“Cold Turkey blocks well, but I want firm limits without feeling locked out of my own computer.”
Cold Turkey alternatives for blocking distractions
Choose an alternative based on what you need from the block. Cold Turkey remains a strong option for maximum strictness on Windows. Freedom is a mature cross-device product sold by subscription, while FocusMe offers a broad suite of tools. REACH is a free beta that terminates Windows processes and shares modes across devices. Its website blocking works only in Chrome and has no anti-bypass protection. REACH adds everyday friction while leaving final control with the user. It does not provide an administrator-grade barrier.
REACH blocks selected processes while leaving the administrator in control. Join the waitlist and we will email you when the free beta is available.
REACH is in free public beta. Join the waitlist and we will let you know when you can try it. No card, no ads.
Choose based on why you are leaving
People leave Cold Turkey for different reasons. You may want to keep a hard block, reduce the risk of locking yourself out, or carry a focus session from computer to phone.
Start by comparing how each tool works. Strict blockers, cross-device subscriptions, habit suites, and process termination give the user different levels of control.
What Cold Turkey still does better
Cold Turkey has a long record of strict blocking on Windows. It remains a strong choice if you value commitments that are difficult to cancel more than flexibility.
REACH is easier to bypass. It has no protected service or anti-bypass layer, and closing the app stops blocking. Cold Turkey may suit you better if your priority is preventing a change of mind.
Where REACH fits
REACH checks listed processes about every 1.5 seconds and terminates them while a mode is active. The same mode can include full Chrome domains, schedules, a consecutive-day streak, and statistics.
An account shares focus state across devices. REACH still works on the computer where you install it without an account.
Limits to know before switching
The beta is free, with no card or ads, and there is no public download yet. Website blocking works only in Chrome, can take up to about one minute, and fails open if the local bridge is down.
REACH may suit you if you want Discord, a launcher, or a game to stop reopening during a session while you retain administrator control. Cold Turkey remains the stronger option for maximum strictness today.
What this answer does not cover
- REACH has no anti-bypass layer or protected service.
- REACH website blocking currently works only in Chrome.
- There is no public download yet.
Questions on this page
Is REACH stricter than Cold Turkey?
No. Cold Turkey is known for strict blocking. REACH terminates processes during a session, but the administrator retains final control.
Does REACH cost less than Cold Turkey?
REACH is in free public beta, with no card, ads, or announced paid plan.
What does REACH block on Windows?
It terminates selected app processes and blocks full domains in Chrome while a focus session is active.