Best Website Blocker Apps in 2026 (Tested and Ranked)

The average person spends 3 hours per day on distracting websites. That's 1,095 hours a year. Most website blockers promise to fix this, but most of them have an off switch you'll use within 20 minutes.

We tested every major blocker to find the ones that actually work. Here's what we found.

What makes a website blocker actually work?

The number one feature isn't the UI or the preset categories. It's whether you can turn it off when you get the urge. If the answer is yes, the blocker is just a suggestion. Here's what separates real blockers from decoration:

• OS-level blocking that works across all browsers, not just one
• Lock mode that prevents you from stopping a session early
• Daemon/service that keeps blocking even if you quit the app
• No easy bypass like private browsing or switching browsers

The best website blockers in 2026

1. Sloth (macOS) - Best overall

Sloth blocks websites at three levels simultaneously: DNS (hosts file), firewall (packet filter), and browser redirect. It runs a privileged daemon that keeps blocking even if you quit the app, and locked sessions genuinely cannot be stopped early.

• Three-layer blocking (DNS + firewall + browser redirect)
• Locked mode that the daemon enforces at root level
• Works across Safari, Chrome, Arc, Brave, Edge, and more
• Schedules, daily time budgets, one-tap presets
• $29 one-time (no subscription)

The key difference: Sloth automatically blocks iCloud Private Relay when active, so you can't bypass blocks through Safari's built-in VPN. No other blocker does this.

2. Cold Turkey (Windows, macOS)

Cold Turkey is one of the oldest and most respected blockers. The free version blocks websites, and the paid version ($39 one-time) adds app blocking and scheduling. On macOS, it's less robust than on Windows where it has deeper system integration.

• Strong blocking on Windows, decent on Mac
• App blocking available in paid version
• Scheduling and allowlists
• $39 one-time for Pro

3. Freedom (Cross-platform)

Freedom works across Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Chrome. It uses a VPN-based approach on mobile and a browser extension on desktop. The cross-platform sync is its main advantage.

• Cross-platform (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
• Session syncing across devices
• Locked mode available
• $8.99/month or $40/year subscription

The downside: Freedom uses browser extensions on desktop, which means you can bypass it by using an unsupported browser or disabling extensions.

4. BlockSite (Chrome extension)

BlockSite is a Chrome extension with 700,000+ users. It's simple to set up but only works in Chrome, and you can bypass it by switching to Safari or any other browser.

5. one sec (iOS, macOS)

one sec doesn't block sites. It adds a breathing exercise before you can open an app, adding friction instead of a hard block. Good for building awareness, but if you're looking for something you can't bypass, this isn't it.

Quick comparison

The bottom line

If you're on Mac and want something that actually prevents you from cheating, Sloth is the strongest option. It's the only blocker that combines three blocking layers with a locked daemon, and it's a one-time purchase instead of a subscription.

If you need cross-platform support, Freedom is your best bet despite the subscription.

The blockers that don't work are the ones you can turn off. Whatever you choose, make sure it has a lock mode.