LeechBlock NG
Focus: website blocker, browser extension and focus. Shares open source with FocusWriter. A browser extension, not a desktop app. Adds Chrome and Firefox. Same 4.5 rating.
Browser ExtensionFreeChrome, Firefox
4.5Visit
Desktop App
FocusWriter
A distraction-free word processor with a hide-away interface and daily goals.
Built with love by Shushant Lakhyani. Building bestproductivityresources.com
What is FocusWriter?
FocusWriter is a free, open-source word processor for Windows and Linux that hides its menus until you move the mouse to the edge of the screen. You can create themes with your own fonts and backgrounds, track live statistics and daily word goals, and pick up exactly where you left off.
Pros
- Calm full-screen writing space
- Daily goals and live word counts
- Free with no account
Cons
- No official macOS version
- Basic formatting compared with full word processors
Who should use FocusWriter
Writers who want a quiet, full-screen space for drafting long pieces.
Who may not need it
Anyone who needs complex layouts, tracked changes or real-time collaboration.
FocusWriter alternatives
Similar resources to FocusWriter, picked from the directory.
LibreOffice
Focus: office suite, spreadsheets and microsoft office alternative. Shares word processor and open source with FocusWriter. Adds macOS. Same 4.5 rating.
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.5Visit
SelfControl
Focus: website blocker, mac and focus. Shares open source with FocusWriter. A Mac app, not a desktop app. Adds macOS. Same 4.5 rating.
Mac AppFreemacOS
4.5Visit
Cold Turkey Blocker
Focus: blocker, strict and focus. Also in Distraction Blocking and Focus, like FocusWriter. Freemium (FocusWriter: Free). Adds macOS. Same 4.5 rating.
Desktop AppFree planWindows, macOS
4.5Visit
Freedom
Focus: blocker, focus and screen time. Also in Distraction Blocking and Focus, like FocusWriter. Paid but Affordable (FocusWriter: Free). Adds macOS, iOS and Android. Rated 4.3 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppPaid but AffordablemacOS, Windows
4.3Visit
Zotero
Focus: citations, reference manager and pdf. Shares open source with FocusWriter. Adds macOS, iOS and Chrome. Rated 4.8 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.8Visit
Free alternatives to FocusWriter
Free resources that cover similar ground.
Handy
Focus: speech to text, dictation and whisper. Shares open source with FocusWriter. Adds macOS. Rated 4.7 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.7Visit
Notepad++
Focus: text editor, code editor and windows. Shares open source with FocusWriter. Rated 4.7 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows
4.7Visit
Pomotroid
Focus: pomodoro, focus timer and desktop app. Shares open source with FocusWriter. Adds macOS. Rated 4.6 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.6Visit
Stretchly
Focus: break reminder, eye strain and healthy habits. Shares open source with FocusWriter. Adds macOS. Rated 4.6 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.6Visit
Zen Browser
Focus: web browser, vertical tabs and workspaces. Shares open source with FocusWriter. Adds macOS. Rated 4.6 (FocusWriter: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.6Visit
A Soft Murmur
Focus: ambient sounds, white noise and focus music. Also in Focus and Distraction Blocking, like FocusWriter. A website, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Same 4.5 rating.
WebsiteFreeWeb
4.5Visit
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