Work · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to MadFocus
The app blocker that roasts you back to work
Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes.
- 1
Mom Clock▲742Hi HN, I’ve tried dozens of reminder and habit apps over the years. They’re all polite. Gentle. Easy to ignore. So I built something intentionally different. Mom Clock is a reminder app that behaves more like a strict parent than a productivity coach: – no snoozing – no “later” – optional app blocking using Screen Time APIs The idea came from my own behavior: I don’t need motivation — I need enforcement. This is not for everyone. Some people hate it. Some people love it. I’m genuinely curious where HN stands on this tradeoff: comfort vs. effectiveness. Happy to answer questions about: –…
Jan 2026 · momclock.com · its alternatives →
- 2
Callblock▲204The first app to block telemarketers automatically in iOS
2017 · callblockapp.com · its alternatives →
- 3
Barrier▲373Stop doomscrolling by blocking your addictive apps!
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 4
The latest macOS offers the world’s best way to play — and add to — your collection of music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, audiobooks, and more.
2015 · itunes.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 5
Peace▲393Speed up web browsing by blocking ads & trackers on iOS 9
2015 · peace.land · its alternatives →
- 6
AppBlock▲87Block apps with one tap and stay focused when it matters
2022 · appblock.app · its alternatives →
- 7
AppBlocker▲73Increase productivity and reduce screen time
2022 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 8
A friendly app blocker that keeps you focused
Jul 2026 · simbafocus.com · its alternatives →
- 9
CogniFocus▲19Focus Timer & App Blocker With A Goblin That Fights Back
Jun 2026 · cognifocus.app · its alternatives →
- 10
FlowBuddy▲179Block Distractions & Study Flashcards to Unlock Apps
2024 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 11
GentleLimit▲99Mindful screen time for macOS without blocking apps
Mar 2026 · lucidbit.app · its alternatives →
- 12
ScreenBreak▲125Hi HN, I built ScreenBreak after realizing that most app blockers failed in practice. “Hard blocks” were too rigid — I either locked myself out entirely or tapped Ignore Limit and kept scrolling. There was no useful middle state. In reality, people still need to open apps like TikTok or Instagram for specific tasks: looking something up, replying to someone, checking updates, etc. The problem isn’t intentional use; it’s the unplanned, unconscious scrolling that follows. I wanted a system that interrupts the impulse without fully preventing access. ScreenBreak uses soft blocking plus…
Dec 2025 · screenbreak.app · its alternatives →
- 13
- 14
Set time or locations to block distractions from apps.
2018 · play.google.com · its alternatives →
- 15
- 16
Focus timer + app blocker that actually blocks your apps
Mar 2026 · its alternatives →
- 17
Block distractions to eliminate wasteful browsing habits
2017 · selfcontrol.apki.io · its alternatives →
- 18
BossMode▲69The focus app that shows your mom when you procrastinate
Jun 2026 · getbossmode.xyz · its alternatives →
- 19
- 20
Zone▲13Block apps, track Screen time. No account needed
Jan 2026 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 21
my phone secretly robbed all my dreams and i didn’t even knew it got so bad. when i saw my screen time being about 11hrs with ~95 phone pickups per day, i realized how bad it got. my problem is that i could not avoid social media entirely as i post actively because i’m involved in marketing and branding. I tried the usual, app blockers & time limits, but i always find myself hitting “one more minute” like a junkie. i’m not looking for a complete social media absence or deleting everything as these radical solutions don’t fit my lifestyle and needs and i tend to come back needing even more.…
2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 22
Block apps and set focus timers to help iPhone addiction.
2024 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 23
Pomodoro timer that actually blocks distracting apps
Jan 2026 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 24
holdit.life▲11The app blocker that makes quitting harder than focusing
Sep 2026 · holdit.life · its alternatives →
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Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →