Head-to-head · Distraction Blocking Software
Cold Turkey Blocker vs FocusMe
Cold Turkey Blocker leads on 1 check, FocusMe on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCold Turkey Blocker · 9.0/10
- Free planonly Cold Turkey Blocker
- Free trialboth
Cold Turkey Blocker scores higher on our rubric for distraction blocking software: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Cold Turkey Blocker offers free plan; FocusMe doesn't. On mobile apps, FocusMe gives you Ios and android where Cold Turkey Blocker offers None.
Cold Turkey Blocker is the better fit for desktop users needing hard-to-bypass blocks. FocusMe is the better fit for power users needing granular desktop controls.
- Cold Turkey Blocker fits best
Desktop users needing hard-to-bypass blocks
- FocusMe fits best
Power users needing granular desktop controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Cold Turkey Blocker 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | FocusMe 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #5 in Distraction Blocking Software | #8 in Distraction Blocking Software |
| Best for | Desktop users needing hard-to-bypass blocks | Power users needing granular desktop controls |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $9.95/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 7 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days | 14 days · no card needed |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Chrome extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Cold Turkey Blocker 4/4 · FocusMe 4/4 | ||
| Scheduled blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recurring schedules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Locked sessions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser extensions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Block targets | Websites and apps | Websites and apps |
| Mobile apps | None | Ios and android |
| Devices included | Not checked yet | 7 devices |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Cold Turkey Blocker is a Windows and macOS desktop application for restricting distracting websites, applications, games, searches, and computer access. It suits desktop users who want more control than a simple browser blocker,… Read the review → |
FocusMe is a distraction-blocking application for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone, and Chrome. It is designed for professionals, students, developers, parents, and other individuals who want stronger control over digital… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Cold Turkey Blocker — where it wins
- Blocks websites, applications, games, searches, and computer access
- Supports recurring schedules, timed blocks, allowances, and exceptions
- Locked blocks can prevent disabling or uninstalling
Where it doesn't
- No mobile apps or Linux support
- Application blocking and locking features require Blocker Pro
- Browser extensions are limited to supported browsers
FocusMe — where it wins
- Detailed rules for websites, apps, games, keywords, and categories
- Enforced Mode, launch limits, and scheduled blocks support firm boundaries
- Pomodoro cycles, statistics, AI reports, and accountability features add depth
Where it doesn't
- Paid access starts at $9.95 a month, billed yearly ($17.95 monthly)
- The iPhone app requires iOS 16 or later
- No free plan; after the 14-day trial a paid plan is needed
- Cold Turkey Blocker9.0/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A mature desktop blocker with hard-to-bypass controls, but no mobile or Linux support.
Visit Cold TurkeyFull verdict → - FocusMe8.6/10 · 14-day trial
A highly configurable blocker for people who need firm control over digital distractions.
Visit FocusMeFull verdict →
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- Focuser vs FocusMe
All distraction blocking software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




