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 at $49.99 once 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 $49.99 once | 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
- + A lower one-time price (about $39)
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.
Already decided? See how to switch from Cold Turkey.
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 at $49.99 once. 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 July 04, 2026
Competitor pricing and features are verified periodically and can change. Sources:
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