StayFree

Overview

StayFree is a screen-time tracker and control tool for people who want to see device-use patterns and set boundaries around apps and websites. It suits users who want both reports and adjustable restrictions, rather than a blocker alone. Its range of controls is a strength; combining device records requires a manual pairing step.

Key features

Usage tracking and device linking

StayFree provides usage statistics and graphs across connected devices. To bring mobile, PC and smartwatch data together, users enter a six-digit pairing code. That can give people who use several kinds of devices a broader picture of their screen time, but cross-device tracking depends on linking them rather than happening automatically.

Blocks, limits and focus

Controls include instant and scheduled blocks, daily limits and session limits. Website limits can stop further use, send a notification or display a dismissible popup, so users can choose a firm barrier or a lighter reminder. Focus Mode makes selected websites inaccessible on a schedule or when activated manually.

For social media, StayFree can hide distracting parts of a site without blocking the whole site. That is useful when someone wants access to the rest of a service, though it is not a substitute for a full block when complete separation is the goal.

Control and data management

The extension's Backup & Restore settings can export or import usage data and settings, delete history, or reset settings. PIN Protection requires a PIN to access or change significant extension settings. These controls offer practical ways to manage stored data and restrict settings access.

Pricing

StayFree is free. Its StayFree plan costs nothing and includes cross-device screen time tracking and usage control. The free plan is the straightforward fit for individuals who want those core capabilities without a paid subscription; there is no paid tier to weigh against it in this review.

The plan includes reports, application limits, scheduled limits and focus sessions. Its cross-device promise depends on pairing devices with a six-digit code. StayFree is identified as a product of ST Pulse, a Sensor Tower company.

Platforms

StayFree supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Wear OS. That breadth makes it a plausible option for people who want to track or control usage across desktop, mobile and smartwatch platforms. The extension also includes Backup & Restore and PIN Protection settings.

Who it's for

StayFree is suited to people seeking a free way to review usage and apply different levels of app and website restrictions, for work or personal use. It is especially relevant to users who want website schedules, session or daily limits, or selective social-media hiding. Those who expect connected-device statistics without a setup step should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free plan combines usage reports with app limits, scheduled limits and focus sessions, so tracking does not have to stop at observation.

Pros: Website limits offer blocking, notifications or a dismissible popup, while social-media hiding can leave the rest of a site accessible.

Pros: Support is available by email at [email protected] and through a Discord community.

Cons: Cross-device data requires users to enter a six-digit pairing code, adding setup work for anyone seeking a unified view.

Cons: A dismissible popup is a softer intervention than blocking, so it may not suit users who need a hard stop in every case.

Alternatives

Screen Time Management Apps is the broader category to browse if StayFree's combination of tracking and controls is not the right fit.

Choose Freedom instead if its free plan's multi-device sync, custom blocklists and website exceptions are the combination you want; its free plan has limited features.

one sec is an alternative with a free plan and a paid one sec pro plan at $6.99 a month, billed monthly, which includes unlimited apps, intervention types, time tracking, website blocking and block sessions.

Consider Opal if its free plan's one rule, basic timers and soundscapes, app blocking and daily Opal Score suit your needs; it supports iOS, Android and Mac.

FocusMe is another alternative; its Lifetime plan costs $249 as a one-time purchase, billed one-time, and includes core features.

Jomo is an alternative with a free plan limited to one session, one action or limit, and one screen-time budget.

Hikage is a macOS alternative with a free plan for locally recording app and website usage, daily and per-app statistics, and data export and iCloud backup.

ScreenZen offers a free core app, with optional donations supporting the project.

YourHour is an Android and iOS alternative with a free download that contains ads and in-app purchases.

Verdict

Choose StayFree if you want a free tracker that pairs reports with varied app and website controls, including scheduled focus and selective social-media hiding. Look elsewhere if your priority is automatic cross-device aggregation: StayFree requires a pairing code to connect device records.