Comparison

Freedom vs FocusMe

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Freedom

This app helps you block distracting apps and websites to improve focus and productivity. Schedule blocking sessions across all your devices to build better screen time habits and reclaim productive hours.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Schedule blocking sessions
  • Sync across all devices
  • Block the internet
  • Locked Mode for habit commitment
  • Focus sounds
Features
Read full description

Block distracting apps and websites so you can focus, be more productive, and build better screen time habits. We've built the world's best app and website blocker, trusted by over 3 million individuals and teams to deliver focused attention for the things that matter most. During a Freedom session, when you attempt to open an app or website on your blocklist, Freedom blocks the app from opening and displays a peaceful green screen - reminding you that you're currently free of that distraction. Freedom users report gaining an average of 2.5 hours of productive time every day. They're more fulfilled, happier with work and family life, and have a healthier relationship with their technology. Schedule a Freedom app blocking session to start automatically when you need it – for complete, seamless control over distractions. Because Freedom works across all your devices, you'll feel confident knowing you're in complete control. We call it mindful productivity. There's no limit to the number of devices (including phones, tablets, and computers) you can connect to Freedom, so you can block apps and websites regardless of where you are or what you're doing. You'll stay focused, productive, and distraction-free. "Our favorite distraction-killing app blocker." – Lifehacker "One antidote to the always-on life is Freedom…" – Time Magazine "As Freedom shows, the solution to the problems created by technology isn't anti-technology, but more and better technology." – Huffington Post "Freedom has garnered celeb fans like Dave Eggers, Nick Hornby, Seth Godin, and Nora Ephron." – Mashable PEACE OF MIND - COVER EVERY DEVICE - For one price, Freedom covers all your devices (phones, tablets, and computers) with our powerful distraction-blocking technology. TURN OFF THE NOISE - BLOCK APPS and WEBSITES - Block distracting apps and websites for as long as you want. Select from a pre-made blocklist or create a custom blocklist of your time-consuming distractions. EXPERIENCE TOTAL PEACE - BLOCK THE INTERNET - Block the internet with a single button. Enjoy peace, quiet, and focus, away from all distractions. Freedom won't block important texts or calls, so you can enjoy offline time knowing you can be reached if need be! SMART COVERAGE - SYNC ACROSS YOUR DEVICES - Distractions aren't limited to your phone! Sync block sessions to your phones, tablets, and computers. There's no limit to the number of devices you can use. CREATE GOOD HABITS - USE POWERFUL SCHEDULING - Schedule your blocks now, later, or create recurring blocks to help make focus and productivity a habit. LOCKED MODE - Use Locked Mode to commit to breaking bad digital habits and addictions. FOCUS SOUNDS - Free audio tracks give you an assortment of music, café, office, and nature sounds to help you stay focused and productive, no matter where you are. We're excited about helping you be the best version of yourself. We're continually building new tools - and they're always included in your subscription. We've also got a great Perks program which offers discounts on top productivity products. SUBSCRIPTION PRICING AND TERMS We’re confident that you’ll love Freedom, but just so you can be sure, we offer a 7-day free trial of Freedom Premium. After that it’s only $39.99 per year. Many Freedom users tell us it pays for itself within a few days! These prices are for United States customers. Pricing in other countries may vary and actual charges may be converted to your local currency depending on the country of residence. Your Freedom subscription will automatically renew at the end of each term and your credit card will be charged through your iTunes account. Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can turn off auto-renew at any time from your iTunes account settings. Terms and Conditions - https://freedom.to/terms Privacy Policy - https://freedom.to/privacy Thank you!

About

FocusMe

This app helps you reclaim your time by blocking distracting applications and websites. It offers features like strict focus modes and customizable schedules to build better habits and reduce screen time. Achieve real results and become more present in your daily life.

Highlights
  • Block distracting apps and websites
  • Strict focus mode for unbreakable concentration
  • Set daily time limits per app
  • Countdown timer with session tracking
  • Customizable schedules for different times
  • Motivational reminders to break autopilot habits
  • Screen time insights and progress tracking
  • Build consistency with streaks and milestones
Features
Read full description

Your phone steals 5+ hours of your day. FocusMe helps you take them back starting today. Join 10,000+ people who cut their screen time in half. Block distracting apps, build real focus habits, and finally stop doomscrolling — with an app that actually works. ▸ WHAT USERS SAY ◂ "I went from 7 hours of screen time to under 2. This app changed my daily routine." "Finally something that doesn't let me cheat. Strict Mode is a game-changer." ▸ REAL RESULTS ◂ • Save 1h 30m+ per day on average • 91% of users report less mindless scrolling • 87% feel more focused and productive within one week • Users build streaks of 27+ days of consistent focus ▸ HOW FOCUSME WORKS ◂ Most screen time apps fail because they're easy to ignore. FocusMe adds smart friction exactly when distractions happen — so you pause, reflect, and choose intentionally. ▸ POWERFUL FEATURES ◂ BLOCK DISTRACTING APPS Block apps & websites instantly or on a schedule. One tap to block all social media. No willpower needed. STRICT FOCUS MODE Unbreakable focus when you need it. No bypassing. No cheating. No excuses. Perfect for deep work and study sessions. SMART APP LIMITS Set daily time limits per app. When you hit your limit, FocusMe steps in — no more "just 5 more minutes." FOCUS TIMER Beautiful countdown timer with session tracking. See exactly how long you stay focused every day. CUSTOM SCHEDULES Different rules for work, evenings, weekends, and sleep. FocusMe adapts to your life — not the other way around. SHIELD SCREEN When you try to open a blocked app, FocusMe shows a motivational reminder instead — helping you break the autopilot habit. SCREEN TIME INSIGHTS Track your focus time, daily progress, and improvement trends. Clear stats for the apps that distract you most. STREAKS & MILESTONES Build consistency with daily streaks. Stay motivated as you watch your habits transform week after week. ▸ BUILT FOR YOU ◂ • Professionals & remote workers • Students & deep work sessions • People reducing social media & phone addiction • ADHD-friendly focus support • Anyone who wants to be more present ▸ 100% PRIVATE & SECURE ◂ FocusMe uses Apple's Screen Time API. Your data never leaves your device. No tracking. No data selling. Privacy by design. ▸ TAKE BACK CONTROL ◂ Your time is your most valuable asset. Every hour you save from mindless scrolling is an hour for what truly matters — your goals, your health, your people. Download FocusMe. Start your focus journey today. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Freedom4 screens
FocusMe4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: FocusMe at 5.0 against Freedom's 4.4. FocusMe also leads on monetization model (freemium vs subscription). Freedom's advantage is ratings volume (5.9K vs 2) and iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Freedom sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and FocusMe sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

FocusMe holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Freedom has 5.9K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Freedom ships an update every 9 days, FocusMe weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Freedom versus FocusMe: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFreedomFocusMe
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5.9K ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings5.9K — better2
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFreemium — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.1 — better18
Further details — not scored
Size90 MB152 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEighty Percent SolutionsVinx Solutions

Customer experience

Freedom

All ratings5,878 ratings
Positive85.3%
Neutral3.1%
Negative11.7%
Written reviews1,328 reviews
Positive63.6%
Neutral7.8%
Negative28.7%

FocusMe

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Freedom

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Blocks unintended apps/websites
  • Fails to block certain apps like Facebook, Instagram
  • Doesn't work in low power mode on iOS

Requested features

4 requests
  • Allow specific app whitelisting
  • Add time limit/usage tracking features
  • Improve scheduling options (e.g. by day, not just time)
  • Better integration with mobile OS features (e.g. iOS Screen Time)

FocusMe

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Freedom

Subscriptions5
  • Monthly Subscription$8.991 Month
  • Freedom Monthly$12.991 Month
  • Freedom Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Yearly Subscription1 Year trial$39.991 Year
  • Freedom Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • Freedom Forever$199.00
2 purchases

FocusMe

Subscriptions2
  • FocusMe Pro7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • FocusMe Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is Freedom free?
Freedom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FocusMe free?
FocusMe is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Freedom or FocusMe?
FocusMe is rated higher. Freedom averages 4.4 out of 5 from 5.9K ratings, while FocusMe averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Freedom or FocusMe have ads?
Neither Freedom nor FocusMe shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Freedom or FocusMe?
Freedom ships an update every 9 days, and FocusMe weekly. Most recently, Freedom was updated on September 24, 2026 and FocusMe on September 23, 2026.

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