Time management apps and extensions for web browsers can be helpful if you aren’t disciplined enough to resist online distractions. If you want to start being more productive, here are some tools that let you set time limits on web browsers and web apps.

These tools are available for various desktop and mobile web browsers. Check individual product descriptions to make sure they are compatible with your browser and operating system.

RescueTime: Set Time Management Goals

RescueTime is an application for desktop and mobile devices that tracks how much time you spend on specific websites and apps. A free membership comes with the option to set goals for how you want to spend your time, as well as weekly and quarterly reports. You can also use RescueTime to get alerts for when you’ve spent enough time on a certain activity, block specific websites, log achievements throughout your day, and more.

  • Set and monitor time-management goals.

  • Lite version is free.

  • In-depth reporting requires pricey premium version.

  • No iOS version.

Trackr: Block Distractions on Chrome

Want to see exactly how much time you’re spending on specific websites? Trackr is a simple Google Chrome extension that displays a pie graph to give you a visual idea of how you’re spending your time. According to the developer, it only tracks active time on a web page. Therefore, if you leave lots of browser tabs open in the background, it won’t detect mouse movement or any other actions on the web page.

  • Unobtrusive.

  • Won’t track activity on pages you’re not focused on.

  • Lacks customization options.

  • Doesn’t track time spent passively (e.g., watching a movie).

StayFocused: Set Time Limits on Websites

StayFocused is also a Chrome extension that works by limiting your access to time-wasting websites. This particular extension allows you to limit access for a specified amount of time. You also can set a daily maximum time allowed for access, but when that time is up, those websites will be inaccessible for the rest of the day. 

  • Blocks access to websites according to limits you set.

  • Interspersed with humor.

  • Limited options.

  • Ad-supported.

SelfControl: Time Management App for Mac

SelfControl is a free Mac app that allows users to block pretty much anything they want including websites and mail servers. Be warned, though: Unlike the Chrome extensions mentioned above, which can be bypassed just by deactivating them, SelfControl keeps working even after you restart your Mac. Before you set a time limit to block something, make sure you really don’t need it during that period of time. 

  • Completely free.

  • Simple and straightforward.

  • Restarting your device doesn’t deactivate settings.

  • Doesn’t block subdomains.

Forest: Stay Productive Through Gamification

Forest is a premium app available for iOS and Android that takes a unique approach to beating smartphone addiction. Whenever you want to focus on your work, you plant a “tree.” As you focus on work, the tree grows; if you leave the app, the tree wilts. There are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox too, so you can grow your forest while working on the web.

  • White noise feature.

  • Visual progress display provides motivation.

  • No free option.

  • No ability to pause.

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Moment: Distraction-Free Mobile Browsing

If you’re an Android or iPhone addict just looking for a simple, free app to help you kick your bad habit of constantly checking your phone, consider Moment. It allows you to see exactly how much time you’re spending on your phone, set alerts to remind yourself to get off, and set a daily limit that warns you when you’ve reached it. You can also track which apps you use most frequently to get an idea of what’s most distracting to you.

  • Get insight into what draws your attention most.

  • Attractive interface.

  • Can track time spent browsing on iPhones and Android phones.

  • Counts screen time when you’re not interacting with an app.

  • Reminders and notifications may be too intrusive.

Cold Turkey: Best Premium Time Management App

Cold Turkey is another all-in-one time management tool built for desktop browsers. With the free version, you get to set a maximum block period, create multiple custom groups for blocklists that cater to specific occasions, and enjoy a convenient work/break timer.

  • Highly customizable.

  • Set the timer to end at a specific time (rather than after an interval).

  • Advanced features require purchase of the pro version.

  • Unintuitive interface.

The pro version gives you a lot more including a scheduling tool, the ability to block applications, the option to set up exceptions, and a feature called “frozen turkey” for locking yourself out at specific times of the day.

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