Freedom

Overview

Freedom is a cross-device distraction blocker for people who want to set boundaries around apps, websites, or internet access. It suits users who need those boundaries to follow a work or study routine across devices; its strongest case is scheduled blocking, while platform-specific gaps and paid-plan terms deserve a close look.

Sessions and schedules sync across supported devices, and Freedom pairs blocking with focus audio. The free plan covers basic blocking, but automatic schedules and Locked Mode require a paid plan.

For more options, browse Distraction Blocking Software and Screen Time Management Apps.

Key features

Block across devices

Freedom can block selected apps or websites, or the internet as a whole. Sessions and schedules sync across supported devices, including Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Chromebook. That makes it a stronger fit for people whose distractions move between devices than a blocker tied to one screen. The catch is that blocking tools differ by platform: Chromebook lacks app blocking and website exceptions, while iOS and Android lack website exceptions.

Schedules and Locked Mode

Paid plans add advance and recurring schedules that start sessions automatically, plus unlimited sessions and Locked Mode. Locked Mode prevents quitting a session early, which can help users who want to commit to a block in advance. It is less suitable when plans change often and a session needs to be stopped promptly.

Exceptions, audio, and support

On Mac and Windows, Website Exceptions let users keep chosen sites accessible while blocking others. This is useful when work requires a small set of online tools, but mobile users do not get that exception feature. Focus audio includes ambient sounds inspired by cafés, libraries, and nature, as well as exclusive tracks from Brain.fm. Freedom says it does not track browsing, app usage, or personal activity, and offers human in-app support across platforms. Premium Perks add partner discounts and offers related to productivity, wellness, and intentional living.

Pricing

Freedom is freemium, with a 7-day trial and three paid options. The annual plan starts at 3.33 USD per year, billed yearly, while the monthly plan is 8.99 USD per month. The annual price is lower, but requires paying by the year; monthly billing costs more over time in exchange for a shorter commitment. Forever costs 99.50 USD as one payment, with no recurring charges, so it suits users who expect long-term use and prefer to avoid a subscription.

The free plan is a reasonable starting point for manual blocking, but its features are limited and it does not include scheduling, Locked Mode, or unlimited sessions. Choose a paid plan if you need automated routines or sessions that cannot be ended early. The plan prices do not state a seat count, so Freedom is best evaluated here as an individual choice rather than a team license.

Platforms

Freedom supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its cross-device sessions also include Chromebook, but Chromebook does not support app blocking or website exceptions. Website exceptions are also unavailable on iOS and Android. Those restrictions make Freedom a less complete fit for users who rely on selective website access from a phone or Chromebook.

Who it's for

Freedom is best for people who want to reduce interruptions across several devices and benefit from automatic, recurring focus periods. Premium is the more suitable choice for users who need schedules, unlimited sessions, or Locked Mode; people who only need occasional basic blocking can start with Free. It is not the best fit for anyone who needs the same website-exception controls on mobile or Chromebook as on Mac and Windows.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Synced sessions and schedules support a focus routine across supported devices instead of requiring separate blocks on each one.
• Pro: Recurring schedules and Locked Mode can reduce the need for daily setup and make a planned session harder to abandon.
• Pro: The free plan includes multi-device sync and custom blocklists, giving users a way to try core blocking without paying.
• Con: App blocking and website exceptions are missing on Chromebook, and website exceptions are missing on iOS and Android.
• Con: Scheduling, Locked Mode, and unlimited sessions are paid features, limiting how much the free plan can automate.
• Con: Locked Mode's resistance to early exits may be inconvenient when a legitimate change of plans interrupts a session.

Alternatives

Opal is a reasonable alternative for iOS, Android, and Mac users who prefer a free entry plan built around one rule, basic timers, soundscapes, app blocking, and a same-day Opal Score.

Phone-Free 2FA is a free option for people seeking a browser extension and TOTP accounts rather than a cross-device distraction blocker; it has no central recovery or sync.

Pluckeye is a free alternative for users who want all its features without a subscription.

Focus Bear may suit users who want routines with habits and break activities; its free Essentials plan caps Pomodoro sessions at 25 minutes, allows up to five websites or apps, and limits habits and break activities to three each.

ScreenZen is a free alternative, with an optional one-time 49.00 USD halo plan.

one sec is another freemium option; its Pro plan costs 6.99 USD per month and includes unlimited apps, intervention types, time tracking, website blocking, and block sessions.

FocusMe offers a 249.00 USD one-time Lifetime plan for users who prefer a perpetual purchase covering core features.

Jomo is an alternative for users on iOS or Mac.

Verdict

Choose Freedom if you want synchronized blocking with recurring schedules and the option to make paid sessions resistant to early exits. The free plan can handle basic blocking, but automated focus routines require payment. Look elsewhere if website exceptions on mobile or Chromebook are central to your setup, or if you want a free plan with scheduling.