Freedom: Site/App Blocker

Alex Stewart

After using this for a year, I still think the developers need to make a password mandatory for uninstalling it or accessing a phone's settings (Android LG phone). Otherwise it is too easy to bypass it. I can't find the settings blocking they mention, and I haven't been able to access the App blocking (shield icon) on the Freedom app for several months now. It keeps crashing when I try.

A Google user

I have changed my review. My original problems were related to the proxy server . It would have been very helpful if freedom would have alerted users to the updated work around. That's the only reason why I hold back one star. Once you establish the by pass..no problems with the proxy server slow downs..The other issues I had were self inflicted. My butterfly tool bar was in my bottom task bar. It was not a drop down. Once I solved this all is working as expected. a silly oversight. This is a great tool, a good value and so easy to use. I like it. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a boost to stay focused. Oh, and the support folks are very nice and helpful. You wont regret the purchase.

A Google user

Overall I like the app and it's helped me curb mindless tapping before bed. It has a simple (perhaps too-minimal) interface for setting recurring block sessions and selecting apps to block. However, it doesn't seem to account for time zones! I had to uninstall while on vacation because it would start three hours too early. I look forward to re-installing after I get home and hope the developers address this oversight soon.

Cameron Osborne

Works great on pc, and it wasn't working on my phone and tablet, at first. I was having issues getting it to block my apps but I was able to figure out why because you need to create separate sessions outside of your pc created sessions. It does make the session list a bit confusing but that's better than it just not working. Great job freedom team. Love the app.

A Google user

UPDATE: previously I gave Freedom 2 stars for failing to start on my laptop and allowing me to open apps on my phone. I didn't see the developers response or I would have sent data. The prob seems to have resolved after uninstalling/reinstalling a few times. Now its working great! I have inattentive ADHD and have to write technical reports for my job. I would not get any work done at all without Freedom & the other behavioral modification tools I use. I highly recommend. 2nd UPDATE: not working on my laptop again. Very annoying.

A Google user

It does it's job, but I wish it had more features. For example, a way to block a certain app for a fixed period of time would be nice. Let's say I usually have YouTube blocked, but I want to look up a tutorial. Instead of having to remove YouTube from my blocklists - then, when I'm done using YouTube going back and adding it back to the list - a good option would be something like: "allow youtube for ___ mins" option. This will save time having to go remember to go back into the app.

A Google user

This App is amazing... one of the very few multiplatform out there and at an amazing price. I've used it on my Macbook, iPhone and Windows netbook, where I've set a 24/7 locked on distracting websites and content. The android app is nice, however, it is missing a crucial feature, which is the pin protection from uninstall. If they can learn from apps such as Detoxify, Blocker X for inspiration on how to prevent uninstall, I think this will take this app/platform to the next level. Until then, I will cheer them up as I hope to see this feature soon!

Pablo Stafforini

The app prevents users from editing the blocklist while a session is active. This is a really bad decision, because it makes customizing the blocklist gradually in response to experience much more difficult than it needs to be. For example, 30 minutes ago I realized it didn't make sense to block WhatsApp, because I sometimes need to respond to urgent messages. But I cannot currently remove this app from the blocklist because the session will last for another six hours, and by the time the session expires, I will probably have forgotten that I had to make this change. I guess I could set an alarm to remind myself, but it isn't practical to do this dozens of times. If the worry is that users will abuse this feature to get access to an app or website that is supposed to be blocked, why not give users the option to disable the feature and prevent THIS setting from being changed while a session is active?