Mac focus app · Comparison
IdleMac vs Serene
Serene is a beautiful Mac focus suite with day planning, session timers, and website blocking. IdleMac is a one-trick menu bar tool — and that's the point.
IdleMac
$9 one-time
IdleMac is for people who already plan their day elsewhere and just want a barking dog on their menu bar.
Serene
Subscription (~$4/mo)
Serene is for people who want a full focus workflow: plan your day, chunk it, block sites during each chunk.
Feature comparison
| Feature | IdleMac | Serene |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9 one-time | Subscription |
| Day planning | No | Yes |
| Idle detection & shout | Yes (core) | No |
| Site blocking | No | Yes |
| Menu bar footprint | Tiny | Larger, uses main window |
| Works fully offline | Yes | Mostly |
Where IdleMac wins
- +No subscription, no account
- +Under 10 MB of RAM
- +Zero distractions — it's just a menu bar icon
Where Serene wins
- +Integrated day planner + session timer
- +Polished full app experience
- +Blocks sites during sessions
Which one should you pick?
Pick IdleMac if…
- You already have a planner (Notion, Things, etc.)
- You only need the idle-alarm piece
- You prefer one-time purchases
Pick Serene if…
- You want planning + focus in one app
- You want enforced distraction blocking
- You're okay paying monthly
FAQ
Does IdleMac plan my day?
No. IdleMac doesn't know or care what you're working on. It just notices when you stop working on it.