Quick answer: The five strongest focus extensions in 2026 are NGUMU (blocking + focus timer + enforced breaks), StayFocusd (daily time limits), LeechBlock NG (flexible rule-based blocking), Forest (gamified focus) and Freedom (cross-device blocking). Pick NGUMU if you want one tool that blocks distractions and structures your work.
Browser extensions are the quickest way to take back your attention: no new app to learn, and they sit exactly where most distractions live — in your browser tabs. But they solve different problems. Some only block sites. Some only time your work. A few do both.
This guide compares five popular options so you can pick the one that matches how you actually work.
How we compared these extensions
We looked at five practical questions:
- Blocking — can it truly block sites, and does it support blocklists, allowlists or presets?
- Focus structure — does it include a timer or work–break rhythm?
- Breaks and wellbeing — does it help you rest, or only stop you?
- Insights — can you see how your focus time is trending?
- Privacy and price — is an account required, and what is free?
Comparison table
| Extension | Website blocking | Focus timer | Enforced breaks | Stats | Browsers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGUMU | Blocklist, allowlist, presets | Pomodoro, 52-17, 90-20, custom | Full-screen break + blink warning | Yes, with goals | Chrome, Edge, Brave, Firefox |
| StayFocusd | Daily time allowance | No | No | Limited | Chrome-based |
| LeechBlock NG | Rule sets and schedules | No (time-based rules) | No | Limited | Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
| Forest | Blocklist during sessions | Yes | No | Yes | Chrome, Edge, Firefox |
| Freedom | Blocklists, schedules | No | No | Basic | Extension + desktop/mobile apps |
1. NGUMU — best all-in-one focus extension
NGUMU: Screen Time Control combines three things most people end up installing separately: a website blocker, a focus timer and break enforcement.
What it does well
- Real blocking during focus. Use a blocklist, an allowlist ("only these sites while I work") or curated presets for social media, video and news.
- Proven rhythms built in. Pomodoro (25/5), 52-17, 90-20 and the 20-20-20 eye rule, plus fully custom cycles.
- Breaks you actually take. A short blink warning appears before each break, then a full-screen break overlay makes it hard to drift back to work.
- Tab management limits distracting tabs while you focus.
- Progress tracking with focus time, session counts and daily or weekly goals.
- Privacy-friendly. Session data is stored locally and no personal data is required for core features.
Who it's for
Students, remote workers and anyone who wants structure — not just a wall. If you've tried a blocker and still felt scattered, the timer and break rhythm are what make NGUMU different.
2. StayFocusd — best for simple daily limits
StayFocusd gives you a daily time allowance for chosen sites. Once you use it up, those sites are blocked for the rest of the day. It's simple and effective if your main problem is how long you spend on a few sites. It doesn't time your work sessions or help you take breaks. Read our full NGUMU vs StayFocusd comparison.
3. LeechBlock NG — best for detailed rules
LeechBlock NG is a free, open-source blocker with flexible rule sets: block sites at certain hours, after a time limit, or both. It suits people who enjoy configuring precise rules. There's no built-in work–break rhythm.
4. Forest — best for gamified focus
Forest turns focus sessions into growing a virtual tree that dies if you visit a blocked site. It's motivating and visual, but blocking is tied to sessions and the break side of the routine is up to you.
5. Freedom — best for blocking across devices
Freedom blocks distractions across computers and phones with a subscription. If you need the same blocklist on every device, it's a strong option. The browser extension works alongside Freedom's apps rather than as a standalone focus timer.
How to choose the right focus extension
Choose by your main problem
- "I lose hours on a few sites." → A daily limit tool (StayFocusd) or NGUMU's blocklist.
- "I can't get started or keep going." → A focus timer with a rhythm — NGUMU.
- "I work through breaks and burn out." → Enforced breaks — NGUMU's full-screen overlay.
- "I need it on my phone too." → Freedom.
Check privacy before installing
Read each store listing's privacy section. Prefer extensions that store data locally and don't require an account for core features.
Our recommendation
For most people, the best single install is the one that handles blocking, timing and breaks together. That's why NGUMU is our top pick for 2026. It's free to install on Chrome · Edge · Brave · Firefox.
Next, learn why website blocking works or follow our complete NGUMU setup guide.
