System-level website and app blocking
Blocks selected websites and apps from accessing the internet, so blocking is not tied to a particular browser or browser extension.
Focus Firewall
Freemium
Focus Firewall is a macOS app that blocks distracting websites and apps across browsers without browser extensions. It helps people automate focus periods, take controlled breaks, and review local browsing-time reports.
What is Focus Firewall?
Focus Firewall is a system-level distraction blocker for Mac. It prevents selected websites and apps from accessing the internet, including services such as X, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, TikTok, and messaging apps. Because blocking happens at the system level, it works across supported browsers without requiring browser extensions.
The app is designed around scheduled focus periods. Users can set working hours so selected sites and apps are blocked automatically during the workday, rather than having to remember to start blocking manually. The blocklist includes more than 155 websites and nine messaging apps out of the box, and users can add websites or apps and hide categories they do not need.
Focus Firewall also supports controlled interruptions. Users can pause blocking briefly, temporarily turn off a category, or unblock one website when necessary. A daily blocking reset and optional Touch ID or device-password authentication for stopping or pausing add structure without making the app completely inflexible.
The Browsing Report shows time spent on blocklisted sites by hour, along with a focus score and timeline. The report is opt-in and stored locally on the Mac. Focus Firewall does not require an account and says it does not collect personal information, browsing habits, or visited websites.
What can Focus Firewall do?
Automatic focus schedules
Set working hours once and let the app block selected distractions automatically during scheduled periods.
Prebuilt and custom blocklists
Start with more than 155 websites and nine messaging apps, then add other websites or apps and hide categories that are not relevant.
Controlled pause and exceptions
Pause blocking for a short period, temporarily disable a category, or unblock a single website when a specific exception is needed.
Browsing Report
Review time spent on blocklisted sites by hour with a focus score and timeline. The report is opt-in and kept on the Mac.
Optional stop protection
Require Touch ID or the device password to stop or pause the firewall, adding an extra confirmation step when enabled.
Use Cases
“Scheduled workdays”
Set regular working hours so social networks, streaming sites, and other selected distractions are blocked automatically while work is in progress.
“Studying and exam preparation”
Use predefined categories or custom entries to reduce access to distracting websites and messaging apps during study sessions.
“Short breaks without abandoning the schedule”
Pause the firewall for a limited break, then let blocking resume instead of turning off the whole routine for the rest of the day.
“Reviewing online habits”
Use the opt-in Browsing Report to inspect time spent on blocklisted sites by hour and compare that activity with focus periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platforms does Focus Firewall support?
Focus Firewall is currently available for macOS through the Mac App Store. It is not currently available for iPhone or iPad.
Which browsers are supported?
The site lists Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Arc, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, Edge, Orion, Zen, Dia, and additional browsers including Floorp, Waterfox, Comet, Helium, and ChatGPT Atlas. The developer asks users to request support for other browsers.
Does Focus Firewall require browser extensions or an account?
No. It works at the system level without browser extensions, and the product says no account is required.
What happens when a blocked site or app is opened?
A blocked website appears as if the internet is unavailable for that site. Blocked apps can open but cannot access the internet.
Can blocking be paused or bypassed?
Yes. Users can pause blocking for a few minutes, temporarily turn off a category, or unblock one website. The app is designed to add some friction without making exceptions impossible.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity and distraction blocker
- Platform
- macOS; distributed through the Mac App Store
- Browser model
- System-level blocking; no browser extensions required
- Included blocklist
- 155+ websites and 9 messaging apps
- Privacy model
- Local processing; no account required and no browsing data collected
- Trial and pricing
- 7-day free trial; monthly, annual, and lifetime options
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