AppBlock vs FocusMe
AppBlock
appblock.appFocusMe
focusme.comSide by side
| Figure | AppBlock | FocusMe |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Distraction Blocking Software | 8.2 (#6) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.2 (#9) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Spec score · Focus Tools | 8.2 (#7) | 8.3 (#6) |
| Headquarters | Červený Kostelec, Czechia | London, United Kingdom |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says core blocking, configured rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally and are not accessible to the operator, subject to stated exceptions. | The privacy policy says optional usage data may include block lists, rules, browsing history, and app usage, and identifies analytics tracking through the desktop application and browser extensions. |
| Purpose | AppBlock helps manage screen time and block distracting apps, websites, URLs, and keywords. | FocusMe blocks distracting websites and apps, sets time limits, and locks focus plans to help users stay focused. |
| Support | The site links to Android, iOS, and extension help pages, contact support, and feature requests, and invites users to join its Discord community. | FocusMe says it usually replies to contact form messages within 24 hours and processes subscription cancellations and refund requests within 24 hours. |
Plans
FocusMe
- Lifetime$249, paid once
- MonthlyPrice not published
- YearlyPrice not published
In their own words
AppBlock
AppBlock helps manage screen time by blocking distracting apps, websites, URLs, and keywords. Users can create profiles that start automatically by time, day, location, or connected Wi-Fi. Strict Mode makes blocks harder to bypass and includes Cooldown and third-party approval options. Usage limits, app and website tracking, and reports show screen-time habits over time. Allowlist Mode blocks everything except selected essential apps. The iOS feature list includes schedules, Strict Mode, Quick Block, Allowlist, approval access, and Pomodoro sessions. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Brave offer Quick Block and scheduled website blocking. The maker presents uses for work, students, parents, ADHD, mental health, and well-being. Its privacy policy says core blocking rules, screen content read for blocking, and detailed usage statistics are processed locally, subject to stated exceptions. Installed-app package names are sent to servers for category-based blocking, and backups upload blocking configuration when that feature is used. The Free plan costs nothing and has platform-specific limits; a 7-day trial is listed.
FocusMe
FocusMe blocks websites and apps to help users manage distractions across desktop and mobile devices. Blocking can target websites, apps, keywords, or categories across more than 15 browsers, or use Whitelist Mode to allow only selected items. Focus plans can set daily or hourly budgets, limit launches, enforce breaks, and schedule sessions; sessions can also be locked. Protection options include password protection, random challenges, Enforced Mode, and accountability partners. Its AI Coach analyzes progress and offers insights and actions. The Android and iOS apps are free to download and include blocking, schedules, and time limits. Premium syncs plans between Windows, Mac, and iPhone; Android sync is in development. Chrome and Firefox extensions offer enhanced URL detection and faster blocking, and an Edge extension is listed. FocusMe has a free plan and a 14-day trial, with paid plans from $9.95/mo; its lifetime option costs $249, paid once. A license covers up to five Windows or macOS computers and two mobile devices.