SiteBlocker vs Cold Turkey
Two ways to block distracting sites, compared honestly. The “nuclear option”: the hardest-to-bypass blocker for desktop power users.
SiteBlocker gives every blocking feature away free (with Pro from $2.99/mo for keyword blocking and full insights) and collects zero data. Cold Turkey is a desktop application, not a browser extension. It blocks at the operating-system level, which makes it the strictest tool in the category and also the least flexible.
Feature comparison
| Feature | SiteBlocker | Cold Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Pro from $2.99/mo | Free / ~$39 one-time |
| Type | Browser extension | Desktop app |
| Scheduled blocking | Free | Yes |
| Whitelist mode | Free | Yes |
| Focus Mode + Pomodoro | Free | Timed blocks only |
| Keyword blocking | Pro | No |
| Cross-device sync | Free | No |
| Browsers | Chrome, Firefox | System-level (any browser, desktop only) |
| Enforcement strictness | Soft or hard Focus Mode | Strongest (whole-machine lock) |
| Modern UI | Yes | Dated |
What Cold Turkey does well
- + The strongest enforcement anywhere: locked blocks and a whole-machine freeze you genuinely can’t remove
- + Blocks entire applications, not just websites
- + One-time payment with lifetime updates
Where Cold Turkey falls short
- – Desktop-only: no mobile, no Linux, and no sync to your phone
- – No browser extension, so it’s absent from the Chrome and Firefox stores
- – A dated interface and a steeper learning curve, and it can be too strict to live with
SiteBlocker is best for…
You want a lightweight cross-browser blocker with a modern UI, cross-device sync, and a hard Focus Mode when you need it.
Cold Turkey is best for…
You’re a desktop power user who wants unbreakable, system-level blocking and don’t need mobile or sync.
Try SiteBlocker free. You can keep your current blocker installed while you test it.
SiteBlocker vs Cold Turkey: FAQ
Is SiteBlocker a good Cold Turkey alternative?
Yes, if you want a browser-based blocker instead of a desktop application. SiteBlocker installs as a Chrome or Firefox extension, syncs across devices, and has a modern interface, where Cold Turkey is a Windows/macOS desktop app with no extension and no sync.
Is SiteBlocker as strict as Cold Turkey?
Not quite. Cold Turkey offers the strongest enforcement available, including locked blocks and a whole-machine freeze you genuinely cannot remove. SiteBlocker offers a hard Focus Mode that is strict but lighter-weight, designed for browser distractions rather than system-level lockdown.
Does SiteBlocker work without installing a desktop app?
Yes. SiteBlocker runs entirely as a browser extension, so there is nothing to install on your operating system. Cold Turkey requires a desktop application on Windows or macOS.
Is SiteBlocker free like Cold Turkey’s free tier?
Both have free tiers. SiteBlocker’s blocking is fully free with optional Pro from $2.99/mo. Cold Turkey’s free tier covers website blocking, and its one-time Pro license (around $39) adds app blocking and the unbreakable timer.
Last updated June 05, 2026
Competitor pricing and features are verified periodically and can change. Sources:
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