In a world where we are ever-connected to our mobile devices and bombarded with constant notifications, it’s no surprise that more and more people are feeling burnt out and longing for a simpler time.
So, what if there was a way to break free?
Enter Freedom, an app that promises to help you take back control of your time by blocking online distractions by giving you the freedom to focus on what’s important to you – whether it’s getting an all important work project finished, or spending time with your friends and family.
But is this app really worth it?
After testing out Freedom for a couple of weeks, I put together this comprehensive Freedom App review to help you decide if Freedom is the right app for you.
Disclosure: This article is in partnership with Freedom. I only ever recommend products and services which I have used and love. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Let’s delve into my Freedom App review…
What is Freedom
In short, Freedom allows you to block any distracting websites or apps while you work or just take some much needed time away from your devices.
You can set a timer for a specific period of time if you need to focus on a particular task, or even set it to block sites and apps for an entire day.
You can also customise your Freedom experience by setting which websites and apps you’d like to be blocked, as well as which ones you’d like to remain accessible. That way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally locking yourself out of something.
When setting up my account, the first thing I noticed about Freedom is that it’s incredibly user friendly. The setup process was quick and easy – all I had to do was enter my email address and the app walked me through the rest of the setup (which just involved entering my name and creating a password).
What are the features of Freedom
It’s available on all devices
No matter what device you use, you’ll be able to use the app. The freedom app is available to download for Mac, Windows, IOS, Android, Chromebook and Linux.
Blocking apps and websites
Often I find myself picking up my phone – out of boredom perhaps, not because I need to – and scrolling through Instagram or Facebook or playing a mindless game.
Freedom’s strongest feature is definitely its ability to block websites and apps. I can set a block session for a certain period of time or even for an entire day and be sure that I won’t get distracted by any notifications. It’s been a great way for me to focus on the task at hand without getting derailed.
Freedom even allows you to completely block the internet from your digital device.
Personalised blocklists
The apps that tend to distract you the most may be different to those which distract me. That’s why Freedom allows you to personalise your own blocklists – and create as many block lists as you like.
You can create one list for apps and websites you want to block during working hours, and another list for apps and websites you want to block during your leisure time (such as your work emails!).
You can even set up different categories of websites to block – shopping sites, for example, if you tend to get distracted with shopping online.
Scheduling blocks
This is a great feature if you want to make sure you stick to your plan. You can pre-schedule time for your break, or block time for a specific task or event (like when you need a digital detox).
You can also set up a recurring session such as every evening after 8pm. This will help those who have difficulty logging off before bedtime.
Ambient sounds
Another feature Freedom offers is ambient sounds that help you focus on your work. The app offers a selection of soothing melodies like music, ocean waves and even coffee shops or offices. If you’re used to background noise while you work or relax, you’ll love this feature!
Do not disturb
I thought this would be automatic, whereby once you’ve blocked apps you wouldn’t receive any notifications if a session was in use. However, it is offered in the settings so you can go in and request that no notifications come through and you won’t be disturbed.
Browser extension
Low and behold, Freedom also has a browser extension so you can access the app in your browser. This is great for when you’re using your laptop or desktop and need to stay focused without any distractions.
Locked mode
This isn’t for the faint of heart; with locked mode, Freedom won’t even let you finish the blocking session early! So if you’re struggling to stay on track, this feature can be a real lifesaver. If you do need to turn off the block, you’ll have to contact customer care to do so.
Chat customer service feature
Not being very techy myself, just 2 minutes into my session I had trouble with the app permission on my phone and had to reach out to the customer service team.
I had also somehow managed to start two sessions simultaneously and they kindly reset my credits so I didn’t lose out.
Note: some of these features are only available on the premium plans and not the free trial.
Freedom pricing
One of the best things about this app is that the prices are affordable. There are three premium pricing tiers:
- Monthly subscription – this works out to be the most expensive option at $8.99 a month, but it’s great if you’re not ready for a full commitment of the app or require a payment plan.
- Yearly subscription – the yearly plan is the most popular, working out at just $3.99 per month. You will need to pay for the full year in advance, however. You can grab 20% off this plan by using code ‘FOCUS25‘ at checkout.
- Lifetime plan – this plan comes in at $159 but it’s a one-off fee for life, so you’ll never have to worry about paying for any more subscriptions.
If you want to give Freedom a try for free, you can get 7 free sessions here! You’ll then need to upgrade to any of the above plans to continue using it, with the option to pay by either credit card or Paypal. You can also purchase in-app on your iOS or Android device.
Extra perks they offer
When you sign up for the premium plans, you’ll also be extended some great offers and discounts on other productivity tools, such as:
- 25% off Brain.fm
- 3 months free Todoist subscription
- 3 months free
- 30% off Ten Percent Happier
Who should use Freedom
Freedom is a great tool for anyone wanting to stay focused – whether you’re a student, a writer or simply someone who wants to disconnect from your digital device so you can concentrate on what’s important to you.
It could be especially useful if you’re not the type of person who can easily ignore distractions and need that extra push to stay on task.
The app is also perfect for those who spend too much time on their phone or computer and need an extra little push in the right direction.
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Overall opinion
I’ve been using the Freedom App for a few weeks now and I’m absolutely loving it! It helps me stay focused without distracting me from my work tasks, and I’m kept in check whenever I reach for my phone.
Freedom is a great way to break free from your devices. If you feel like you’re addicted to your phone, or if you just want to take a break for a bit, Freedom is the perfect solution.
It’s easy to use, has tons of features that make it worth the price tag, and I highly recommend giving it a try!
Looking to be more intentional with your social media? Read this post to find out more.
