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Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps

StayFree vs FocusMe

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score StayFree #6 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit StayFree
FocusMe #7 in Screen Time Management Apps 8.7/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit FocusMe

StayFree 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 scoreStayFree · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly StayFree
  • Free trialonly FocusMe
  • Most featuresStayFree · 4 of 4

StayFree scores higher on our rubric for screen time management apps: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

StayFree offers free plan; FocusMe doesn't.

StayFree is the better fit for free cross-platform usage tracking and limits. FocusMe is the better fit for power users needing granular enforcement.

  • StayFree fits best

    Free cross-platform usage tracking and limits

  • FocusMe fits best

    Power users needing granular enforcement

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Side by side

Feature StayFree 8.8/10 Visit ↗ FocusMe 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #6 in Screen Time Management Apps #7 in Screen Time Management Apps
Best for Free cross-platform usage tracking and limits Power users needing granular enforcement
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan $9.95/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome extension
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features StayFree 4/4 · FocusMe 0/4
Usage reports ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Application limits ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Scheduled limits ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Focus sessions ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Devices included Not checked yet 7 devices
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Wear OS Not checked yet
Usage history retention Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Covers web, desktop, mobile, browsers, and Wear OS
  • Combines usage charts, limits, blocking, and scheduled focus mode
  • Supports synchronization, overuse reminders, sleep mode, and CSV export
  • Targets websites, apps, games, keywords, categories, and regular expressions
  • Combines schedules, time limits, launch limits, and enforced breaks
  • Adds Enforced Mode, accountability tools, statistics, and AI recommendations
Cons
  • CSV is the listed format for usage-data exports
  • Controls focus on apps and websites rather than broader device management
  • Managing coverage across platforms may require multiple apps or extensions
  • The iPhone app requires iOS 16 or later
  • Paid plans start at $9.95 a month billed yearly ($17.95 monthly)
  • Advanced controls may be more than casual users need
Our verdict

StayFree is a screen time management app for people who want to understand and reduce device usage across phones, computers, browsers, and Wear OS. It records app and website activity, presents usage history through charts and statistics,…

Read the review →

FocusMe is a distraction-blocking application for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iPhone, with a Chrome extension. It is aimed at professionals, students, developers, parents, and other individuals who want stronger control over…

Read the review →
  1. StayFreeScreen Time Management Apps 8.8Free plan
  2. FocusMeScreen Time Management Apps 8.714-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • StayFree — where it wins

    • Covers web, desktop, mobile, browsers, and Wear OS
    • Combines usage charts, limits, blocking, and scheduled focus mode
    • Supports synchronization, overuse reminders, sleep mode, and CSV export

    Where it doesn't

    • CSV is the listed format for usage-data exports
    • Controls focus on apps and websites rather than broader device management
    • Managing coverage across platforms may require multiple apps or extensions

  • FocusMe — where it wins

    • Targets websites, apps, games, keywords, categories, and regular expressions
    • Combines schedules, time limits, launch limits, and enforced breaks
    • Adds Enforced Mode, accountability tools, statistics, and AI recommendations

    Where it doesn't

    • The iPhone app requires iOS 16 or later
    • Paid plans start at $9.95 a month billed yearly ($17.95 monthly)
    • Advanced controls may be more than casual users need

More comparisons

All screen time management apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update