“It’s much more flexible than others I tried (Freedom and Cold Turkey most notably), the only one I can’t get around…”
John Cremlim via Trustpilot
Head-to-head comparison
FocusMe vs StayFocusd: Feature Comparison (2026)
StayFocusd is a free Chrome extension that limits time spent on distracting websites. FocusMe is a full desktop and mobile blocker. Here’s how they compare.
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No credit card required. Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | FocusMe | StayFocusd |
|---|---|---|
| Website Blocking | ✓ All browsers | ✓ Chrome only |
| Application Blocking | ✓ Any app or game | ✗ |
| Game Blocking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Flexible Time Limits | ✓ Per-site & per-app budgets | ✓ Daily time allowance |
| Launch Limits | ✓ Restrict how often apps open | ✗ |
| Enforced Screen Breaks | ✓ Full-screen overlay with skip protection | ✗ |
| Pause Limits | ✓ Daily count & duration caps | ✗ |
| Enforced Mode | ✓ A running plan cannot be stopped or weakened | ✓ Nuclear Option (Chrome only) |
| Uninstall Protection | ✓ | ✗ Extension can be removed |
| Password Protection | ✓ Multiple options | ✗ Challenge to change settings instead |
| Random Character Challenge | ✓ Configurable length | ✓ Require Challenge for settings |
| Stop Delay | ✓ Configurable wait period | ✗ |
| AI Productivity Coach | ✓ Daily/weekly reports | ✗ |
| Block YouTube Shorts & Reels | ✓ Without blocking YouTube itself | ✓ In-page content blocking |
| CLI Plan Control | ✓ Start/stop from terminal | ✗ |
| Plan Library & Templates | ✓ Community plans | ✗ |
| Android App | ✓ | ✗ Android usage can be connected |
| iOS App | ✓ | ✗ |
| Linux Support | ✓ | ✓ Via Chrome |
| Cross-Browser Blocking | ✓ All browsers automatically | ✗ Chrome only |
| Price | $17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once | Free |
Key Differences
Chrome Extension vs Desktop App
StayFocusd only works in Chrome. Open Firefox, Edge, or any other browser and you’re unblocked. FocusMe blocks across all browsers and also blocks desktop apps and games. There’s no easy workaround.
The Nuclear Option vs Enforced Mode
StayFocusd’s Nuclear Option locks your Chrome browsing for a set period, which is effective, but only within Chrome. FocusMe’s Enforced Mode protects the whole computer with uninstall protection, random character challenges, stop delays, and password protection. You can’t just switch browsers or uninstall the app.
Screen Breaks & AI Coaching
FocusMe includes enforced screen breaks with full-screen overlays, AI coaching with personalized productivity reports, and pause limits. StayFocusd has usage history and active days and hours, but no screen breaks, pause limits or coaching.
When StayFocusd is the Right Choice
StayFocusd is free and great if Chrome is your only browser and you don’t need app blocking. Its in-page content blocking (hiding YouTube Shorts, comments, etc.) is a nice feature, and its Require Challenge makes settings harder to change on a whim. But if you need cross-browser or cross-app blocking with real bypass protection, FocusMe is the upgrade.
What Users Say
“This is THE BEST PC self-help program I have ever come across. It’s virtually impossible to get around.”
Bryan S. via Trustpilot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FocusMe better than StayFocusd?
FocusMe is far more comprehensive: it blocks apps and games, works across all browsers, has Enforced Mode with uninstall protection, enforced screen breaks, and AI coaching. StayFocusd is free and has a useful Nuclear Option, but it’s limited to Chrome with no app blocking or bypass protection beyond the browser.
Can I bypass StayFocusd?
Yes. You can open a different browser, use incognito mode, or remove the extension. StayFocusd’s Nuclear Option prevents you from changing settings within Chrome, but it can’t stop you from leaving Chrome entirely. FocusMe’s Enforced Mode blocks at the application level across all browsers with uninstall protection.
How does FocusMe’s pricing compare to StayFocusd?
StayFocusd is free, which is its biggest advantage. FocusMe is $17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once for 5 computers and 2 mobile devices, and adds cross-browser blocking, app blocking, Enforced Mode, uninstall protection, screen breaks and AI coaching. FocusMe offers a 14-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. StayFocusd was checked on its Chrome Web Store listing on 14 October 2026.
See it for yourself
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Try FocusMe FreeWorks on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. No credit card required.
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