Website Blocking
Distracting websites are the #1 productivity killer for anyone who works on a computer. But the right blocking method depends on your platform, your technical comfort level, and how seriously you need to enforce the block.
Website blocking methods exist on a spectrum. At the simplest end, you have DNS-level blocking and browser extensions — quick to set up, but trivially easy to bypass by switching browsers or toggling settings. In the middle, standalone apps like Cold Turkey and Freedom install system-wide and survive browser changes. At the strongest end, browser-engine blocking bakes restrictions directly into the tool you use to access the web, removing the bypass vector entirely.
All articles on website blocking
How to Block Websites on iPhone and iPad (2026)
5 proven ways to block websites on iPhone and iPad in 2026. Step-by-step guide covering Screen Time, DNS filters, Safari extensions, and parental controls.
SelfControl App Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
An honest review of SelfControl for Mac in 2026. How firewall-level blocking works, setup walkthrough, strengths, weaknesses, and whether it's still the best free website blocker.
How to Block Instagram Without Deleting It (2026)
You don't have to delete your Instagram account to stop the scrolling. Here's how to block Instagram on every device — browser, app, and network level — while keeping your account intact.
Browwwser vs BlockSite (2026): Full Comparison
BlockSite is a Chrome extension. Browwwser blocks at the browser engine. We compare both website blockers — features, bypass difficulty, and who each one is for.
How to Block Reddit During Work Hours (2026)
Block Reddit on Chrome, Mac, iPhone, and your router — including old.reddit.com, the desktop app, and every subdomain. Scheduling methods included.
Browwwser vs SelfControl: Mac Blocker Comparison
SelfControl is free and firewall-level. Browwwser blocks at the browser engine. We compare both Mac website blockers — features, bypass difficulty, and trade-offs.
How to Block TikTok on Every Device (2026)
Step-by-step guide to blocking TikTok on Mac, Windows, Chrome, iPhone, Android, and your router — including the desktop app and web player.
Browwwser vs Freedom: Full Comparison (2026)
We tested Browwwser and Freedom side by side. VPN-based blocking vs browser-engine blocking — here's what holds up and what doesn't.
How to Block YouTube on Any Device (2026)
A complete guide to blocking YouTube on Mac, Windows, Chrome, iPhone, Android, and your router — including how to block YouTube but keep YouTube Music.
How to Blacklist a Website on Chrome (Step-by-Step)
Learn how to blacklist any website on Chrome in minutes. Five proven methods: extensions, hosts file, site settings, Family Link, and router-level blocking.
Best Game Blockers for PC and Mac (2026)
Gaming is the hardest digital distraction to quit. We tested the best game blockers for PC and Mac in 2026 and ranked them by how well they actually work.
Browwwser vs Cold Turkey
Browwwser has blocking built into the browser engine. Cold Turkey relies on extensions you can disable. Full comparison.
How to Block Websites on Chrome (2026)
7 proven methods to block websites on Chrome in 2026 — extensions, policies, hosts file, DNS filtering, router settings, and dedicated blocking tools.
Bypass resistance is the single most important metric when choosing a blocker. If you can disable it in 10 seconds when the urge to procrastinate hits, the tool is theater, not protection. The best blockers have lock modes that prevent you from changing settings during a focus session, even if you're the admin on your own machine.
Scheduling matters more than most people realize. Always-on blocking works for sites you never need (social media during work hours, for example), but many people need access to certain sites at certain times. A good blocker lets you create time-based rules — block Reddit from 9 to 5, allow it after. Without scheduling, you'll either over-block and get frustrated, or under-block and get nothing done.
App blocking is the often-overlooked companion to website blocking. Blocking twitter.com in your browser is pointless if the Twitter desktop app is one click away. The best blocking setups cover both websites and native apps, including mobile apps if you're prone to picking up your phone when the computer says no.
The desktop vs. mobile split is real. Most serious blockers work on desktop (Mac and Windows), but mobile blocking is harder because iOS and Android restrict what third-party apps can do. Some tools use VPN-based blocking on mobile, others rely on Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing APIs. None are as strong as desktop options.
This collection covers every approach — from quick Chrome extensions to browser-level blocking that's genuinely impossible to bypass. Start with the overview, then dive into the guide that matches your setup.