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Alternatives · Focus

Session alternatives

Session compared with 12 alternatives: Forest, Rize, Toggl, Freedom, Be Focused and 7 more.

Session has a free plan. Paid plans start at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99). 9 of the 12 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.

12 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
SessionThis toolFree plan · from $3.33/moYesmacOS, iOS
ForestFree plan · from $5.99/moYesiOS, Android, Browser extension
RizeFree trial · from $9.99/moTrial onlymacOS, Windows, Browser extension
TogglFree plan · from $9/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
FreedomFree plan · from $3.33/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
Be FocusedFree plan · from $2.99/moYesmacOS, iOS
Brain.fmFree trial · from $99.99/yrTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Cold Turkey BlockerFree plan · from $45 one-timeYesmacOS, Windows, Browser extension
FlowFree plan · from $17.99/yrYesmacOS, iOS
FocusFree trial · from $49 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
Focus - Deep Work TimerFree plan · from $6.99/moYesmacOS, iOS
Focus BearFree plan · from $9.99/moYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Focus To-DoFree plan · from $1.99YesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension

How each one differs from Session

  1. Forest

    Focus timer that grows a virtual tree while you stay off apps

    • Forest starts at $5.99 / month, or from $32.49 / year (US App Store). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Only Forest lists an Android app.
    • Only Forest lists a browser extension.
    • Only Session lists a macOS app.
    • Forest also covers focus music.

    Suits: People who respond to a visual reward for staying off their phone

  2. Rize

    Automatic time tracker with focus tools and AI reports

    • Rize starts at $9.99 / month, billed annually. Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Session has a free plan. Rize does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Rize lists a Windows app.
    • Only Rize lists a browser extension.
    • Only Session lists an iOS app.

    Suits: Freelancers and agencies that bill by the hour and dislike manual timers

  3. Toggl

    Team time tracker with billing reports and capacity planning

    • Toggl starts at $9 per user / month, billed annually. Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Only Toggl lists a web app.
    • Only Toggl lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Only Toggl lists a browser extension.
    • Toggl also covers tasks, kanban boards and Gantt & timelines.

    Suits: Agencies and consultancies that bill clients by the hour

  4. Freedom

    Website and app blocker that runs across computers and phones

    • Freedom starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Only Freedom lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Only Freedom lists a browser extension.
    • Freedom can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Freedom also covers focus music.

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

  5. Be Focused

    Pomodoro timer with tasks for iPhone, iPad and Mac

    • Be Focused starts at $2.99 / month, or $19.99 / year (US App Store). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Be Focused can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Be Focused also covers tasks.
    • Session also covers time tracking.

    Suits: Apple users who want a Pomodoro timer tied to a task list

  6. Brain.fm

    Functional music for focus, relaxation, sleep and meditation

    • Brain.fm starts at $99.99 / year, billed annually. Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Session has a free plan. Brain.fm does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Brain.fm lists a web app.
    • Only Brain.fm lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Brain.fm also covers focus music.

    Suits: People who find lyrics distracting while they work

  7. 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). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a Windows app.
    • Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a browser extension.
    • Only Session lists an iOS app.
    • Cold Turkey Blocker can be bought with a one-time purchase.

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

  8. Flow

    Minimal Pomodoro timer for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch

    • Flow starts at $17.99 / year ($1.49 / month), or $2.99 monthly (US App Store). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Flow can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Flow also covers menu bar app.
    • Session also covers time tracking.

    Suits: People who work only on Apple devices and want one timer across them

  9. 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. Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Session has a free plan. Focus does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Session lists an iOS app.
    • Focus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Focus also covers menu bar app.

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

  10. Focus - Deep Work Timer

    Pomodoro timer with tasks and time tracking for Apple devices

    • Focus - Deep Work Timer starts at $6.99 / month, or $39.99 / year (US App Store). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Focus - Deep Work Timer also covers tasks and menu bar app.
    • Session also covers site & app blocker.

    Suits: Apple users who want a timer and a task list in one app

  11. Focus Bear

    Distraction blocker and guided routines built for ADHD brains

    • Focus Bear starts at $9.99 / month, billed monthly. Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Only Focus Bear lists Windows and Android apps.
    • Focus Bear also covers tasks, focus music and habit tracking.
    • Session also covers time tracking.

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

  12. Focus To-Do

    Pomodoro timer combined with a task list and time reports

    • Focus To-Do starts at $1.99 (period not shown), $3.99 / 3 months or $11.99 lifetime (US App Store). Session starts at $3.33 / month, billed yearly ($39.99).
    • Only Focus To-Do lists Android and Windows apps.
    • Only Focus To-Do lists a browser extension.
    • Focus To-Do can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Focus To-Do also covers tasks.

    Suits: People who want a Pomodoro timer and a to-do list in one app

Limits worth knowing in Session

  • Apple platforms only: macOS, iOS and iPadOS. No Windows, Android or web version is listed.
  • The free plan shows analytics for the past 2 days only, and custom session and break lengths need Pro.
  • Blocking needs Pro, and the pricing page lists website and app blocking as Mac only.
  • Real-time device sync, Slack muting and Apple Calendar event creation are Pro features.
Session pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Session?

The alternatives to Session in this directory are Forest, Rize, Toggl, Freedom, Be Focused, Brain.fm, Cold Turkey Blocker, Flow, Focus, Focus - Deep Work Timer, Focus Bear and Focus To-Do. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Session.

Is there a free alternative to Session?

Yes. Forest, Toggl, Freedom, Be Focused, Cold Turkey Blocker, Flow, Focus - Deep Work Timer, Focus Bear and Focus To-Do have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Session alternatives work on Windows?

The Session listing does not include a Windows app. Rize, Toggl, Freedom, Brain.fm, Cold Turkey Blocker, Focus Bear and Focus To-Do list one.

Which Session alternatives work on Android?

The Session listing does not include an Android app. Forest, Toggl, Freedom, Brain.fm, Focus Bear and Focus To-Do list one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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