Productivity Software: Website Blockers to Help You Stay Focused
Distractions abound on the web. And these distractions can be costly for freelancers – reducing productivity, accuracy, and earnings. If this sounds like your workday, a website blocker may help you stay focused. But what are website blockers? And what software should you use? Let’s take a look.
What Are Website Blockers?
Website-blocking software helps you stay focused by controlling which websites or apps you can access while you work. Most blockers allow you to specify sites or apps to block during certain times or for a set duration, giving you control over your online environment. This makes website blocking software especially useful for freelancers who struggle with distractions from social media, news sites, or other nonwork-related content, ultimately boosting productivity and helping maintain a more disciplined work routine.
Best Website Blockers for Freelancers
There are many website blockers available, each offering different features, compatibility, and price points. The best choice depends on your specific needs and the system you use.
To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular website blockers. These tools can help you cut out distractions, stay focused, and make the most of your workday.
1. Stay Focusd
If Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge is your go-to browser, Stay Focusd is a free extension worth considering. (That’s not a typo – it’s an example of sensational spelling!)
This tool helps limit time spent on distracting websites by offering:
- The ability to set active days/hours during which access is restricted
- Highly customizable blocking (block specific websites, webpages, or even in-page content like videos)
- A “Nuclear” option that blocks all sites entirely for a set number of hours or days
- Syncing across all devices and browsers
The extension is lightweight, fast, and highly configurable. The downside is that it only works with Chrome and Microsoft Edge, and it doesn’t include any app blocking.
However, this is a great free option for those who are on a tight budget or know which sites distract them and just need help setting limits.
2. LeechBlock
LeechBlock is another free extension, but it’s available for a wider variety of browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.
If all you need is a basic website blocker, its features include the ability to:
- Specify up to 30 sets of sites to block, with different times and days for each set
- Block sites within fixed time periods (e.g., 9am to 5pm)
- Block sites after a time limit (e.g., allow up to 10 minutes in every hour)
It’s a highly flexible, lightweight tool that’s perfect for users who want lots of customization options without extra cost. However, it doesn’t offer a mobile app or support cross-device syncing, and its interface may feel a bit technical at first.
Still, for technically inclined freelancers who enjoy fine-tuning their workflows and want firm boundaries around time-wasting sites, it’s a powerful no-frills option.
3. RescueTime
RescueTime is a comprehensive time management tool that offers far more than just website blocking. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android, it combines focus-enhancing tools with in-depth productivity tracking to help you understand – and improve – how you spend your time.
It offers:
- “Focus Sessions” that allow you to block both websites and apps
- Automatic time tracking so you can monitor how much time you spend on websites and apps
- The option to set custom goals (e.g., reducing time spent on social media)
- Detailed reporting so you can monitor your productivity over time
- A mobile app for iOS
While its website blocking isn’t as strict as some of the dedicated tools, RescueTime is perfect if you want to get a broader view of your habits.
Although RescueTime offers a free plan, website blocking is not included. To access this feature, you’ll need a premium plan. For individuals, this costs $6.50 per month if you pay annually or $12.00 per month if you pay monthly. Both options come with a 14-day free trial.
4. Freedom
Freedom is a widely used website and app blocker that offers the ability to sync blocks across all your devices. No more browsing Instagram on your phone when you should be working on your laptop!
Other features of Freedom include:
- Options to block websites, apps (including email), or the entire internet
- The choice to use preset blocklists or create customized blocklists for different situations
- The ability to pre-schedule or set recurring sessions
- A “Locked” mode to keep you from removing blocks when your self-discipline is waning
- Ambient noise to block out surrounding sounds
This tool has a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to set up distraction-free work sessions. It also includes a session-history feature that lets you review your past focus blocks. And you can add annotations to each session – useful for tracking what you worked on or how productive you felt. While Freedom doesn’t offer detailed analytics or time-tracking, these session insights help you reflect on your habits and progress over time.
Freedom offers a 7-day free trial. Their premium plan costs $8.99/month or $39.99/year (which works out to $3.33/month). There is also a “Forever” option for $199.
5. Cold Turkey
For the easily distracted, Cold Turkey offers the ability to block websites, apps, and games.
It has a comprehensive range of features, including:
- Preset and custom blocklists
- The ability to block files and folders as well as websites
- A “Frozen Turkey” option to lock, log off, or shut down your computer (ideal for workaholics who need a reminder to take breaks!)
- Automatic scheduling for recurring weekly blocks
- Options for locking blocks to stop you from easily disabling them (e.g., forcing a computer restart)
- Access to Pomodoro timers
- Stats on how you spend (and possibly waste) your time
While this option includes very powerful block modes, it is only available for Windows and Mac – there is no browser extension or mobile support.
A free version of Cold Turkey includes a 7-day trial of their pro features. Purchase of the pro plan costs $45 for lifetime access. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a solid barrier against all forms of procrastination.
6. FocusMe
FocusMe claims to be “the world’s most powerful app and website blocker,” allowing users to block distractions and get more done. It’s compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android as well as most common browsers.
In addition to the ability to completely block websites and apps, you can:
- Partially block sites (e.g., block Facebook, but allow access to an important business group)
- Block Windows Explorer, but allow specific folders
- Automatically schedule focus sessions
- Set up “Force” mode so you can’t override a focus session
- Set daily limits on opening emails (e.g., twice a day)
- Plan work sessions and breaks with a Pomodoro timer
- Track your activity with time usage stats
There is a free Android app, but an iOS version isn’t currently available.
The monthly plan is $12.95/month, and the yearly plan is $9.95/month. The best value comes with their two-year plan for $6.95/month. There is also a 60-day unconditional money-back guarantee – so if FocusMe doesn’t fit your needs, you can easily get a refund.
Becoming A Freelancer
Website blockers can be a great tool to reduce distractions and boost productivity – which is especially important for freelancers.
Considering a freelance career, or looking to add new skills to your freelance repertoire? We offer a range of online, self-paced courses designed to help you reach your goals.
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