The Best Distraction Blockers to Jumpstart Your Focus in the New Year

If you struggle to stay on task or want to boost your productivity as the new year approaches, there are several apps and browser extensions designed to help you focus by blocking distractions.

Whether your goal is to curb endless social media scrolling or set aside uninterrupted time for deep work, these tools can help you stay on track. Below are some of the best distraction blockers available.

Freedom

Image Credits: Freedom

If you want to block distractions across all of your devices at once, Freedom is a strong option. The app lets you block specific websites and apps for a set period. For example, if you’re working on your laptop and try to open TikTok on your phone, you’ll be blocked and shown a green screen indicating the app is unavailable.

You can start a session immediately, schedule one in advance, or set recurring sessions. If you know you need distraction-free time at the same hour every day, Freedom can automatically activate at that time.

For tasks that don’t require internet access, the app lets you block the internet entirely. You can also block all websites except the ones you need for work. For added accountability, Freedom offers a “Locked Mode,” which prevents you from ending a session early.

Pricing starts at $3.33 per month when billed annually or $8.99 per month when billed monthly, with a $199 lifetime subscription option. Freedom also offers a seven-day free trial.

Cold Turkey

Image Credits: Cold Turkey

Cold Turkey is designed for people who want strict accountability. Unlike many distraction blockers that allow users to bypass restrictions, Cold Turkey makes it extremely difficult to stop a block once it has started.

The app lets you block websites, apps, or even the entire internet. Once you select what to block and set a timer, the block cannot be ended early.

Cold Turkey also offers a “Frozen Turkey” mode that locks you out of your computer completely. You can also schedule breaks to step away from your device. If you don’t trust yourself with gentler tools, this app may be the right fit.

Cold Turkey’s basic features are free. A one-time $39 fee unlocks scheduling features and the ability to block apps and websites.

Opal

Image Credits: Opal

Opal is a focus and screen-time app that blocks distracting apps and websites on iPhone, Android, and desktop devices. You can create “focus blocks” to restrict access to certain apps and sites during scheduled periods. Entire categories, such as social media, games, and messaging, can also be blocked.

The app allows both one-off blocks and recurring sessions, making it easy to block distractions during work or school hours. Opal also lets you set daily usage limits for specific apps.

You receive a “focus score” that shows how much time you spend focused versus distracted, along with real-time stats and weekly progress reports.

Opal’s basic plan is free, while premium plans cost $19.99 per month or $99 per year and include unlimited recurring sessions and more robust blocking options.

LeechBlock NG

Image Credits: Leechblock

LeechBlock NG is a free browser extension that lets users easily block distracting websites. You can select which sites to block, and the extension will prevent them from loading.

The tool allows multiple block sets with different sites, schedules, and limits. You can block sites during specific times of the day or activate one-off blocks as needed.

Instead of blocking a site entirely, you can also add a delay before the page loads. For example, visiting a site could trigger a 10-minute countdown before access is granted. This delay can help break impulsive browsing habits.

Since LeechBlock is browser-based, users need some self-discipline to avoid switching browsers to bypass restrictions.

Forest

Image Credits: Forest

Forest takes a gamified approach to productivity while supporting environmental initiatives. When you need to focus, you plant a virtual tree that grows during your focus session. If you leave the app early, the tree withers.

You can create allow lists for productivity apps such as email or word processors, and track your focus history over time. As you build your digital forest, it visually represents your productivity.

Forest also offers a social element, allowing users to share forests and compare progress. As you stay focused, you earn coins that can be used to support real-world tree-planting projects through the nonprofit Trees for the Future.

Forest’s browser extension is free. The iOS app costs $3.99, while the Android app is free with ads or $1.99 to remove ads.