NotchStar vs Session
Session is the dedicated focus timer, with website and app blocking, calendar sync and AppleScript, on a $4.99 monthly or $39.99 yearly plan; NotchStar has simpler Pomodoro timers for $4 once.
| NotchStar | Session | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4 once, with a 7 day trial, up to 3 Macs, 7 day refund | Free with in app purchases: $4.99 monthly or $39.99 yearly. Trial and refund wording is not on the page |
| Minimum macOS | macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon and Intel | macOS 10.15; Apple silicon support is not stated |
| Latest release | 1.0.5, 12 October 2026 | 2.13.48, shown as Jul 16 with no year |
| Countdown focus sessions | Included Timers with Pomodoro presets | Included Time blocks such as 25 or 45 minutes |
| Website and app blocking | Not listed | Included During sessions, Mac only |
| Mutes chosen Slack teams | Not listed | Included |
| Automation | Not listed | Included AppleScript on Mac |
| Calendar sync | Not listed Reads today and tomorrow, read only | Partly One way sync of sessions to Apple Calendar |
| Session review notes | Partly Quick notes are a separate tool | Included |
| Lives in the notch | Included | Not listed Not listed on its App Store page |
| Account and data collection | Included No account; analytics only if you opt in | Partly Developer labels: email, user content, user ID, device ID and crash data linked to you. Not verified by Apple |
Sources: Session on the App Store (checked 4 November 2026). “Not listed” means the source does not mention it, which is not proof the feature is missing. Prices and features change, so check before you buy.
Session at a glance.
- Made by
- Translucent LLC (copyright Philip Young)
- Who it suits
- A knowledge worker who wants a Pomodoro style timer with blocking.
- Price
- Free tier and paid plans. Free with in app purchases: monthly $4.99, yearly $39.99. Trial and refund wording is not on the App Store page.
- Needs
- macOS 10.15 or later. Not stated.
- License
- Closed source
Session is one of the 62 apps counted in our pricing statistics and requirements statistics.
Strengths
- Website and app blocking during sessions, on Mac only.
- Muting of chosen Slack teams and automation through AppleScript on Mac.
- One way sync of sessions to Apple Calendar.
- Session review notes, and time blocks such as 25 or 45 minutes.
Limits
- The extras are a subscription.
- Developer labels list email and IDs linked to you; Apple has not verified them.
- The only source read is its App Store page, so its own website is unchecked.
- Apple silicon support, trial and refund terms are not stated.
Choose Session if…
- You want website and app blocking during focus sessions.
- You want sessions synced to Apple Calendar, review notes and AppleScript automation.
- You want the dedicated focus app, which does this job in more depth.
Choose NotchStar if…
- You want a simple Pomodoro timer in the notch alongside nine other tools.
- You want one $4 payment instead of a $4.99 monthly or $39.99 yearly plan.
- You want no account and no analytics unless you opt in.
The verdict.
Session is a fuller focus app with blocking and calendar sync. NotchStar's Timers are simpler: Pomodoro presets in the notch. Choose Session if you want to block distractions. Choose NotchStar if a quick timer inside a toolbox is enough.
What Session is
Session, from Translucent LLC, is a focus timer for Mac and iPhone. Its App Store page lists time blocks, website and app blocking on Mac, Slack team muting, AppleScript, one way sync to Apple Calendar and review notes.
What NotchStar’s Timers do
Timers with Pomodoro presets in the notch. They do not block apps or log sessions.
What we could not verify
We have not tested Session. We read only its App Store page on 4 November 2026. The release date shows no year.
Questions.
How much does Session cost?
Its App Store listing shows it free with in app purchases: $4.99 monthly or $39.99 yearly. It does not state trial or refund wording.
Does NotchStar block apps or websites?
No. NotchStar's Timers count down with Pomodoro presets but do not block anything.
What data does Session collect?
Its developer labels list email, user content, user ID, device ID and crash data linked to you, and coarse location for analytics not linked. Apple has not verified these labels.
Where can I read about Session?
We only read its App Store page. We did not read its own website.
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- Session alternatives
- Every option next to Session, with price and macOS support. See the alternatives
- Best Mac notch apps
- A neutral roundup of the options. Read the guide
Put your notch to work.
Buy it once for $4, activate it in a minute, and keep it. Not sure yet? Try every tool in the browser on the home page, or install the 7 day trial.