FocusLock vs Freedom
FocusLock
tryfocuslock.com
Freedom
freedom.toSide by side
| Figure | FocusLock | Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Distraction Blocking Software | 7.4 (#23) | 9.0 (#1) |
| App blocking | It can block apps by process name, and its process-check loop runs every two seconds. | Freedom can block desktop apps on Mac and Windows as well as apps on mobile platforms. |
| Privacy | Focus profiles, session history, block lists, statistics, and settings are stored locally, and the privacy policy says FocusLock has no crash reporting or day-to-day activity tracking. | The company says desktop and mobile blocking runs locally and that browsing or app activity is not logged or transmitted by the blockers. |
| Purpose | FocusLock is an OS-level distraction blocker that blocks websites and apps across the computer. | Freedom blocks distracting apps, websites, or the entire internet to help people focus. |
| Support | The maker invites users to report issues or contribute through GitHub and offers optional donations through Ko-fi. | Users can contact support through the account messenger or email, and the help page describes an automated first response with an option to request a human agent. |
| Website blocking | It blocks sites through the OS hosts file, so the blocks apply across browsers without an extension or per-browser setup. | Users can block distracting websites using selected or custom blocklists. |
Plans
Freedom
- FreeFree
- Premium (monthly)$8.99 a month
- Premium (yearly)$40 a year
- Forever$99.50, paid once
In their own words
FocusLock
FocusLock has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Freedom
Freedom blocks distracting apps, websites or internet access to help people focus. It supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with blocking sessions and schedules that sync across supported devices, including Chromebook. Users can set sessions in advance or have them recur automatically; Locked Mode prevents ending a session early. Website Exceptions let Mac and Windows users allow selected sites while blocking others, but are not supported on iOS, Android or Chromebook. Freedom also offers focus music and ambient sounds, including tracks from Brain.fm. The free plan includes blocking, multi-device sync, custom blocklists and limited features. Premium adds scheduling, advance and recurring sessions, Locked Mode, unlimited sessions and partner perks. Premium costs $3.33 per year when billed yearly or $8.99 per month; a Forever option is $99.50 as a one-time payment. A 7-day trial is listed. Freedom says it does not track browsing, app usage or personal activity.