Best Raycast Focus Alternative: Daily Execution System
Raycast Focus has a pretty timer. Locu has that plus tasks, notes, time tracking, and Jira/Linear integration. Complete execution system, not just blocking.
Raycast Focus is a beautifully designed focus timer with slick blocking animations. It's free, it's pretty, and it blocks distractions.
But blocking alone doesn't structure execution.
Locu gives you the same distraction blocking plus everything else: tasks from Jira/Linear, integrated notes, floating notes connected to your flow, time tracking, and work history. A complete execution system, not just a timer.
Why Developers Outgrow Raycast Focus
Just a Timer, No Task Context
Raycast Focus blocks apps and websites. Great. But what are you working on? You still need to check Jira, open your notes, remember context. The blocking is disconnected from your actual work.
Locu: Start a session, select your task, see full context—your notes, task breakdown, Jira/Linear details. Everything in one place. Blocking + context = real focus.
No Time Tracking
Raycast Focus doesn't track what you worked on or for how long. Finish a focus session and... it's gone. No history, no data, no insights.
Locu: Every session is tracked. See what you shipped, export timesheets, measure focused vs unfocused time. Your execution data, owned by you.
No Notes Integration
Working through a problem? Need to capture thoughts mid-flow? Raycast Focus doesn't help. You'd switch to a notes app and break focus.
Locu: Floating notes capture thoughts without leaving your session. Notes are connected to tasks. Context travels with you.
Sync Requires Pro Subscription
Raycast Focus is free—but your focus preferences don't sync across devices unless you pay $8/mo for Raycast Pro. Your data lives on one machine.
Locu: Full sync included. Your tasks, notes, sessions, and history available everywhere. One price, everything included.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Raycast Focus | Locu |
|---|---|---|
| Focus timer | ✅ Beautiful UI | ✅ 90-min brain-optimal |
| App/website blocking | ✅ Smooth animations | ✅ Active blocking |
| Task integration | ❌ | ✅ Jira/Linear sync |
| Task context | ❌ | ✅ Notes + breakdown |
| Floating notes | ⚠️ Disconnected from flow | ✅ Connected to flow |
| Time tracking | ❌ | ✅ Session-based |
| Work history | ❌ | ✅ Full timeline |
| Invoice export | ❌ | ✅ One-click |
| Execution metrics | ❌ | ✅ Focused vs unfocused |
| Slack DND | ❌ | ✅ Auto during sessions |
| Cross-device sync | ⚠️ Requires Pro $8/mo | ✅ Included |
| Pricing | Free (sync $8/mo) | $10/mo (annual) |
Pricing Reality
Raycast Focus: Free, but no data persistence or sync. Add Raycast Pro ($8/mo) for sync.
Locu: $10/mo (annual) or $12/mo (monthly). Everything included.
Raycast Focus + Pro = $8/mo for a timer with sync. Locu = $12/mo for timer + tasks + notes + tracking + history + integrations.
When to Choose Raycast Focus
- You just want distraction blocking, nothing else
- You don't need task context or time tracking
- Free is the priority
When to Choose Locu
- You want focus sessions connected to your actual tasks
- You need Jira/Linear integration for engineering work
- You want to build daily execution habits
- You want floating notes that capture thoughts mid-flow and are connected to your tasks
- You need time tracking for billing or insights
- You want work history and execution metrics
- You need sync across devices
The Bottom Line
Raycast Focus blocks distractions. That's it.
Locu blocks distractions and gives you task context, integrated notes, floating capture, time tracking, work history, and engineering integrations.
Pretty timer vs complete execution system. The choice depends on what you need.
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