The NX1 alternative to Flocus
Flocus is a focus dashboard, and a thorough one: several timer modes from pomodoro to Animedoro, layered soundscapes, animated backgrounds, a task list with time estimates and statistics across day, week and month including streaks. If you take deep work seriously, you will find more tooling there than in any start page.
NX1 approaches from the other side: focus is not the product but a section of the new tab — which is to say, exactly where you are already looking. The timer runs with breaks, a gong and a daily tally, the task list sits beside it, and Zen mode hides everything but the clock and the greeting when you want it to.
NX1 and Flocus at a glance
| NX1 | Flocus | |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | A topic start page with a focus section and Zen mode | A focus dashboard for concentrated work |
| Where it runs | On the new tab — it is the page itself | As a web dashboard you open |
| Focus timer | With breaks, a gong and a daily tally | Pomodoro, countdown, stopwatch and Animedoro |
| Calm sounds | In Zen mode, generated in the browser | Layered soundscapes and music |
| Statistics | Minutes today and this week | Day, week, month and streaks |
| Tasks | Task list beside the timer | Tasks with priority and time estimates |
| Content alongside | Tiles, news feed, topic search, 25+ live widgets | Deliberately limited to focus |
| Account | Not required | Expected for use |
| Price | Free | A permanently free tier; the Plus edition is paid |
Focus waits where you are already looking
A focus dashboard has one hurdle: you have to open it, and that is exactly what you forget on the days you need it. In NX1 the timer sits on the page that opens by itself with every new tab — one click and the session runs, with breaks and a gong at the end. The task list is beside it, and how many minutes you have gathered today and this week is visible in the same place.
Zen: when everything really should go
For the stretches where even tiles and news are too much there is Zen mode: the page reduces to clock and greeting, automatically on a schedule or right when the browser starts, if you like. Add calm sounds that are generated in the browser rather than downloaded, and a quote of the day. One click brings the full start page back.
Fair is fair: where Flocus remains the better choice
Flocus is considerably deeper at focus itself: more timer modes, finer soundscapes with music integration, tasks with time estimates, and statistics across months and streaks rather than just day and week. If you genuinely build your working day around concentrated sessions and want analysis over longer stretches, that is the stronger tool — NX1 is a start page that can also focus you, not the other way round.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account for the focus timer in NX1?
No. The timer, task list, Zen mode and the statistics all run without signing in; the values live in the browser. If you want to see them on your phone too, pair the devices with a QR code or eight characters — also without an account.
Do the calm sounds work without an internet connection?
Yes. The ambient sounds in Zen mode are generated in the browser rather than loaded as audio files. They start instantly, use no data, and keep working when the connection drops.
Can I bring my existing browser bookmarks?
Yes. On first run NX1 offers a 1:1 import of your browser bookmarks — they show up as tiles and can be reordered or moved into start pages afterwards.
Is NX1 free?
Yes. NX1 is free and works without an account; device sync uses a pairing code instead of a login.
Does NX1 work in Firefox or Safari?
As an extension NX1 runs in Chromium browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera). In Firefox, Safari and on mobile you use NX1 as a web app at start.nx1-app.com.
As of: October 2026 · Statements about third-party extensions are made to the best of our knowledge as of the stated date, without guarantee — feature sets and pricing may change. All trademarks and product names belong to their respective owners; NX1 is not affiliated with any of the vendors mentioned.