Comprehensive Side-by-Side Feature Matrix
| Feature / Dimension | Focusmate | Together |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | General remote workers & students | Individuals with ADHD & neurodivergents |
| Live 1:1 Peer Body Doubling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Session Booking Model | Pre-book fixed calendar slots | On-demand instant matching & Solo |
| Task Categories & Matching | General task text description | ✓ Physical & Mental categories (Create any custom task) |
| Connection Modes | Camera + Mic standard | ✓ Silent, Voice, or Camera |
| 24/7 Prerecorded Focus Spaces | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (Includes Companion Spaces with Kovu the dog) |
| Platforms & Mobile Apps | Desktop web browser primary | ✓ Native iPhone (iOS) & Android apps |
| Native Screenshot Protection | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (iOS detection, Android capture blocking) |
| Account Required | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly Pricing | $9.99/mo (after 3 free sessions/wk) | $9.99/month (Monthly Pro) |
Deep Feature & Workflow Breakdown
1. Session Booking & Task Activation Friction
For individuals experiencing ADHD executive dysfunction, committing to a future time block on a calendar can induce task dread or scheduling friction. Focusmate operates primarily on scheduled calendar bookings. You must reserve a slot, show up on time, and match with someone booked for that exact duration.
Together removes pre-scheduling barriers by offering on-demand matching. When you feel ready to start, you create a custom task, pick a category, and get matched immediately with a peer online.
2. Task Category Matching: Physical vs. Mental
Body doubling for desk work (writing code, reading papers) requires a quiet, low-movement visual presence. Conversely, body doubling for physical chores (cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, packing) involves moving around the room.
Together explicitly separates task creation into two core categories:
- Physical Tasks: Cleaning, tidying, movement, packing, household chores.
- Mental Tasks: Writing, coding, studying, reading, administrative tasks.
This ensures you are paired with a partner engaged in a similar movement spectrum, maintaining visual alignment and preventing distraction.
3. Connection Modes & Social Battery Protection
Mandatory webcam video can cause camera fatigue or anxiety for neurodivergent users on low-energy days. While Focusmate requires camera presence during sessions, Together allows users to choose between Silent Mode (presence-only progress indicators), Voice Mode (verbal check-ins without video), and Camera Mode.
4. Focus Spaces & Companion Spaces
When you want focus companionship without any human interaction, Together provides 24/7 prerecorded Focus Spaces. This includes special Companion Spaces where you can focus alongside Kovu, the founder's dog, providing a soothing, pressure-free focus environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many users keep Focusmate for pre-scheduled desktop work and use Together on iPhone or Android when they need instant physical chore matching, silent presence, or Focus Spaces.
Yes, an account is required to log into Together and access live peer sessions and Focus Spaces.
Together uses ephemeral P2P WebRTC video encryption without server recording. It also includes native iOS screenshot detection and Android capture blocking.