vs
HocusFocus
PeekFocus · A calmer Hocus Focus alternative
PeekFocus vs Hocus Focus
Hocus Focus auto-hides inactive Mac windows after a configurable delay — out of sight, out of mind. PeekFocus does the related job differently: it dims or blurs background windows in place, so the calm comes without anything disappearing.
At a glance
| PeekFocus | Hocus Focus | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $4.99 one-time, 7-day trial | Free |
| Approach | Dim / blur background windows | Auto-hide inactive windows |
| Modes | Standard, Ambience, Focus | Hide-on-inactivity |
| Reversibility | Instant — windows are still on screen | Re-clicking app brings windows back |
| Keystroke toggle | Yes — one key | App-by-app rules |
| Distribution | Mac App Store, sandboxed | Direct download |
Where they're similar
Both reduce visual clutter while you work
Both apps recognize that other windows pull attention even when they're behind your active one. Both are native, both are lightweight, both run from the menu bar.
Where they differ
Hide vs. dim
Hocus Focus uses macOS's hide-other-apps mechanic on a timer. After your configured idle period, inactive windows quietly disappear. When you switch back, they return.
PeekFocus leaves windows where they are and just dims or blurs them. Three modes — Standard, Ambience, Focus — let you tune how much of the background you can still see. You can still glance at a chart on the second monitor; it just won't shout for attention.
Pricing
Hocus Focus is free. PeekFocus is $4.99 once on the Mac App Store. The price funds active development and modern macOS compatibility.
Pick the right one
Which should you choose?
Choose Hocus Focus if you want windows to actually disappear when idle, you like its app-by-app rules, and free is non-negotiable.
Choose PeekFocus if you want an in-place visual treatment — dimming or blurring — that's reversible with one keystroke and doesn't move your windows around.
FAQ
Does PeekFocus hide windows?
No. Background windows stay where they are, just dimmed or blurred. The calm is visual, not spatial.
Can I toggle it from the keyboard?
Yes. One global shortcut switches between modes.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 7 days through the Mac App Store, before a one-time $4.99 unlock.
Will it work with my external monitors?
Yes. Each display can be configured independently.
Visual calm, no disappearing acts
If hide-on-idle has ever felt jumpy, PeekFocus's in-place dim or blur is the smoother version.