Focusmate Review: Fixing the Problems of Focus and Loneliness

In my previous work, I was surrounded by people. It energized me.  We talked, had fun, but also got tons done. 

Then I started working remotely. A whole different ballgame.

If you're reading this because you typed something like "how to focus when you work alone" or "can I work with someone online" or honestly anything ADHD-related into Google, hi. Same. That's exactly how I found Focusmate.

TL;DR

• Focusmate pairs you with a random stranger for a virtual work session
• You show up, say what you're working on, then actually do it
• It's a little weird at first and then it becomes one of your most important tools
• Highly recommend if you're Gen Z, ADHD, socially motivated, or just struggle to work alone
• I book it multiple times a week and pay for it. No sponsorship. Just genuinely love it.

Quick Start

• Sign up free at Focusmate.com
• Book a 25 or 50, or 75 minute session
• Show up, say what you'll do, then do it
• Notice how different that feels from working alone

How FocusMate Works

You create an account, connect your calendar, and book a session at a time that works for you. Focusmate assigns you a partner automatically. When the time comes, you both join a video call, introduce yourself briefly, state your goal for the session, and then you both get to work. When the timer ends, you check in on how it went.

That's the whole thing. No small talk. No collaboration. Just two people who don't know each other, showing up at the same time to get something done. Well, you can talk more after it ends, when appropriate. 

Free accounts get three sessions per week. If you want more, it's $5 a month. I'm a paid subscriber, and have been since December 2025. Never going back. 

Sign up for Focusmate →

Why this works for ADHD brains (and socially wired ones)

There's actually a name for what Focusmate does. It's called body doubling. The idea is that having another person present, even just nearby and working on their own thing, helps regulate attention and motivation. It's well-documented in ADHD research and it's why so many people with ADHD go to coffee shops to work even when they could work from home.

I wrote more about the power of community for motivation here. 

The problem with coffee shops is logistics. You have to go somewhere. You have to find a seat. You might run into someone you know. Focusmate gives you the same effect in five minutes from your desk.

For me personally, the social piece is everything. I'm wired to be around people. Knowing that someone else has blocked time to work at the same moment I have makes the time feel real in a way that a calendar block never does. I can snooze a calendar block. I'm not going to bail on a real person who showed up.

The part I didn't expect!

Sometimes I'm a little nervous before a session. I'm not sure why exactly, it's just a video call. But I've noticed other people seem to feel the same way. There's a brief moment at the start where you're both just figuring out the vibe.

And then someone says what they're working on and it's immediately fine. Or' Yeah I just really need to focus"... the other person obviously says "me too!". Boom. Something in common. 

I've met some genuinely interesting people this way. Writers, developers, students, coaches, people building things. A girl from mongolia who lives in Australia, an Australian who lives in Buenos Aires. The owner of a Comedy club. A nurse. 

Who this is for:

Focusmate is especially good if you work remotely and miss the ambient energy of being around other people.

Or if you have ADHD and can't seem to get traction working alone. 

I fall into all three categories. Make of that what you will.

If any of that sounds like you, try one session. You can sign up for free and book your first one in about two minutes.

For Extra Awesomeness:

If you need some Tea Recs... Here is the best work setup I've found.

If you want to learn more about community and how to combat isolation.... here's what I am discovering.