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Head-to-head · Screen Time Management Apps

StayFree vs FocusMe

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
StayFree #6 in Screen Time Management Apps —/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit StayFree
Higher score FocusMe #7 in Screen Time Management Apps 5.8/10 Free plan · paid from $9.95/mo · 14-day trial Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit FocusMe

StayFree leads on 4 checks, FocusMe on 0, and 1 is 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 scoreFocusMe · 5.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresStayFree · 4 of 4

Our editors rank StayFree at #6 and FocusMe at #7 for screen time management apps; StayFree has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.

StayFree offers usage reports; FocusMe doesn't publish it. StayFree offers application limits; FocusMe doesn't publish it. StayFree offers scheduled limits; FocusMe doesn't publish it. StayFree offers focus sessions; FocusMe doesn't publish it.

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

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature StayFree —/10 Visit ↗ FocusMe 5.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score — 5.8
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 Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, 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 published
Application limits ✓ (best) Not published
Scheduled limits ✓ (best) Not published
Focus sessions ✓ (best) Not published
Specs
Devices included Not published 5 devices
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Wear OS Not published
Usage history retention Not published Not published
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
  • No iOS support
  • The monthly paid plan starts at $9.95
  • 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, and Android, with a Chrome extension. It is aimed at professionals, students, developers, parents, and other individuals who want stronger control over digital…

Read the review →
  1. StayFreeScreen Time Management Apps —Free plan
  2. FocusMeScreen Time Management Apps 5.8Free plan · paid from $9.95/mo · 14-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

    • No iOS support
    • The monthly paid plan starts at $9.95
    • Advanced controls may be more than casual users need
  • StayFree—/10 · Free plan

    A broad free option for tracking usage, setting limits, and blocking distractions.

    Visit StayFreeFull verdict →
  • FocusMe5.8/10 · Free plan · paid from $9.95/mo · 14-day trial

    A deep distraction blocker for power users who need firm control across supported devices.

    Visit FocusMeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All screen time management apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026