Alternatives roundup · Reviewed July 11, 2026
StayFocusd Alternatives
StayFocusd is a free Chrome extension with a strict Nuclear Option whitelist mode. If it has stopped working, the failure mode is rarely "the Chrome extension is bad." It is usually "I switch to another browser to bypass it" or "my real problem is my phone, not my laptop." The alternatives below cover both gaps: cross-browser desktop blockers and mobile-side enforcement tools. Six options.
#1 · Best for: Free, multi-browser, more granular than StayFocusd
LeechBlock NG
Free Firefox, Chrome, Edge
LeechBlock NG is a free, open-source browser extension that runs on Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. More granular than StayFocusd: multiple block sets, time-of-day rules, time-budget rules, and password protection on settings. The direct upgrade for users who like StayFocusd's mechanism but want richer rules across more browsers.
Pros
- + Free and open source
- + Multi-browser coverage (Firefox, Chrome, Edge)
- + Highly granular rules
- + Password protection on settings
Cons
- - Browser only, no apps
- - No mobile coverage
- - Settings UI takes longer to learn than StayFocusd
#2 · Best for: OS-level desktop strictness, not just browser
Cold Turkey
Free + $39 once Pro Windows, macOS
Cold Turkey is the desktop escalation from StayFocusd. Instead of running as a Chrome extension that can be bypassed by switching browsers, Cold Turkey blocks at the OS level. Frozen Turkey mode is the strictest desktop block in the category. $39 once for Pro lifetime, with a useful free tier. The right answer if your StayFocusd bypass habit is "open the same site in Safari."
Pros
- + OS-level blocking, not bypassed by switching browsers
- + Genuinely the strictest desktop blocker
- + $39 once instead of subscription
- + Useful free tier
Cons
- - No mobile coverage
- - Older settings UI than newer competitors
- - Windows and macOS only
#3 · Best for: Cross-device blocking with synced lists
Freedom
$8.99/mo or ~$40/yr iOS, Mac, Win, Android, Chrome
Freedom is the cross-device escalation from StayFocusd. Same website-blocking core but synced across browsers, desktops, and phones with Locked Mode for strict sessions. The right answer if you keep bypassing StayFocusd by switching browsers or moving to your phone. Subscription-only, but the cross-device reach addresses the "I just open Twitter on my iPhone" workaround.
Pros
- + Cross-device coverage including mobile
- + Locked Mode for strict sessions
- + Mature website-blocking story
- + Synced block lists across devices
Cons
- - Subscription-only (StayFocusd is free)
- - iOS coverage is weaker than desktop
- - Override path exists outside Locked Mode
ScreenFine is the mobile-side answer if StayFocusd has shown you that the real distraction has shifted to your phone. A daily total cap on your iPhone with target apps locking on overage and a verified-exercise redemption window. Built on Apple's FamilyControls API. Different surface than StayFocusd entirely. Run both if both surfaces are problems.
Pros
- + iOS-native app blocking (no browser extension equivalent)
- + Real consequence on overage
- + 1-week behavioural redemption window
- + AI villain personalises the consequence
- + Wall of Shame and partner mode
Cons
- - iOS only
- - No browser or desktop coverage
- - $1/week subscription (StayFocusd is free)
- - 7-day trial only
SelfControl is a free macOS app that blocks websites at the system level for a duration you set. Once started, the block cannot be ended (not by restarting, not by uninstalling). Strictest free option for Mac users. Single-purpose and open source. The right answer if StayFocusd's "Nuclear Option" is good but you want OS-level blocking instead of Chrome-only.
Pros
- + Completely free
- + Cannot be ended once started
- + Open source
- + Dead-simple, single-purpose
Cons
- - macOS only
- - Websites only
- - No scheduling, only timed blocks
- - Dated UI
#6 · Best for: Polished mobile-first blocker
Opal
$80-100/yr iOS, Android, macOS
Opal is the most polished mobile-first blocker if your StayFocusd usage has shown you that the real distraction is mobile, not desktop. Scheduled focus sessions, per-app limits, friend leaderboards. Pricier than the other options here, with the cleanest UI in the category. Cross-platform across iOS, Android, and macOS.
Pros
- + Most polished UI in the friction category
- + Strong iOS coverage
- + Per-app limits and scheduled blocks
- + Friend leaderboards
Cons
- - Among the most expensive options
- - Override is one tap away
- - Weaker desktop story than browser-extension competitors
