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Freedom alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Freedom: scheduling, Locked Mode and long sessions need Premium, and website exceptions only on Mac and Windows. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Freedom, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Cold Turkey Blocker currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Forest logoForestFree plan + paidNoiOS, Android, Browser extension5 of 538.6
  1. Forest logo

    1. ForestTop pick

    Best for: Students and phone-distracted people who respond to a playful, visual reward for focused time

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Browser extension

    38.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Freedom

    Free app blocking on phones with a gamified timer that rewards staying focused.

    Pros

    • App blocking is included in the free tier
    • Visual forest makes progress feel concrete and motivating
    • Group sessions add shared accountability
    • Real tree planting through a nonprofit partner

    Cons

    • No desktop app; computers are covered only by browser extensions
    • Not a timesheet tool: no billing, projects or client reports
    • Free tier shows ads; allowlists and full stats need Plus
    Visit Forest Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.37
    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 Forest a good Freedom alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, no time limit
    Checked Nov 1, 2026forestapp.cc(opens source in a new tab)
    App blocking
    Free on every tier
    Checked Nov 1, 2026forestapp.cc(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iPhone, iPad, Android, Chrome and Firefox
    Checked Nov 1, 2026forestapp.cc(opens source in a new tab)
    Real trees planted
    2 million+
    Checked Nov 1, 2026forestapp.cc(opens source in a new tab)
    Launched
    2014
    Checked Nov 1, 2026forestapp.cc(opens source in a new tab)

The best Freedom alternative for…

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

Cold Turkey Blocker logo

Best Freedom alternative for most people

Cold Turkey Blocker

One-time purchase with stricter desktop locks and app blocking, if you don't need phone coverage.

SelfControl logo

Best Freedom alternative for a free option

SelfControl

Free, open-source Mac blocker with no subscription, for simple timed website blocks.

Forest logo

Best Freedom alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Forest

Free app blocking on phones with a gamified timer that rewards staying focused.

LeechBlock NG logo

Best Freedom alternative for open source

LeechBlock NG

Free browser extension with flexible schedules and time limits per site set.

Cold Turkey Blocker logo

Best Freedom alternative for Mac

Cold Turkey Blocker

One-time purchase with stricter desktop locks and app blocking, if you don't need phone coverage.

Cold Turkey Blocker logo

Best Freedom alternative for Windows

Cold Turkey Blocker

One-time purchase with stricter desktop locks and app blocking, if you don't need phone coverage.

Forest logo

Best Freedom alternative for iPhone and Android

Forest

Free app blocking on phones with a gamified timer that rewards staying focused.

Focusmate logo

Best Freedom alternative for working in the browser

Focusmate

Adds a real person to work alongside on video, which helps when blocking sites isn't enough.

Freedom alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Freedom?

Cold Turkey Blocker ranks first right now. One-time purchase with stricter desktop locks and app blocking, if you don't need phone coverage. SelfControl and LeechBlock NG follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Freedom?

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

Is there an open-source alternative to Freedom?

Yes: SelfControl and LeechBlock NG.

Why do people switch from Freedom?

The complaints we hear most: scheduling, Locked Mode and long sessions need Premium; website exceptions only on Mac and Windows; no Linux app.

How is this list ranked?

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