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Alternatives · Focus

FocusMe alternatives

FocusMe compared with 5 alternatives: Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom, Focus, SelfControl and Focus Bear.

FocusMe has a free plan. Paid plans start at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.

5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
FocusMeThis toolFree plan · from $9.95/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
Cold Turkey BlockerFree plan · from $45 one-timeYesmacOS, Windows, Browser extension
FreedomFree plan · from $3.33/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
FocusFree trial · from $49 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
SelfControlFreeFreemacOS
Focus BearFree plan · from $9.99/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android

How each one differs from FocusMe

  1. Cold Turkey Blocker

    Website and app blocker for Windows and Mac with strict locks

    • Cold Turkey Blocker starts at $45 one-time purchase (Blocker Pro). FocusMe starts at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime.
    • Only FocusMe lists Linux, Android and iOS apps.
    • FocusMe also covers tasks and time tracking.

    Suits: People who talk themselves out of softer blockers mid-session

  2. Freedom

    Website and app blocker that runs across computers and phones

    • Freedom starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99). FocusMe starts at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime.
    • Only FocusMe lists a Linux app.
    • Freedom also covers focus music.
    • FocusMe also covers tasks, Pomodoro timer and time tracking.

    Suits: People who want one blocking session to cover a computer and a phone together

  3. Focus

    Mac app that blocks distracting websites and apps on a schedule

    • Focus starts at $49 one-time purchase (Focus 2); the older Focus 1 is $29. FocusMe starts at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime.
    • FocusMe has a free plan. Focus does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only FocusMe lists Windows, Linux, Android and iOS apps.
    • Only FocusMe lists a browser extension.
    • Focus also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users who want websites and apps blocked on a fixed schedule

  4. SelfControl

    Free Mac app that blocks distracting sites until a timer ends

    • SelfControl is free. FocusMe starts at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime.
    • Only FocusMe lists Windows, Linux, Android and iOS apps.
    • Only FocusMe lists a browser extension.
    • SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
    • FocusMe can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who want a free blocker they cannot switch off mid-block

  5. Focus Bear

    Distraction blocker and guided routines built for ADHD brains

    • Focus Bear starts at $9.99 / month, billed monthly. FocusMe starts at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime.
    • Only FocusMe lists a Linux app.
    • Only FocusMe lists a browser extension.
    • FocusMe can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Focus Bear also covers focus music and habit tracking.

    Suits: People with ADHD or autism who want guided routines, not only a blocker

Limits worth knowing in FocusMe

  • Monthly and yearly prices are filled in by the payment provider when the pricing page loads; its text states only plans from $9.95 a month and $249 for lifetime.
  • The US App Store lists in-app subscriptions at $3.99 and $15.99 a month and $24.99 and $119.99 a year, without saying what each one covers.
  • The desktop apps have no free tier once the 14-day trial ends; only the Android and iOS apps can be used without paying.
  • On Android, uninstall protection exists only in the direct-download version, not the Play Store one, and plan sync for Android is still in development.
FocusMe pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to FocusMe?

The alternatives to FocusMe in this directory are Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom, Focus, SelfControl and Focus Bear. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with FocusMe.

Is there a free alternative to FocusMe?

Yes. SelfControl is free to use. Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom and Focus Bear have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Is there an open-source alternative to FocusMe?

SelfControl is described as open source on its own site.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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