6 Website Time Limiter Apps to Help Minimize Distractions

Set browser time limits, track time spent in certain apps, and maximize focus with these tools

By
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Elise Moreau
Former Contributor
  • University of Ontario
  • George Brown College
Elise Moreau is a writer that has covered social media, texting, messaging, and streaming for Lifewire. Her work has appeared on Techvibes, SlashGear, Lifehack and others.
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Updated on September 17, 2024
Browsers

Time management apps and extensions for web browsers can be helpful if you aren't disciplined enough to resist online distractions. If you want to start being more productive, here are some website time limiter tools that help you manage your online browsing habits.

These tools are available for various desktop and mobile web browsers. Check individual product descriptions to make sure they are compatible with your browser and operating system.

01
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Set Time Limits on Websites: StayFocused

Illustration of a business man flying with arrow representing productivity

akindo / Getty Images
What We Like

  • Blocks access to websites according to limits you set.

  • Interspersed with humor.

What We Don't Like

  • Limited options.

  • Ad-supported.

StayFocused is a Chrome extension that works by limiting your access to time-wasting websites. This particular extension allows you to limit access for a specified amount of time.

You also can set a daily maximum time allowed for access, but when that time is up, those websites will be inaccessible for the rest of the day. 

02
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Time Management App for Mac: SelfControl

illustration of hand holding sign with skull and crossbones on it

erhui1979 / Getty Images
What We Like

  • Completely free.

  • Simple and straightforward.

What We Don't Like

  • Restarting your device doesn’t deactivate settings.

  • Doesn’t block subdomains.

SelfControl is a free Mac app that allows users to block pretty much anything they want including websites and mail servers.

Be warned, though: Unlike the Chrome extensions mentioned above, which can be bypassed just by deactivating them, SelfControl keeps working even after you restart your Mac.

Before you set a time limit to block something, make sure you really don't need it during that period of time. 

03
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Stay Productive Through Gamification: Forest

Illustration of a forest

mashuk / getty Images
What We Like

  • White noise feature.

  • Visual progress display provides motivation.

What We Don't Like

  • No free option.

  • No ability to pause.

Forest is a premium app available for iOS and Android that takes a unique approach to beating smartphone addiction.

Whenever you want to focus on your work, you plant a “tree.” As you focus on work, the tree grows; if you leave the app, the tree wilts.

There are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox too, so you can grow your forest while working on the web.

Download For:

04
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Set Time Management Goals: RescueTime

Rescue Time website
What We Like

  • Set and monitor time-management goals.

  • Lite version is free.

  • App and website blocking feature.

What We Don't Like

  • In-depth reporting requires pricey premium version.

  • Website limiting features require subscription.

RescueTime is an application for desktop and mobile devices that tracks how much time you spend on specific websites and apps.

A free membership comes with the option to set goals for how you want to spend your time, as well as weekly and quarterly reports.

You can also use RescueTime to get alerts for when you've spent enough time on a certain activity, block specific websites, log achievements throughout your day, and more.

Download For:

05
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Distraction-Free Browsing Across All Devices: Freedom

Freedom web app views for devices, sessions, and site blocklists
What We Like

  • Works and syncs across all devices.

  • Apps for major platforms and browser extensions.

  • Focus sounds and customizable schedule.

What We Don't Like

  • Free version is limited.

  • Might require a bit of time to get set up.

If you're looking for a time limiter tool for all your devices, the Freedom app and browser extensions could be an attractive solution. This program is available for all the major operating systems to help block specific apps and websites—and syncs your settings.

Freedom allows you to set daily schedules, edit them on the fly, or block all internet access through the Locked mode setting.

The basic website blocking tools come with the free version, but the locking and advanced scheduling features and other perks like focus sounds and music require leveling up to a paid subscription.

Download For:

06
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Best Premium Time Management App: Cold Turkey

Illustration of a thanksgiving turkey with leaves falling behind it

id-work / Getty Images
What We Like

  • Highly customizable.

  • Set timer to end at specific time vs. after interval.

What We Don't Like

  • Advanced features require purchase of the pro version.

  • Unintuitive interface.

Cold Turkey is another all-in-one time management tool built for desktop browsers. With the free version, you get to set a maximum block period, create multiple custom groups for blocklists that cater to specific occasions, and enjoy a convenient work/break timer.

The pro version gives you a lot more including a scheduling tool, the ability to block applications, the option to set up exceptions, and a feature called "frozen turkey" for locking yourself out at specific times of the day.

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