The free Cold Turkey alternative for Windows
Distraction Blocker is a free alternative to Cold Turkey Blocker for Windows 10 and 11. It blocks websites and desktop apps, and once a focus session starts it can't be turned off until you restart your PC — the kind of locked block Cold Turkey keeps for its paid Pro version. No account needed.
Distraction Blocker vs Cold Turkey Blocker
Both are built for people who want a block they can't talk their way out of. The difference is mostly what you have to pay for.
| Feature | Distraction BlockerFree | Cold Turkey Blocker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Freeevery feature included | Free tierPro: one-time purchase, about $39 |
| Platforms | Windows 10 & 11 | Windows, macOS |
| Blocks websites | Yesevery browser, no extension | Yesvia browser extensions |
| Blocks desktop apps & games | Yes | Pro only |
| Block that can't be stopped | Yesuntil you restart | Pro onlylocking features |
| Focus / break cycles | Yesbuilt-in Pomodoro | Pro onlybreaks & allowances |
| Weekly schedules | Nostart sessions yourself | Pro only |
| Usage statistics | No | Yes |
| Account needed | No | NoPro uses a product key |
Cold Turkey details checked on getcoldturkey.com on October 17, 2026. Prices and features change, so check their site for the latest. Cold Turkey is a trademark of its owner; this page isn't affiliated with or endorsed by it.
Four differences that matter
1Who pays for the lock
Cold Turkey's free version blocks websites on a timer, but the features that stop you from quitting — locking, app blocking, schedules, breaks — are part of Pro. In Distraction Blocker the lock is the product: every focus session is locked, and it costs nothing.
2How websites are blocked
Cold Turkey asks you to install an extension in each supported browser. Distraction Blocker blocks sites through the Windows hosts file instead, so the block covers every browser on the PC — including one you install halfway through a session.
3How you get out
Cold Turkey Pro gives you many ways to lock a block — until a time, behind a password, with uninstall prevention. Distraction Blocker has exactly one exit during focus: restart the PC. During breaks, everything unlocks on its own.
4What you set up
Cold Turkey is a toolbox: many block lists, schedules, allowances and statistics. Distraction Blocker is deliberately small — a website list, an app list, a focus length and a break length. Press Start and the rest is decided.
When Cold Turkey is the better pick
- You use a Mac, or want one licence for Windows and macOS. Distraction Blocker is Windows-only.
- You want blocks to start on a weekly schedule without pressing anything, or daily allowances for certain sites.
- You like statistics about where your time goes.
- You already own Cold Turkey Pro and it works for you — there's no reason to switch.
Moving over from Cold Turkey
It takes about two minutes, and you can keep your old block list.
1. Write down your list
Open Cold Turkey and note the websites and apps you block most.
2. Install Distraction Blocker
Download the free installer and run it. Windows may warn about an unknown publisher — here's why that's fine.
3. Add sites and apps
Add the websites to the website list and the apps to the app list.
4. Press Start
Choose your focus and break lengths and start. From here, only a restart ends the focus session.
Cold Turkey alternative, answered
Is there a free version of Cold Turkey Pro?
Is Distraction Blocker as hard to bypass as Cold Turkey?
Do I need a browser extension?
Does Distraction Blocker work on Mac?
Can I use both at the same time?
Comparing more blockers? See Distraction Blocker vs Cold Turkey, Freedom, StayFocusd and Forest.
Get the locked session for free
Try Distraction Blocker first. If you need a Mac version or schedules later, Cold Turkey Pro will still be there.