“Out of all the website/procrastination blockers which I tried (Freedom, ColdTurkey, HeyFocus, LeechblockNG, etc) this one is the only one which has everything!”
Filip J. via Trustpilot
Head-to-head comparison
FocusMe vs SelfControl: Feature Comparison (2026)
SelfControl is a free, open-source macOS app that blocks websites for a set period. FocusMe is a full-featured blocker for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. Here’s how they compare.
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Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | FocusMe | SelfControl |
|---|---|---|
| Website Blocking | ✓ All browsers | ✓ All browsers |
| Application Blocking | ✓ Any app or game | ✗ |
| Game Blocking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Flexible Time Limits | ✓ Per-site & per-app budgets | ✗ Timer only |
| Launch Limits | ✓ Restrict how often apps open | ✗ |
| Automatic Scheduling | ✓ Highly flexible | ✗ Manual start only |
| Enforced Screen Breaks | ✓ Full-screen overlay with skip protection | ✗ |
| Pause Limits | ✓ Daily count & duration caps | ✗ No pause: all or nothing |
| Enforced Mode | ✓ | ✓ Survives restarts & deletion |
| Uninstall Protection | ✓ | ✓ Blocks survive app deletion |
| Password Protection | ✓ Multiple options | ✗ |
| Random Character Challenge | ✓ Configurable length | ✗ |
| Stop Delay | ✓ Configurable wait period | ✗ Cannot stop at all |
| AI Productivity Coach | ✓ Daily/weekly reports | ✗ |
| Block YouTube Shorts & Reels | ✓ Without blocking YouTube itself | ✗ |
| CLI Plan Control | ✓ Start/stop from terminal | ✗ |
| Plan Library & Templates | ✓ Community plans | ✗ |
| Usage Tracking | ✓ AI-powered insights | ✗ |
| Windows Support | ✓ | ✗ macOS only |
| Linux Support | ✓ | ✗ macOS only |
| Android App | ✓ | ✗ |
| iOS App | ✓ | ✗ |
| Price | $17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once | Free & open source |
Key Differences
Simple Timer vs Full Blocker
SelfControl does one thing well: it blocks a list of websites for a set time and cannot be stopped. FocusMe is a full productivity suite with app blocking, flexible time limits, scheduling, screen breaks, AI coaching, and much more. SelfControl has no scheduling, no time limits per site, no app blocking, and no analytics.
Enforced Blocking
SelfControl’s enforced blocking is genuinely strong: blocks survive restarts and even deleting the app. However, it’s all-or-nothing: you can’t pause, adjust, or stop a session once started. FocusMe’s Enforced Mode is similarly strong but more flexible: you can configure password protection, random challenges, stop delays, and pause limits to find the right balance.
Platform Support
SelfControl is macOS only. FocusMe works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. If you switch platforms or need blocking on multiple devices, FocusMe has you covered.
When SelfControl is the Right Choice
SelfControl is free and open source. If you’re on a Mac, only need basic website blocking, and want the simplest possible tool with strong enforcement, SelfControl is excellent. But if you need app blocking, scheduling, time limits, screen breaks, or support beyond macOS, FocusMe is the upgrade.
What Users Say
“I’ve used K9, Mobicip, Cold Turkey, Freedom, you name it. None of those products even come close to FocusMe.”
Terry G. via Trustpilot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FocusMe better than SelfControl?
FocusMe is far more feature-rich: it blocks apps and games, has flexible time limits, scheduling, screen breaks, AI coaching, and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. SelfControl is a simple, free macOS-only timer with strong enforcement but no flexibility or additional features.
Does SelfControl work on Windows?
No. SelfControl is macOS only. FocusMe works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
How does FocusMe’s pricing compare to SelfControl?
SelfControl is free and open source. FocusMe is $17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once for 5 computers and 2 mobile devices, and adds app blocking, flexible scheduling, screen breaks, AI coaching and every platform. FocusMe offers a 14-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. SelfControl was checked on selfcontrolapp.com on 14 October 2026.
See it for yourself
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