Focus Mode Extensions Compared: Find Your Perfect Productivity Tool

Focus mode extensions help you stay productive by blocking distracting websites, timing work sessions, and creating distraction-free environments. But with dozens of options available, which one should you choose?

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the best focus mode extensions for Chrome.

What to Look For in a Focus Mode Extension

Essential Features

Nice-to-Have Features

Important Considerations

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The Contenders

We evaluated the most popular focus mode extensions:

1. Dream Afar — Integrated new tab + focus mode
2. Cold Turkey — Maximum-strength blocker
3. Forest — Gamified focus (grow trees)
4. Freedom — Cross-platform blocking
5. StayFocusd — Time-based restrictions
6. BlockSite — Simple website blocker
7. LeechBlock — Highly customizable

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Detailed Comparisons

Dream Afar

Type: New tab extension with integrated focus mode

Overview: Dream Afar replaces your new tab page with a productivity dashboard that includes focus mode, timer, todos, notes, and beautiful wallpapers — all in one package.

Focus Mode Features:

• Website blocking during focus sessions
• Integrated Pomodoro timer
• Todo list for session tasks
• Gentle blocking (reminder, not harsh error)
• Easy add/remove sites

Pricing:

Pros:

• Completely free (all features)
• Privacy-first (local storage only)
• Beautiful, integrated experience
• Combines multiple tools in one
• No account required

Cons:

• Chrome/Chromium only
• Blocking is "soft" (can be disabled)
• No cross-device sync

Best for: Users who want an all-in-one productivity dashboard without paying or creating accounts.

Rating: 9/10

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Cold Turkey

Type: Hardcore website/app blocker

Overview: Cold Turkey is the most powerful blocker available. Its "unbreakable" mode literally prevents you from accessing blocked sites — even if you try to uninstall it.

Focus Mode Features:

• Website AND application blocking
• Scheduled blocking
• Unbreakable mode (can't bypass)
• Statistics and tracking
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac)

Pricing:

Pros:

• Truly unbreakable blocking
• Blocks apps, not just websites
• Scheduled sessions
• One-time purchase

Cons:

• Desktop app required (not just extension)
• Windows/Mac only
• Can be too restrictive
• Free version very limited

Best for: Users who need maximum-strength blocking and can't trust themselves to not bypass.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Forest

Type: Gamified focus timer

Overview: Forest makes focusing fun by growing virtual trees during focus sessions. Leave the app/tab and your tree dies. Great for gamification lovers.

Focus Mode Features:

• Visual tree-growing mechanic
• Focus timer
• Statistics and streaks
• Plant real trees (partner with Trees for the Future)
• Mobile + browser extension

Pricing:

Pros:

• Fun, engaging mechanic
• Social features (compete with friends)
• Real trees planted
• Cross-platform

Cons:

• Limited website blocking
• More timer than blocker
• Mobile app costs money
• Can be gimmicky for serious work

Best for: Users who respond to gamification and want fun motivation.

Rating: 7.5/10

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Freedom

Type: Cross-platform distraction blocker

Overview: Freedom blocks websites and apps across all your devices simultaneously. If you block Twitter on your laptop, it's blocked on your phone too.

Focus Mode Features:

• Cross-device blocking
• Website and app blocking
• Scheduled sessions
• Locked mode (can't disable)
• Block lists and allow lists

Pricing:

Pros:

• True cross-device blocking
• Works on all platforms
• Powerful scheduling
• Locked mode available

Cons:

• Subscription-based
• Expensive compared to alternatives
• Requires account
• Cloud-based (privacy concerns)

Best for: Users who need blocking across multiple devices and are willing to pay.

Rating: 7/10

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StayFocusd

Type: Time-based website restrictor

Overview: StayFocusd gives you a daily time budget for distracting sites. Once you use your allotted time, sites are blocked for the rest of the day.

Focus Mode Features:

• Daily time allowances
• Per-site time limits
• Nuclear option (block everything)
• Active hours configuration
• Challenge to change settings

Pricing:

Pros:

• Completely free
• Time-based approach (flexible)
• Nuclear option for emergencies
• Challenge mode prevents easy changes

Cons:

• Can be bypassed by tech-savvy users
• Chrome only
• No timer integration
• Dated interface

Best for: Users who want time budgets rather than complete blocking.

Rating: 7/10

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BlockSite

Type: Simple website blocker

Overview: BlockSite is a straightforward website blocker with scheduling and focus mode features. Simple to use, gets the job done.

Focus Mode Features:

• Website blocking
• Scheduled blocking
• Focus mode timer
• Redirect instead of block
• Password protection

Pricing:

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Good free tier
• Password protection (premium)
• Redirect option

Cons:

• Premium needed for full features
• Monthly subscription
• Some privacy concerns
• Can be glitchy

Best for: Users who want simple blocking without complexity.

Rating: 6.5/10

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LeechBlock

Type: Highly customizable blocker

Overview: LeechBlock offers extensive customization for power users. You can create complex rules, schedules, and blocking behaviors.

Focus Mode Features:

• Complex rule creation
• Multiple block sets
• Time-based and count-based limits
• Lockdown mode
• Extensive customization

Pricing:

Pros:

• Completely free
• Extremely customizable
• Multiple block sets
• Firefox and Chrome

Cons:

• Complex setup
• Steep learning curve
• Dated interface
• Overkill for most users

Best for: Power users who want granular control over blocking rules.

Rating: 7/10

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Comparison Table

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Recommendations by Use Case

Best Free Option: Dream Afar

Why: Complete feature set with zero cost. Includes focus mode, timer, todos, notes, and beautiful new tab — all free forever with local storage for privacy.

Choose if: You want everything without paying or creating accounts.

Best for Maximum Blocking: Cold Turkey

Why: The only truly "unbreakable" blocker. When you need to absolutely, positively block distractions with no way out.

Choose if: You can't trust yourself and need extreme measures.

Best for Gamification: Forest

Why: Makes focusing fun with the tree-growing mechanic. Great for building habits through game-like rewards.

Choose if: You respond well to gamification and visual rewards.

Best for Multi-Device: Freedom

Why: Only option that blocks across all devices simultaneously. If you block Twitter on laptop, it's blocked on phone too.

Choose if: You need consistent blocking across multiple devices.

Best for Power Users: LeechBlock

Why: Most customizable option with complex rules and schedules. Can create any blocking behavior you need.

Choose if: You want granular control and don't mind complexity.

Best for Time Budgets: StayFocusd

Why: Unique time-based approach lets you budget daily distraction time rather than blocking completely.

Choose if: You want to limit rather than eliminate distractions.

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Our Top Pick: Dream Afar

For most users, Dream Afar offers the best overall value:

Why Dream Afar wins:

1. Completely free — No premium tier, no subscriptions
2. All-in-one — Focus mode + timer + todos + notes + wallpapers
3. Privacy-first — All data stored locally
4. Beautiful design — Enjoyable to use
5. Low friction — Easy setup, no account needed
6. Integrated experience — Everything works together

The tradeoff: Dream Afar's blocking is "soft" — you can disable it if determined. For most people building focus habits, this is fine. If you need unbreakable blocking, add Cold Turkey for critical periods.

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Implementation Strategy

For Beginners

1. Start with Dream Afar
2. Block 3-5 biggest distractions
3. Use Pomodoro timer
4. Build the habit

For Intermediate Users

1. Use Dream Afar for daily focus
2. Add Cold Turkey for deep work periods
3. Track focus hours weekly
4. Optimize blocklist

For Power Users

1. Dream Afar as productivity dashboard
2. Cold Turkey on scheduled blocks
3. LeechBlock for complex rules
4. Multiple browser profiles

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Privacy Comparison

Most private: Dream Afar, StayFocusd, LeechBlock (all local storage, no account)

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Related Articles

• The Complete Guide to Browser-Based Productivity
• How to Block Distracting Websites in Chrome
• Pomodoro Technique for Browser Users
• Deep Work Setup: Browser Configuration Guide

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