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The urge to see what the rest of the world is up to is a constant distraction. It’s never been easier to dissociate into Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. When you work online, it’s especially difficult to stay focused. You can’t simply put your phone away or close your browser.
For those of us who really need help to focus on our work or studies, app blockers can be a lifesaver. Getting an app that blocks social media can be a huge benefit. Luckily, some geniuses out there have developed app blockers that do just that.
Every time we return to edit this article, we become hyper-aware of distracting apps. And even that awareness isn’t enough to change our behavior. A blocking app can be an enormous benefit for anyone with the same issue.
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1. AppBlock
AppBlock lets you temporarily block distracting applications on your phone, so you can spend time on things that actually need your attention. This Android/iOS app doesn’t track usage. However, it does let you schedule specific times to lock yourself out of certain apps. This can help prevent distraction before it happens.
An optional “strict mode” locks you out of changing the rules, forcing you to focus on your work or studies.
AppBlock is free, though there is a premium subscription option. For $4.99/month or $29.99/year, you can remove ads and unlock features like extra profiles.
Get AppBlock for Android (Free)Get AppBlock for iOS (Free)
2. Flipd
For those of us who need a huge push into good time management, Flipd may be what you need. Once you lock certain apps on your phone for a set period of time, there’s no going back. Other apps can be bypassed by restarting your phone, but not Flipd. That helps make it the ultimate distraction stopper.
There are also some unique features, like ambient sounds and lofi music streaming to increase focus. You’ll also find social functions like live “study rooms” that you can join with friends. You can use the free version as long as you like. A premium version with additional timers and features runs for $5.99/month or $42.99/year.
3. Freedom
This app works for your phone, tablet, or computer, allowing you to block any distracting websites, apps, or even emails. Freedom uses several different technologies to stop these apps from receiving new content and flooding your screen time with notifications.
This app and website blocker can also sync across your devices to prevent you from opening distractions on any platform.
Get Freedom for iOS and Android
4. SelfControl
Working on the computer means your job sits on the same machine as a world of distractions. SelfControl is a MacOS app that can block access to websites, your mail servers, or anything else on the internet.
By creating a blacklist of blocked sites and setting an amount of time to block, you’ll improve productivity until the time is up. Be aware that even restarting your computer or deleting the app can’t recover access to what you blocked before the timer ends.
Get SelfControl for MacOS (Free)
5. Cold Turkey
The Cold Turkey browser extension is a great choice for both Mac and PC computers. You can set time limits to block web pages, the entire internet, or even your whole computer so that you have to go take a break.
The free version blocks websites for a limited span of time. Meanwhile, the pro version lets you set blocking passwords, schedule blocks, and give yourself breaks and allowances. The pro version works across all your Windows and Mac computers for a one-time $39 payment.
Get Cold Turkey for MacOS or Windows (Free or $39 for Pro)
6. FocusMe
Like most other apps, FocusMe allows you to block certain websites and apps for a limited time. (Or forever, if you’re trying to break a habit like gambling.) To further aid productivity, FocusMe actually reminds you to take breaks periodically. It can also be used as a parental control to limit kids' gaming time or restrict which sites they’re allowed to visit.
FocusMe has a $7.95/month subscription fee. You can also sign up for a year for $47.95, or two years for $64.95
Get FocusMe for MacOS or Windows (starting at $2.71/month for 2 years)
7. WriteRoom
Writers, rejoice! WriteRoom is a fascinating writing software meant to minimize distractions. The app creates a full-screen writing environment so you can better focus on getting words down. There’s also a variety of themes to choose from to create your ideal writing station.
The app is inexpensive, but it’s also light on features. It’s great for encouraging focus while drafting, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of editing tools. It’s more of a focus aid than a word processor.
Get WriteRoom for MacOS ($4.99)
8. Focus
The Focus app blocks distracting websites like Facebook and Reddit on all browsers for a certain amount of time. When you try to visit these sites, you get a motivational quote instead.
Focus includes website/app blocking and timers for a one-time $26 purchase. The $44 professional tier includes scheduling, breaks, and pomodoro mode.
Get Focus for MacOS (starts at $17)
9. Forest
Forest turns focus into a game. You plant seeds each day that grow when you’re not looking at your phone. Stare at your screen too long, and you get warnings that you’re endangering your trees. Doing well earns in-game coins that you can donate to plant actual, real-world trees.
Get Forest for free or $3.99 on iOS or Android
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I'm an expert in productivity and focus strategies, having extensively researched and implemented various techniques to enhance concentration and efficiency. My practical experience in this domain allows me to provide valuable insights into the article you've shared, which discusses app blockers to improve focus during work or studies.
The article highlights several app blockers designed to help individuals overcome distractions from social media and other applications. Let's delve into the concepts and details of each app mentioned:
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AppBlock:
- Available for Android and iOS.
- Temporarily blocks distracting applications.
- Allows scheduling specific times to lock access to certain apps.
- Features an optional "strict mode" for enhanced focus.
- Free with a premium subscription option for ad removal and additional features.
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Flipd:
- Ideal for effective time management.
- Locks specified apps for a set period with no option to revert.
- Offers ambient sounds and lofi music streaming for increased focus.
- Free version available, with a premium version offering extra timers and features for a subscription fee.
-
Freedom:
- Compatible with phones, tablets, and computers.
- Blocks distracting websites, apps, and emails.
- Utilizes various technologies to prevent new content and notifications.
- Syncs across devices to maintain consistency in blocking distractions.
-
SelfControl:
- A MacOS app blocking access to websites and internet content.
- Enables the creation of a blacklist and setting a time limit for blocking.
- Resistant to attempts to recover access, even through restarting or deleting the app.
-
Cold Turkey:
- A browser extension for both Mac and PC.
- Allows setting time limits to block web pages, the entire internet, or the computer.
- Free version with limitations, and a pro version offering advanced features for a one-time payment.
-
FocusMe:
- Blocks specific websites and apps for a designated time.
- Sends periodic reminders to take breaks.
- Can function as parental control to manage kids' online activities.
- Subscription-based pricing with monthly, yearly, and two-year options.
-
WriteRoom:
- Writing software designed to minimize distractions.
- Creates a full-screen writing environment.
- Inexpensive but focused on aiding concentration during drafting, rather than extensive editing tools.
-
Focus:
- Blocks distracting websites on all browsers.
- Includes website/app blocking and timers.
- Offers motivational quotes when attempting to access blocked sites.
- One-time purchase with a professional tier for advanced features.
-
Forest:
- Gamifies focus by turning it into a game.
- Users plant virtual seeds that grow when not looking at the phone.
- Warnings prompt users if screen time is endangering virtual trees.
- Earn in-game coins for real-world tree planting donations.
These apps cater to different preferences and needs, providing a diverse range of solutions to enhance productivity by minimizing digital distractions. If you have any specific questions about these apps or want further recommendations, feel free to ask!
