FocusMe vs ScreenZen
FocusMe
focusme.com
ScreenZen
screenzen.coSide by side
| Figure | FocusMe | ScreenZen |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.4 (#6) | 8.1 (#14) |
| Spec score · Distraction Blocking Software | 8.2 (#7) | 7.9 (#15) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Sonoma, California, United States |
| 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. | The maker says core app settings and blocking data are stored only on the device and that the core app collects no personally identifiable information. |
| Purpose | FocusMe blocks distracting websites and apps, sets time limits, and locks focus plans to help users stay focused. | ScreenZen blocks distracting apps and websites to help people reduce screen time. |
| Support | FocusMe says it usually replies to contact form messages within 24 hours and processes subscription cancellations and refund requests within 24 hours. | The site lists [email protected] and invites users to join its Discord community. |
Plans
FocusMe
- Lifetime$249, paid once
- MonthlyPrice not published
- YearlyPrice 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.
ScreenZen
ScreenZen blocks selected apps and websites to help people reduce screen time. Users can set daily limits, schedule focus periods, use apps mindfully and track progress; schedules and limits can also control which selected targets are blocked. Lock mode is designed to resist common workarounds and can prevent uninstalling. The core app is free and runs on Android, iOS, macOS and Windows without requiring an account. The maker says its settings and blocking data stay on the device and that the core app collects no personally identifiable information. Optional social accountability and Halo features may store account details and selected usage or Halo data in Google Firebase and cloud storage. Halo uses Bluetooth to block selected apps and websites when a device enters a chosen physical boundary. It supports unlimited iOS 16.4+ or Android 12.0+ phones and tablets, adjustable radius up to 50 ft, and custom schedules. Halo costs $49, paid once; an account is required to manage it and add users. ScreenZen’s terms require users to be at least 13 and say it is not medical or mental-health advice.