Alternatives · Focus
SelfControl alternatives
SelfControl compared with 6 alternatives: Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom, Focus, LeechBlock NG, FocusMe and 1 more.
SelfControl is free to use. 4 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| SelfControlThis tool | Free | Free | macOS |
| Cold Turkey Blocker | Free plan · from $45 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Browser extension |
| Freedom | Free plan · from $3.33/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Focus | Free trial · from $49 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| LeechBlock NG | Free | Free | Browser extension |
| FocusMe | Free plan · from $9.95/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| HazeOver | Free trial · from $4.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from SelfControl
- Free plan · from $45 one-time
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). SelfControl is free.
- Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a Windows app.
- Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a browser extension.
- Cold Turkey Blocker can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who talk themselves out of softer blockers mid-session
- Free plan · from $3.33/mo
Freedom
Website and app blocker that runs across computers and phones
- Freedom starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99). SelfControl is free.
- Only Freedom lists Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Only Freedom lists a browser extension.
- Freedom can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who want one blocking session to cover a computer and a phone together
- Free trial · from $49 one-time
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. SelfControl is free.
- SelfControl has a free plan. Focus does not, though it has a free trial.
- Focus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
- Focus also covers Pomodoro timer, time tracking and menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who want websites and apps blocked on a fixed schedule
- Free
LeechBlock NG
Free browser extension that blocks time-wasting sites on a schedule
- LeechBlock NG is free. SelfControl is free.
- Only LeechBlock NG lists a browser extension.
- Only SelfControl lists a macOS app.
Suits: People who want a free site blocker inside the browser they already use
- Free plan · from $9.95/mo
FocusMe
Website and app blocker with hard-to-bypass enforced plans
- FocusMe starts at $9.95 / month (per the pricing page title); $249 lifetime. SelfControl is free.
- Only FocusMe lists Windows, Linux, Android and iOS apps.
- Only FocusMe lists a browser extension.
- FocusMe can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who tend to switch off or uninstall their own blocker
- Free trial · from $4.99 one-time
HazeOver
Mac utility that dims every window except the active one
- HazeOver starts at $4.99 one-time purchase. SelfControl is free.
- SelfControl has a free plan. HazeOver does not, though it has a free trial.
- HazeOver can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
- HazeOver also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Large or multiple displays, where the active window is easy to lose
Limits worth knowing in SelfControl
- macOS only: the project's FAQ says there are no plans for Windows, Linux or iOS versions.
- A running block cannot be ended early, and the app has no built-in scheduling or recurring blocks.
- Blocks do not work properly over a VPN, and Firefox has to be quit and restarted after each block starts.
- It is maintained by volunteers, almost entirely one person, and the FAQ warns that support replies can take months.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to SelfControl?
The alternatives to SelfControl in this directory are Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom, Focus, LeechBlock NG, FocusMe and HazeOver. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SelfControl.
Is there a free alternative to SelfControl?
Yes. LeechBlock NG is free to use. Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom and FocusMe have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which SelfControl alternatives work on Windows?
The SelfControl listing does not include a Windows app. Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom and FocusMe list one.
Which SelfControl alternatives work on Linux?
The SelfControl listing does not include a Linux app. FocusMe lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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