Menu bar focus app · Comparison
IdleMac vs One Thing
One Thing pins a single goal to your menu bar so you never forget what you're working on. IdleMac watches the other side: it yells at you the moment you drift away from that goal.
IdleMac
$9 one-time
IdleMac is for people who know the task but still get distracted. It triggers a spoken alert the moment you stop typing or clicking.
One Thing
Free
One Thing is for people who forget their priority. You set a task, and it sits at the top of your screen all day.
Feature comparison
| Feature | IdleMac | One Thing |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9 one-time | Free |
| Lives in menu bar | Yes | Yes |
| Custom idle timer | Yes — 10s to hours | No |
| Voice / sound alerts | 10 voices | None |
| Displays current task | No | Yes |
| Runs on login | Yes | Yes |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Silicon + Intel | Yes | Yes |
Where IdleMac wins
- +Reacts to actual idle behavior, not intent
- +10 spoken voices (from disappointed parent to passive-aggressive coworker)
- +Configurable timer down to 10 seconds
Where One Thing wins
- +Free
- +Great for ambient reminders of a single priority
- +Made by Sindre Sorhus — well-trusted maker
Which one should you pick?
Pick IdleMac if…
- You already know what to work on — you just wander off
- You want an audible nudge, not a silent label
- You want something tied to real idle time (keyboard + mouse)
Pick One Thing if…
- You forget what you set out to do each session
- You want a free, ultra-minimal tool
- You don't want any audio feedback
FAQ
Can I use both IdleMac and One Thing together?
Yes. They solve different problems. One Thing shows your goal; IdleMac enforces focus on it by calling you out when you idle.
Is IdleMac worth $9 when One Thing is free?
If a single spoken reminder drags you back to work even once a day, the $9 one-time fee pays back in minutes.