FocusMe vs Cold Turkey (2026): Which Blocker Is Better?
Compared on strictness, time controls, platforms, licences and price · Updated
Cold Turkey is the better choice if you want strict blocking on a Windows or Mac computer for a one-time $45. FocusMe is better if you want detailed control over time, including daily allowances, launch limits and forced breaks, and it also runs on Linux and Android—but it costs more.
Key takeaways
- Both block websites and desktop apps on Windows and Mac.
- Cold Turkey is simpler and strict by default once a block is locked.
- FocusMe offers finer time controls, and its strictest stopping setting, Enforced, is chosen per plan.
- Cold Turkey Pro is $45 once, while FocusMe is $15.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 lifetime.
- FocusMe runs on Linux and Android as well, and Cold Turkey does not.
Comparison table
FocusMe and Cold Turkey compared, September 2026
| Feature | FocusMe | Cold Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS |
| Blocks desktop apps | Yes | Yes, Pro |
| Blocking strength | Strong with Enforced stopping | Strong |
| Time controls | Allowances, launch limits, breaks, schedules | Schedules, breaks, allowances |
| Free option | 14-day trial, free Android app | Free version, 7-day Pro trial |
| Price | $15.95/mo, $119.40/yr, $449 lifetime | $45 once |
| Licence | Up to 5 desktop computers | All computers you personally use |
| Refund | 60 days | 30 days |
Platforms
FocusMe: runs on Windows 10 and later, macOS, Debian-based Linux and Android. The Android app is currently free.
Cold Turkey: runs on Windows and macOS only.
Blocking and time controls
FocusMe: blocks websites and any desktop app or game by name, path or window title. Plans can combine schedules, daily allowances, launch limits and forced screen breaks on the same target.
Cold Turkey: blocks websites, desktop apps and the whole computer through device blocks. Pro adds schedules, breaks and daily allowances, with fewer fine controls than FocusMe.
Strictness
FocusMe: each plan has its own stopping rules. Setting stopping to Enforced under Customize makes stopping impossible until the plan ends, but it is not part of the presets. Assisted Stop lets an accountability partner or FocusMe support approve ending a plan. On Windows, Protect Uninstall and an extra protection service help keep it running.
Cold Turkey: a locked block stops you from disabling the browser extension or uninstalling the app until it ends. Lock types range from a timer to a delay of up to 40 days, and it can block Task Manager and date and time settings.
Pricing and licence
FocusMe: $15.95 a month, $119.40 a year, or $449 lifetime, with a 14-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. One licence covers up to five desktop computers.
Cold Turkey: Blocker Pro is $45 once, covers every computer you personally use on Windows and Mac, and includes a 30-day refund.
Verdict
Choose Cold Turkey if you want strict blocking by default, a simple setup and a one-time price.
Choose FocusMe if you want allowances, launch limits and forced breaks tuned per site or app, need Linux or Android, and are happy to pay more.
A third option: Ascension
Ascension is a Windows website blocker with strict locks and automatic screen time tracking. Locked blocks cannot be edited, deleted or removed by uninstalling until they end, while reports show where your time goes with goals and Impact Points.
Price: 15-day free trial, then $12.99/month or $50 one-time.
Best for: Windows users who want strict website locks together with detailed reports on their habits.
Frequently asked questions
Is FocusMe better than Cold Turkey?
FocusMe is better for detailed time rules and more platforms. Cold Turkey is better for strict blocking at a low one-time price.
Which is harder to bypass, FocusMe or Cold Turkey?
Both are strong. Cold Turkey is strict as soon as a block is locked. FocusMe is equally strict only when a plan's stopping is set to Enforced, while Assisted Stop can end a plan with approval.
How much does FocusMe cost compared to Cold Turkey?
FocusMe costs $15.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 lifetime. Cold Turkey Pro costs $45 once.
Does FocusMe work on Linux?
Yes. FocusMe supports Debian-based Linux. Cold Turkey does not support Linux.
Can FocusMe limit time on a website instead of blocking it?
Yes. FocusMe plans can allow a set amount of time or number of launches per day before blocking. Cold Turkey Pro also supports daily allowances, with fewer options.
Is there an alternative to FocusMe and Cold Turkey?
Ascension is a Windows alternative with hard-to-bypass website blocking and automatic screen time tracking. Freedom covers phones and computers together, while LeechBlock NG is a free browser extension.
Available on Windows 10 & 11