Hardcore Focus vs Freedom (2026)
Freedom blocks phone and laptop with an on-device local VPN. Hardcore Focus is iPhone-only Screen Time blocking plus an AI Gatekeeper. When you need cross-device.
Short answer: Pick Freedom if the distraction is also on a Mac or Windows laptop — it filters across devices with an on-device local VPN. Pick Hardcore Focus if you only need iPhone (and Watch), want native Screen Time rather than a VPN profile, and want an on-device AI Gatekeeper during focus sessions.
Quick comparison
| Hardcore Focus | Freedom | |
|---|---|---|
| How it blocks | Apple Screen Time API | On-device local VPN filter |
| Platforms | iPhone, Watch | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Account | None | Freedom account |
| Strictness | High on iPhone (Gatekeeper) | Medium; Locked Mode |
| Price (USD, Aug 2026) | $3.99/wk · $8.99/mo · $49.99/yr | $8.99/mo · $39.99/yr · ~$99.50 lifetime |
VPN vs Screen Time
Freedom’s own docs say traffic does not leave the device — “VPN” here is a local filter. Some people still do not want a VPN profile. Hardcore Focus never installs one. The tradeoff: no laptop.
Longer explainer: Screen Time API vs VPN app blockers.
Price
Freedom annual (~$39.99) is close to Hardcore Focus annual ($49.99). Freedom has a lifetime SKU; Hardcore Focus does not. You are not choosing on price. You are choosing device coverage.
Who should pick which
- I waste time on the laptop too: Freedom (or Jomo if you want Screen Time on Mac).
- iPhone is the problem, no account, argue with Gatekeeper: Hardcore Focus.
Related: best iPhone app blockers, vs Jomo.