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Use a website blocker with exceptions: block the sites that distract you, then allow the work and reference sites you still need. If you want a stricter session, reverse the setup—block all websites and allow only essential ones. Before relying on either approach, check that exceptions apply to every active block and that the blocker covers the browsers and devices you use.
Choose a blocklist or an allowlist
A blocklist is the simpler starting point: name the distracting sites and leave the rest of the web available. An allowlist is more restrictive: block all websites, then add the sites you need for the task. Cold Turkey documents both specific website rules and an all-sites pattern with exceptions in its user guide.
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- Choose a blocklist when your distractions are predictable and you want to keep general browsing available.
- Choose an allowlist when you want a closed work session and can identify the useful sites in advance.
With Cold Turkey’s documented all-sites setup, add *.* under Websites and put permitted sites under Website Exceptions. The guide also notes that exceptions apply only to the current block, so review each block that may be active.
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Set up the rules around the task
- List the distractions. Include the domains you tend to visit and any subdomains or specific sections you want restricted.
- Pick the blocking pattern. Use a narrow list of distracting sites for a lighter setup, or block everything and allow only the sites needed for the session.
- Add useful sites as exceptions. Include the work, research, and reference pages you expect to need. Check whether your blocker supports domain-level rules, individual URLs, or other rule types that fit your needs.
- Review every active block. An exception in one block may not carry over to another. A site allowed in one rule set can remain blocked by a separate active rule.
- Test it in a short session. Open the sites you need and confirm the distracting ones are blocked before you depend on a stricter or locked schedule.
Compare blockers by the controls that matter
These products document different combinations of rule controls and device coverage; the comparison below is based on their published documentation, not independent testing.
#1 Best Overall
The Brick Smartphone Access Blocker, Subscription-Free Phone Lock
- Take Back Control of Your Screen Time: Brick is a physical device that temporarily removes distracting apps and their notifications from your phone by creating real world friction. When you're ready to reconnect, return to your brick and tap to unblock your apps. Includes 1 grey Brick.
- Effortless Control: Brick is subscription-free and includes lifetime access to the Brick app at no additional cost. No complex setups, just more time for what matters.
- How to Use: Open the Brick app and choose which apps or websites you want to block. Tap your phone to the Brick to activate it and turn your phone back into a tool that supports your goals. When you're ready to reconnect, simply tap again to regain access.
- Custom Modes: Create custom modes for different parts of your day — each with its own set of blocked apps. Boost productivity in Work mode, study without distractions in School mode, and be present at home in Family Time mode.
- Track Usage: Make digital health a daily habit. As soon as your phone is Bricked, a timer starts tracking how long you are staying focused for. You can monitor your Brick activity such as hours spent Bricked or daily average Bricked time in the app.
| Option | Documented controls | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Turkey Blocker | Domain and specific-URL rules, website exceptions, an all-sites pattern, recurring schedules, and block locks. See its features page. | Exceptions are scoped to the block where they are set. Confirm current feature availability and coverage for your operating system and browsers. |
| Freedom | Custom blocklists and sessions across supported personal devices, with an all-websites mode whose behavior varies by platform. See Freedom’s all-websites guidance and blocklist setup documentation. | Check the exact operating system and browser. On Mac and Windows, the extension alone is not the standalone blocker; iOS and Android all-site coverage also differ. |
| LeechBlock NG | The Chrome Web Store listing describes schedules, time limits, exceptions, keyword rules, and access controls. | Confirm that it is available for your browser and supports the level of device coverage and resistance to changes you need. |
Check browser and device coverage before you depend on a block
A browser extension does not necessarily block websites everywhere on a device. Freedom says its extension is standalone on ChromeOS and Linux, while on Mac and Windows its desktop app is required. Its help article states, “The Freedom browser extension does not function as a standalone blocker on Windows and Mac.” See Freedom’s browser extension guidance.
Freedom also documents platform-specific limits for its all-websites mode: on iOS, its Content Blocker affects Safari; on Android, the option blocks websites in browsers but does not block all network activity. Check the platform guidance for the device you plan to use.
Rank #2
Bloom Card - App Blocker & Screen Time Tool - As Seen On Shark Tank - Subscription-Free Focus Device - Stainless Steel Keycard for iPhone & Android
- LOCK APPS AND WEBSITES INSTANTLY - Bloom is a stainless steel NFC keycard that blocks your most distracting apps (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) and websites. Just tap the card to your phone to start a focus session.
- NO LOOPHOLES - Unlike screen time apps you can ignore, Bloom is a physical barrier. Leave your card behind, and your distractions stay locked until you tap it again.
- SMART FEATURES - Includes app/website blocking, focus schedules, child mode, emergency exits, break timers, and even adult content blocking for complete peace of mind.
- AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK - Featured on national television for our innovative approach to helping people take back control of their screen time.
- DESIGNED FOR EVERY SITUATION - Perfect for students studying for exams, professionals needing deep work sessions, parents managing their children's device usage, or anyone tired of doomscrolling and losing hours to social media.
Make the setup harder to undo only when it fits
Schedules and locks can make a block less convenient to change mid-session. Cold Turkey documents recurring schedules and locked blocks; LeechBlock NG documents time limits, schedules, exceptions, and access controls. Compare how easily each tool lets you alter its rules, and start with a short session to make sure your allowed sites and device coverage are right before using a stricter setup.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Ultrasonic Privacy Protector – Portable Acoustic Voice Masking Device
- ULTRASONIC SPEECH PRIVACY: Uses ultrasonic acoustic output (above 25 kHz, inaudible to humans) to help protect speech privacy by masking recorded audio.
- ADAPTIVE PRIVACY COVERAGE: Provides typical privacy coverage up to 20 ft with 270° area protection. Adjustable output levels allow use in small rooms, vehicles, or larger office spaces.
- MULTIPLE OPERATION MODES: Choose from manual, remote, or voice-activated functionality. Voice activation helps conserve power by engaging the device only when conversation is detected.
- PORTABLE & DISCREET DESIGN: Compact (7.68 " × 3.19 " × 1.89 ") and built from durable ABS materials for easy use on the go
- IDEAL FOR CONFIDENTIAL SETTINGS: Suitable for business meetings, executive offices, and travel—ideal for users who value privacy and confidentiality.
Rank #4
DERAX Smartphone Access Blocker, Subscription-Free Phone Lock
- 【Take Back Control of Your Screen Time】This tiny 28g device creates real-world friction to help you disconnect from distracting apps and notifications. Open the app, choose which apps or websites to block, then simply tap your phone to the device to start a focus session. When you're ready to reconnect, tap again to unblock. Clip it onto your keys, backpack, or purse using the built-in lanyard hole – your focus tool always within reach. Includes 1 portable focus device
- 【Effortless Control, No Loopholes】No monthly fees, no hidden costs — includes lifetime access to the free companion app at no additional charge. Unlike software timers you can ignore, this is a real physical barrier. Leave it behind, and your distractions stay locked until you tap again. Simple setup, instant results. Just more time for what matters
- 【How to Use – Simple, Flexible, Instant】Open the free app and choose which apps or websites to block — by single item, by category, or all at once. Save your custom modes for different times of day: Work mode, Study mode, Family Time. Then simply tap your phone to the device to activate. When you're ready to reconnect, tap again to regain access. No complex setups. Just tap. Focus. Live
- 【Smart Features for Every Situation】Packed with smart tools: app/website blocking, focus schedules, multiple custom modes and emergency exits — complete peace of mind for the whole family. Whether you're a student studying for exams, a professional needing deep work sessions, a parent managing children's device usage, or anyone tired of doomscrolling and losing hours to social media. One device. All the control you need
- 【Work with iPhone & Android – No Subscription】Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices — simply pair with the free companion app. No monthly fees, no hidden costs. Your purchase includes lifetime access to all features and future updates. Whether you're on iOS or Android, the same simple tap-to-block experience. Universal control for the whole family. Make digital health a daily habit
Rank #3
Phone Access Blocker Device - Subscription-Free Magnetic Focus Device for iPhone & Android - Strict Mode App Blocker to Reduce Screen Time & Distractions - Improve Focus & Productivity for Work, Study
- Wide Compatibility: The ALAFLY phone access blocker works with both iOS and Android devices. Compatible with iPhone 18/17/16/15/14/13/12 series, Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24/S23/S22/S21 series and other Android phones. Whether it’s your phone, your partner’s phone, or your child’s device — can support multiple users without platform limitations or extra purchases (Note: Not compatible with the Google Pixel series)
- Simple & Reliable Control: Open the companion app, select your blocked apps and websites once, and tap to start a focus session. Need to end early? Tap again. Emergency access is always available when needed. The module remembers your settings so sessions can start quickly and consistently. As simple and reliable as a light switch
- Smart App Control for Focus & Productivity: No subscription required—includes lifetime access to the ALAFLY Tap app with easy setup so you can focus on what matters most.Create custom modes for work, study, and family time to match different parts of your day.Track your focus time with built-in insights, including total usage and daily averages, helping you build better digital habits
- Regain Control of Your Screen Time:This ALAFLY phone physical access blocker adds real-world friction that supports more consistent focus habits over time. The simple act of tapping becomes a focus ritual that helps signal your brain it’s time to concentrate. When your phone is locked, it stays locked through your focus session
- Deep Focus in Every Space: Compact and portable, dual magnetic and lanyard design keeps it always within reach—clip it to your keys or bag, sticks to the fridge with a magnet for easy access anytime.Stay focused at your desk, more productive at work or study, and more present during family time，and a calmer bedtime routine with fewer digital distractions.One small module helps support distraction-free environments across your daily life
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
