Best Website Blockers for Focus: A Brutally Honest Comparison (2026)
A real comparison of popular website blockers including Cold Turkey, Freedom, BlockSite, and more. Find out which one actually works when willpower fails.
Best Website Blockers for Focus: A Brutally Honest Comparison (2026)
Let's be real: you've probably tried to block distracting websites before.
Maybe you installed an extension, felt productive for a day, then figured out how to disable it when you really wanted to check Reddit. Sound familiar?
Most website blockers fail because they're too easy to turn off. When your willpower is low and the urge to check social media is high, a simple "disable extension" is all that stands between you and a 45-minute distraction spiral.
So which blockers actually work? I tested 6 popular options to find out.
What Makes a Good Website Blocker?
Before we compare tools, let's define what actually matters:
Must-Have Features
- ✅ Hard to bypass - The whole point is to stop you when your willpower fails
- ✅ Works during focus sessions - Blocks should be temporary, not permanent
- ✅ Quick to set up - Complex tools get abandoned
- ✅ Includes common distractions - Social media, YouTube, Reddit, news
Nice-to-Have Features
- ✨ Blocks short-form content specifically - Hide YouTube Shorts without blocking all of YouTube
- ✨ Syncs with focus timer - Automatically blocks when you start working
- ✨ Mobile blocking - Distractions don't stop at your laptop
- ✨ Analytics - See how much time you're actually saving
The Website Blockers We Tested
| Tool | Price | Platforms | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| InfiniteArc | Free / $4.99/mo | Chrome, Web | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cold Turkey | $39 (one-time) | Windows, Mac | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Freedom | $8.99/mo | All platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| BlockSite | Free / $3.99/mo | Chrome, Mobile | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| StayFocusd | Free | Chrome only | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Leechblock | Free | Firefox only | ⭐⭐⭐ |
1. InfiniteArc - Best Overall
Price: Free tier available / Premium $4.99/mo
Platforms: Chrome extension + web app
What It Does
InfiniteArc isn't just a blocker - it's a complete focus system. It combines a Pomodoro timer with website blocking and gamification.
When you start a focus session, your blocked sites become inaccessible. No "are you sure?" dialogs. No easy disable button. They're just... blocked.
What Makes It Different
Short-form content eraser: This is huge. Instead of blocking all of YouTube or Instagram, it hides just the addictive short-form content (Shorts, Reels, TikTok) while keeping the useful parts accessible.
Built-in Pomodoro timer: Blocking kicks in automatically when you start a session. No separate app needed.
Medieval gamification: You earn ranks and complete "quests" as you focus. Sounds gimmicky, but it actually works. The sense of progress makes focusing more satisfying.
Pros
- Free tier includes core blocking features
- Short-form eraser (unique feature)
- Syncs blocking with focus sessions
- Actually hard to bypass during sessions
- Works with Google Calendar and Slack
Cons
- Chrome only (for now)
- Premium needed for unlimited blocked sites
Best For
People who want an all-in-one solution that combines timer + blocking + motivation.
2. Cold Turkey - Best for Maximum Strictness
Price: $39 one-time (free version available)
Platforms: Windows, Mac
What It Does
Cold Turkey is the nuclear option. When you schedule a block, even uninstalling the app won't bypass it. It's as close to "unbreakable" as blocking software gets.
What Makes It Different
The paid version ("Cold Turkey Blocker Pro") includes "Frozen Turkey" mode - you can lock yourself out of your entire computer except for specific allowed apps.
Pros
- Extremely hard to bypass
- One-time purchase
- Powerful scheduling features
- Desktop-level blocking (not just browser)
Cons
- No mobile app
- No Pomodoro timer built in
- The strictness can feel punishing
- No gamification or positive reinforcement
Best For
People who need the most extreme blocking possible and don't mind a harsh approach.
3. Freedom - Best Multi-Device Solution
Price: $8.99/mo or $39.99/year
Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome
What It Does
Freedom blocks distracting apps and websites across all your devices at once. Start a block session on your laptop, and your phone gets blocked too.
What Makes It Different
Cross-platform sync is Freedom's killer feature. Most blockers only work on one device, so you just grab your phone when the urge hits. Freedom prevents that.
Pros
- Works on all devices simultaneously
- Clean, modern interface
- Schedule blocks in advance
- Focus sounds feature
Cons
- Subscription only (no free tier)
- Can be buggy on some devices
- No gamification
- No integrated timer
Best For
People who need to block distractions on multiple devices at once.
4. BlockSite - Best Free Option
Price: Free / Premium $3.99/mo
Platforms: Chrome, Firefox, iOS, Android
What It Does
Basic website blocking with a clean interface. Add sites to your blocklist, and they get blocked.
Pros
- Free tier is actually usable
- Mobile apps available
- Simple setup
Cons
- Very easy to bypass (just disable the extension)
- Ads in free version
- No timer integration
- Limited analytics
Best For
People who just need basic blocking and don't fight the urge too hard.
5. StayFocusd - Best for Time Limits
Price: Free
Platforms: Chrome
What It Does
Instead of blocking sites completely, StayFocusd gives you a "budget" of time on distracting sites per day. Once you use up your 10 minutes of Reddit, it's blocked.
What Makes It Different
The "Nuclear Option" feature does allow total blocking for a set time period.
Pros
- Completely free
- Time budget approach is more flexible
- Has existed for years (stable)
Cons
- Chrome only
- Easy to bypass
- Outdated interface
- No mobile support
Best For
People who want to limit (not eliminate) distraction time.
6. LeechBlock - Best for Firefox Users
Price: Free
Platforms: Firefox
What It Does
Similar to StayFocusd but for Firefox. Flexible blocking rules and scheduling.
Pros
- Free and open source
- Very customizable
- Active development
Cons
- Firefox only
- Easy to bypass
- Complex setup
- No mobile support
Best For
Firefox users who want free, customizable blocking.
Which Website Blocker Should You Choose?
Here's my honest recommendation based on what you need:
Choose InfiniteArc if:
- You want blocking + timer in one app
- You're distracted by YouTube Shorts / TikTok specifically
- Gamification / positive reinforcement motivates you
- You want a free tier that actually works
Choose Cold Turkey if:
- You need the most extreme blocking possible
- You've bypassed other blockers before
- You prefer one-time purchase over subscription
Choose Freedom if:
- You need to block on multiple devices at once
- Phone distractions are your main problem
- Cross-platform sync is essential
Choose BlockSite if:
- You just need basic blocking
- Budget is your main concern
- You have decent self-control (just need a reminder)
The Truth About Website Blockers
Here's what nobody tells you: no blocker is unbeatable if you're determined enough.
You can always uninstall extensions, use a different browser, or grab your phone. The goal isn't an unbreakable cage - it's adding enough friction to break the habit loop.
The best blocker is the one that:
- Is hard enough to bypass that you won't bother in the moment
- Is easy enough to use that you actually use it
- Fits your workflow (ideally with a timer)
For most people, that's a combination of a Chrome blocker + phone in another room. Simple, but it works.
Ready to Actually Block Distractions?
The best time to install a website blocker is before you need it.
Try InfiniteArc's free distraction blocker →
Start your first focus session, and watch those distracting sites disappear.