Freedom is one of the best-known blockers, and plenty of people still go looking for something else. Usually it comes down to one of four reasons: they want a free tool, they want a stricter lock, they want something that handles Windows apps rather than just websites, or they want phone and PC to work as one. This page helps you choose by what you need rather than by whoever ranks first.
Pricing and features change. Treat the notes below as a starting point and check each product's own page before you buy.
Start with the four questions that decide it
- Which devices do you need to cover? Windows and Android only, or also Mac and iPhone?
- Do you want to pay? Some tools charge a subscription, some a one-time fee, some are free.
- How strict do you need it? Can you quit with two clicks, or is the session really locked?
- Apps or websites? Many blockers started as website blockers. If your distraction is a game launcher or a chat app, you need app-level blocking.
Where the common options fit
| Tool | Typical strength | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom | Long-running, covers many platforms, scheduled sessions across devices | Subscription pricing; how easy it is to end a session you started |
| Cold Turkey | Strong locked mode on a desktop | Desktop-focused; check what it offers on your phone |
| AppBlock, StayFree | Android-first usage limits and blocking | Strictness varies by mode; they are mainly phone tools |
| FocusPort | Free, Allowlist and Blocklist modes, Windows and Android with shared sessions | Windows version is newer and still in beta; no iPhone or Mac version |
What FocusPort offers if you are leaving Freedom
FocusPort is free with no ads. On Windows it blocks apps and websites, offers an Allowlist mode where everything not listed is closed, and disables Task Manager, closes Settings and keeps the session alive through a restart. On Android it uses an allowlist, uninstall protection and a browser guard. A session started on one device can start on the other while sync is in beta. See the Windows page for the full protections.
Where Freedom is the better choice
Be realistic about this. If you also need to block on an iPhone or a Mac, FocusPort cannot help yet. If you want a tool that has been around for many years, Freedom has the longer track record. If your problem is mostly websites on several browsers, a dedicated website blocker may serve you well. We would rather you pick the right tool than a convenient one.
A simple way to decide
- Windows and Android only, want free, want a hard lock: try FocusPort.
- Four or more platforms including Apple devices: start with a multi-platform paid tool.
- Desktop only and happy to pay once: look at the desktop-focused options.
- Not sure: run the five-minute escape test on any tool during its trial.
Do not switch tools to avoid the real problem
A new blocker gives you a week of motivation, then the same habits return. Whatever you choose, keep the allowlist short, schedule the sessions for your weakest hours and keep the phone covered as well as the PC. Read how to sync sessions between PC and phone to close that gap.
Related Reading
- Strict App Blocker for Windows: 6 Escape Routes
How to test any blocker before relying on it.
- Best App Blockers for Android in 2026
Phone-side comparison of the popular choices.
- FocusPort vs typical PC blockers
The escape-route comparison on the Windows page.