Quick answer: Choose StayFocusd if all you want is a daily time allowance for a few sites. Choose NGUMU if you want blocking plus a focus timer, enforced breaks and progress tracking — a complete system for focused work.
Both tools help you spend less time on distracting websites, but they take different approaches. StayFocusd rations your time. NGUMU structures your time.
At a glance
| Feature | NGUMU | StayFocusd |
|---|---|---|
| Website blocking | Blocklist, allowlist, curated presets | Blocked sites after daily allowance |
| Focus timer | Pomodoro, 52-17, 90-20, custom | Not included |
| Break enforcement | Full-screen break overlay | Not included |
| Eye-rest prompts | Blink warning + 20-20-20 | Not included |
| Tab management | Yes | No |
| Stats and goals | Focus time, sessions, daily/weekly goals | Basic |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge, Brave, Firefox | Chrome-based browsers |
| Account needed | No (core features) | No |
How StayFocusd works
You list the sites that waste your time and set a daily allowance — for example 20 minutes. Once you've used it, those sites are blocked until the next day. Its "Nuclear Option" lets you block sites for a fixed period.
StayFocusd strengths
- Very simple concept
- Good for limiting a handful of habit sites
StayFocusd limitations
- No work–break rhythm, so it doesn't help you start or sustain focus
- No break enforcement or eye-rest prompts
How NGUMU works
You pick a rhythm — say Pomodoro — and start a session. While you focus, NGUMU blocks your distracting sites and limits tabs. Before the break, a blink warning reminds you to rest your eyes; then a full-screen break overlay makes sure you actually step away. Your sessions feed a dashboard with goals.
NGUMU strengths
- Blocking tied to focus sessions, so it's active exactly when it matters
- Allowlist mode for deep work: only your work sites open
- Healthier breaks and less eye strain
- Clear progress over days and weeks
NGUMU limitations
- More features to set up than a single daily limit (though presets make it quick)
Which should you choose?
Pick StayFocusd if…
- you mainly want to cap time on two or three sites
- you don't want a timer
Pick NGUMU if…
- you struggle to start or stay in focus mode
- you skip breaks and end the day drained
- you want to see whether your focus is improving
- you use Edge, Brave or Firefox as well as Chrome
Switching from StayFocusd to NGUMU
- Install NGUMU on Chrome · Edge · Brave · Firefox.
- Copy your StayFocusd sites into NGUMU's blocklist, or choose the Social media or Video preset.
- Start with Pomodoro for a week, then try 52-17 if you prefer longer blocks.
- Remove StayFocusd so rules don't overlap.
For a full walkthrough, read the complete guide to using NGUMU. Still comparing? See our top 5 focus extensions for 2026.
