Freedom blocks distracting websites and apps across all your devices simultaneously. Start a session on your Mac and it syncs to your iPhone and Windows PC. Locked mode prevents you from ending sessions early.
Starting price$8.99/mo
Strengths
Syncs across all devices
Locked mode prevents cheating
Scheduled sessions
Blocklists library
Limitations
Subscription pricing
Can feel restrictive
Who it's for: Ideal for anyone who needs distraction blocking across multiple devices.
Forest gamifies focus by growing virtual trees while you work. Leave the app and your tree dies. The accumulated trees become a forest, and the company plants real trees based on your focus time.
Starting price$4.99
Strengths
Gamification works
Plants real trees
Beautiful design
One-time purchase
Limitations
No site blocking
Phone-focused
Who it's for: Perfect for people who respond to gamification and visual progress.
Cold Turkey is the most unbreakable blocker available. Once a session starts, there's no way to bypass it - not even restarting your computer. For people who need extreme accountability.
Starting priceFree/$39
Strengths
Truly unbreakable
Powerful scheduling
One-time purchase
Freeze computer option
Limitations
Can be too strict
Windows/Mac only
Who it's for: Best for people who need absolute blocking with no way to cheat.
RescueTime automatically tracks how you spend time on your computer, then lets you block distracting sites during focus sessions. The insights show exactly where your time goes.
Starting priceFree/$12
Strengths
Automatic time tracking
Detailed insights
Focus session blocking
Goal setting
Limitations
Passive tracking can be creepy
Blocking less strict
Who it's for: Great for people who want to understand their time before blocking distractions.
Focus@Will provides scientifically designed music to increase focus. Different channels work for different brains. The music is designed to fade into the background while keeping you productive.
Starting price$7.49/mo
Strengths
Scientifically designed
Multiple channels
Increases focus duration
Productivity timer
Limitations
No blocking features
Music preference varies
Who it's for: Perfect for people who focus better with background music designed for concentration.
Opal is the most beautiful screen time app for iPhone. Set limits on apps, schedule focus time, and get insights into your phone usage. The design makes managing screen time feel less punishing.
Starting priceFree/$79.99/yr
Strengths
Beautiful design
iPhone-optimized
App blocking
Usage insights
Limitations
iOS only
Expensive annually
Who it's for: Ideal for iPhone users wanting a premium screen time management experience.
Focusmate pairs you with an accountability partner for 25 or 50-minute video coworking sessions. You see each other work, creating social accountability. Surprisingly effective for remote workers.
Starting priceFree/$9.99
Strengths
Social accountability
Community of workers
Scheduled sessions
Really works
Limitations
Requires video
Depends on partner quality
Who it's for: Perfect for remote workers who miss the accountability of working around others.
