Comparison
StretchLock vs Freedom
Freedom is one of the best-known distraction blockers, working across phones and computers. StretchLock takes a narrower, more physical approach on mobile. Here's how they compare and which fits your problem.
How they compare
| Feature | StretchLock | Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Core idea | A stretch before distracting apps open | Block sites and apps across all devices |
| Platforms | iOS & Android | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome |
| Scope | Mobile apps | Websites and apps, cross-device |
| How it interrupts you | A quick guided stretch | Scheduled or on-demand blocking |
| Targets physical health | Yes — movement is the whole point | No — blocking only |
| Price | Free to start | Paid (subscription or lifetime) |
What Freedom is
Freedom is a veteran distraction blocker that syncs across Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Chrome. You create block lists and schedule sessions, and it enforces them everywhere at once — useful if your distractions live on both your laptop and your phone. It's powerful, mature, and built for broad, cross-device blocking.
Where StretchLock stands out
StretchLock is deliberately narrower. It focuses on the phone, and on the exact moment you reach for a distracting app, inserting a short stretch instead of a hard block. That makes it gentler and more sustainable for everyday use, and it's the only one of these tools that improves your posture and mobility while it curbs your scrolling. It's free to start, too — and it pairs naturally with the ideas in how to reduce screen time without blocking apps.
Where Freedom is stronger
If you need to block distracting websites on a work computer, or enforce the same block list across several devices, Freedom does what StretchLock doesn't. Its cross-platform reach and website blocking make it the stronger choice for deep, device-wide lockdown.
Pricing
Freedom is a paid product, offered as a subscription or a one-time lifetime purchase. StretchLock is free to start. For people who mainly struggle with their phone and want to try a movement-based habit first, StretchLock is the lower-commitment option. Check current pricing on each site before buying.
Which should you choose?
Choose StretchLock if…
People whose main distraction is their phone, who want a free-to-start, sustainable habit that also counters the physical toll of screen time.
Get StretchLock →Choose Freedom if…
People who need to block websites and apps across a computer and phone at the same time and want device-wide enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
Is StretchLock a good alternative to Freedom?
If your distractions are mainly on your phone, yes. StretchLock targets reflexive app-opening with a quick stretch and is free to start. Freedom is the better pick if you need to block websites and apps across a computer as well as your phone.
Does Freedom block apps on the phone?
Yes, Freedom can block apps and websites on iOS and Android as part of its cross-device blocking. StretchLock takes a different approach on mobile — a stretch-based pause rather than a hard block.
Which is cheaper, StretchLock or Freedom?
StretchLock is free to start, while Freedom is a paid subscription or lifetime purchase. If cost is a factor and your focus is your phone, StretchLock is the lower-risk place to begin.
What does StretchLock do that Freedom doesn't?
StretchLock turns the moment before a distracting app into a quick stretch, so it improves posture and mobility while reducing screen time. Freedom blocks distractions but does nothing for the physical side of sitting and scrolling.
Can I use StretchLock and Freedom together?
Yes. You could use Freedom for device-wide website blocking during work and StretchLock for everyday phone moments. They address different parts of the distraction problem and don't interfere with each other.
We make StretchLock, so we are not a neutral referee — but we have tried to be fair about where Freedomis the better choice. Features and pricing change; check each app's own site for the latest details.