Side by side

Focusly vs Freedom

Both stand on screen time management apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Focusly

Free plan Open source ExtensionMacWindows

Focusly combines time tracking, focus sessions, and blocking with local storage and offline desktop use. The Chrome extension has a desktop-app dependency, and Windows website blocking changes the system hosts file.

Visit Focusly

Freedom

Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+4

Freedom combines blocking with scheduled sessions, cross-device syncing, and a locked-session option. Website exceptions are limited by platform, and Premium costs $3.33/mo billed yearly or $8.99 per month.

Visit Freedom

The facts

	Focusly	Freedom
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Runs on	Extension, Mac, Windows	Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Premium (yearly): $40 a year
Plans published	1	4
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	focusly.so	freedom.to
On screen time management apps	#1 of 36	#5 of 36

Focusly: what it does well

Tracks application and supported website time.
Includes 25-minute sessions and streak tracking.
Stores history and sessions in a local SQLite file.
Desktop app works offline.
Full source is available under the MIT license.

What to know first

Chrome extension requires the desktop app to run.
Extension needs network access.
Website blocking on Windows uses the system hosts file.

Freedom: what it does well

Blocks apps, websites, or internet access.
Sessions and schedules sync across supported devices.
Recurring schedules can start sessions automatically.
Locked Mode prevents ending a session early.
Freedom says it does not track personal activity.

What to know first

Website Exceptions are unavailable on iOS and Android.
Chromebook does not support app blocking or Website Exceptions.
The free plan has limited features.

Alternatives to Focusly Alternatives to Freedom The whole list