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Cold Turkey Blocker alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Cold Turkey Blocker: no Linux, ChromeOS, iOS or Android support, and scheduling and app blocking require Pro. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Cold Turkey Blocker, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Freedom currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1SelfControl logoSelfControlOpen sourceYesmacOS4 of 462.6
  1. SelfControl logo

    1. SelfControlTop pick

    Best for: Mac users who want a free, no-escape website block for focused work sessions

    Open sourcemacOS

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cold Turkey Blocker

    Free open-source Mac blocker for people who only need timed website blocks.

    Pros

    • Completely free and open source
    • Blocks can't be undone by restarting or deleting the app
    • System-wide, so it covers every browser and internet app

    Cons

    • Mac only, with no Windows, phone or browser versions
    • No scheduled or recurring blocks; each block is started by hand
    • Blocks websites and servers, not desktop apps
    Visit SelfControl Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SelfControl a good Cold Turkey Blocker alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 30, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 30, 2026selfcontrolapp.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Mac OS X 10.10+
    Checked Oct 30, 2026selfcontrolapp.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Block lock
    Survives restart and deletion
    Checked Oct 30, 2026selfcontrolapp.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Freedom logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for most people

Freedom

Covers phones and Chromebooks too, syncing one blocking session across all your devices.

SelfControl logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for a free option

SelfControl

Free open-source Mac blocker for people who only need timed website blocks.

Freedom logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Freedom

Covers phones and Chromebooks too, syncing one blocking session across all your devices.

LeechBlock NG logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for open source

LeechBlock NG

Free browser extension with time limits and schedules, works anywhere Firefox or Chrome runs.

Freedom logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for Mac

Freedom

Covers phones and Chromebooks too, syncing one blocking session across all your devices.

Freedom logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for Windows

Freedom

Covers phones and Chromebooks too, syncing one blocking session across all your devices.

Freedom logo

Best Cold Turkey Blocker alternative for iPhone and Android

Freedom

Covers phones and Chromebooks too, syncing one blocking session across all your devices.

Cold Turkey Blocker alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Cold Turkey Blocker?

Freedom ranks first right now. Covers phones and Chromebooks too, syncing one blocking session across all your devices. SelfControl and LeechBlock NG follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Cold Turkey Blocker?

Yes. Freedom (free plan + paid), SelfControl (open source) and LeechBlock NG (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Cold Turkey Blocker?

Yes: SelfControl and LeechBlock NG.

Why do people switch from Cold Turkey Blocker?

The complaints we hear most: no Linux, ChromeOS, iOS or Android support; scheduling and app blocking require Pro; strict locks can't easily be undone if set by mistake.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Cold Turkey Blocker, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.