ScreenZen vs FocusMe

ScreenZen8.8Visit FocusMe8.6Visit

Higher score ScreenZen #6 in Distraction Blocking Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit ScreenZen

vs

FocusMe #8 in Distraction Blocking Software 8.6/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit FocusMe

• ScreenZen fits best

  Users wanting a capable free blocker

• FocusMe fits best

  Power users needing granular desktop controls

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	ScreenZen 8.8/10 Visit ↗	FocusMe 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.6
Ranking	#6 in Distraction Blocking Software	#8 in Distraction Blocking Software
Best for	Users wanting a capable free blocker	Power users needing granular desktop controls
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free	$9.95/mo
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	14 days
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome extension
Support	Email, Community	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo, Small business
Features ScreenZen 3/4 · FocusMe 4/4
Scheduled blocking	✓	✓
Recurring schedules	✓	✓
Locked sessions	✓	✓
Browser extensions	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
Block targets	Websites and apps	Websites and apps
Mobile apps	Ios and android	Ios and android
Devices included	Not checked yet	7 devices
Our review
Pros	Free plan covers app and website blocking with no subscription required Combines schedules, daily limits, delays, lock mode, and usage tracking Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android	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
Cons	Browser-extension coverage is a limitation Optional Halo hardware is separate from the core software No AI features	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
Our verdict	ScreenZen is a free digital-wellbeing app for people who want to reduce mindless scrolling, improve focus, or create phone-free periods. It blocks selected apps and websites, supports scheduled blocking periods and daily usage limits, and… 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

• ScreenZen — where it wins

  • Free plan covers app and website blocking with no subscription required
  • Combines schedules, daily limits, delays, lock mode, and usage tracking
  • Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

  Where it doesn't

  • Browser-extension coverage is a limitation
  • Optional Halo hardware is separate from the core software
  • No AI features

• 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

• ScreenZen8.8/10 · Free plan

  A capable free blocker for apps, websites, schedules, limits, and mindful delays.

  Visit ScreenZenFull verdict →
• FocusMe8.6/10 · 14-day trial

  A highly configurable blocker for people who need firm control over digital distractions.

  Visit FocusMeFull verdict →