FocusMe vs Roots
FocusMe
focusme.comRoots
getroots.appSide by side
| Figure | FocusMe | Roots |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $5/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.4 (#6) | 7.7 (#20) |
| Blocking | Users can block websites, apps, keywords, or categories across 15+ browsers, and use Whitelist Mode to allow only selected items. | Roots offers app and website blocking through limits, scheduled downtime, and a stricter Monk Mode. |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Atlanta |
| Privacy | 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. | Roots says it uses Apple’s iOS Screen Time API so app usage and browsing data stays on the device and is not visible to Roots. |
| Purpose | FocusMe blocks distracting websites and apps, sets time limits, and locks focus plans to help users stay focused. | Roots describes itself as a screen-time app that helps people set phone boundaries and make more time for offline activities. |
| Support | FocusMe says it usually replies to contact form messages within 24 hours and processes subscription cancellations and refund requests within 24 hours. | Roots links to an Intercom Help Center with articles covering usage, troubleshooting, and billing and subscriptions. |
Plans
FocusMe
- Lifetime$249, paid once
- MonthlyPrice not published
- YearlyPrice not published
Roots
- Roots Plus (Monthly)$9.99 a month
- Roots Plus (Yearly)$59.99 a year
- Roots FreePrice not published
In their own words
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.
Roots
Roots is an iPhone screen-time app for setting phone boundaries and making more time for offline activities. It assigns a daily Balance Score based on phone use and visualizes progress over time. Users can block apps and websites with limits, scheduled downtime, or the stricter Monk Mode. Weekly reports and Digital Dopamine comparisons provide additional screen-time insights. Users can set goals for screen time and phone pickups, build streaks, and earn rewards. The Free plan includes a Balance Score, Scroll Replacements, Screen Time Insights, and two blockings. Roots Plus adds unlimited blockings and features including Monk Mode, Digital Dopamine, Block now, Locked Editing, uninstall protection, App Groups, Streak Rewards, and Pauses. Plus costs $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year. A 7-day free trial is offered, and customers can request a full refund within 30 days of their first payment. Roots says it uses Apple's iOS Screen Time API, keeping app usage and browsing data on the device and out of the maker's view. The app is for iOS; the maker labels its Android app as coming soon.