed under Apache‑2.0, this lightweight app focuses on simplicity. It offers a clean material design UI, automatic long‑break detection after every four sessions, and an exportable CSV log.
- Size: ~4 MB
- Features: Custom intervals, sound/vibration alerts, widget, dark mode.
- GitHub: github.com/masapomodoro/pomodoro-android
2. Focus Timer – Open Source
Built with Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, this app (MIT License) adds a sleek analytics page that visualizes your Pomodoro streaks with charts. It also integrates with Google Calendar for optional automatic task import.
- Size: ~7 MB
- Features: Task tagging, calendar sync, notification channels, customizable themes.
- GitHub: github.com/focustimer/focus-timer-android
3. Simple Pomodoro (by Open Source Community)
True to its name, Simple Pomodoro (GPL‑3.0) strips away every distraction. It runs as a foreground service, guaranteeing the timer never pauses even when the device sleeps. Perfect for power users who love command‑line‑style configurability.
- Size: ~3 MB
- Features: Config file in JSON, auto‑start on boot, minimal permissions.
- GitHub: github.com/opensrc/simple-pomodoro
How to Install
Installing any of these open‑source Pomodoro timers is straightforward. Follow the steps below to ensure a safe, legal download:
- Visit the Google Play Store (recommended for most users). Search for the app name (e.g., “Pomodoro Timer by Masa”). Verify the developer’s name matches the GitHub repository.
- Or download the APK from GitHub if you prefer the latest commit. Go to the release page, click the
.apkfile, and download. - Enable “Install unknown apps” for the browser or file manager you used (Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps). This is required only for side‑loading.
- Open the downloaded APK and tap “Install”. Android will verify the signature; because the app is open‑source, the signature is publicly available on the repo’s README.
- Grant minimal permissions – most timers only need “Display over other apps” for notifications. Decline any request for contacts, location, or storage unless you plan to export logs.
- Launch the app, set your preferred work/break intervals, and start the first Pomodoro!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are open‑source Pomodoro apps safe for my data?
A: Yes. Open‑source code is publicly auditable, meaning anyone can inspect it for privacy‑invasive behavior. The apps listed store data locally and never transmit personal information without explicit permission.
Q2: Can I use these timers on both Android phones and tablets?
A: Absolutely. All three apps are built with responsive layouts and support Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and above, covering the majority of devices in India and the USA.
Q3: Do I need to pay for premium features?
A: No. Being open‑source, the core Pomodoro functionality is completely free. Some apps may offer optional donations or a small “Pro” version on the Play Store, but the free version is fully functional.
Q4: How do I contribute to the project?
A: Visit the GitHub repository linked above, fork the project, and submit a pull request. Most maintainers welcome bug reports, UI tweaks, and feature suggestions.