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FocusMe VS Classic Shell

Compare FocusMe VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

FocusMe

The website blocker you can't cheat, on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.

Rating
5.0 · 4 reviews
Pricing
Paid Free trial $17.95 / Monthly ($17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once; 14-day free trial)
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Alternatives Is it good?
Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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Alternatives Is it good?
Monitask
Employee Monitoring Software with Screenshots, Internet, Activity and Time Tracking sponsored
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Classic Shell should be more popular than FocusMe. It has been mentioned 18 times since March 2021.

social mentions
11 vs 18
Productivity popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 54

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

FocusMe
Classic Shell
Website focusme.com classicshell.net
Pricing
Paid Free trial $17.95 / Monthly ($17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once; 14-day free trial) Official pricing
Open source
Company Startup from the United Kingdom · 50 - 99 employees —
Listed in
Productivity Websites Blocker Focus App Time Management +1
OS & Utilities Note Taking LMS Bookmarks +1

About FocusMe and Classic Shell

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

FocusMe
Classic Shell

FocusMe is a website and app blocker for Windows, Mac and Linux, with Android and iPhone apps that sync to it. Build plans that block sites and apps on a schedule, cap the time you spend on them each day, or start a focus session whenever you need one. Enforced Mode stops you switching a block...

Read more about FocusMe

No description of Classic Shell yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

FocusMe 5 features
Classic Shell 5 features
  • Enforced Mode
    the strongest bypass protection of any website blocker
  • Flexible Scheduling
    Users can schedule focused work sessions and breaks with advanced customization options, which helps in maintaining a balanced work routine.
  • Pomodoro Time
    built-in work/break cycles with floating timer window
  • User Metrics and Reports
    FocusMe provides detailed reports and statistics on user activity, helping users to analyze and improve their productivity patterns.
  • Strong Security
    The software includes features like forced mode and password protection to prevent users from bypassing restrictions easily.
  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

FocusMe
Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • FocusMe is generally considered a good tool for those who need assistance with self-discipline and concentration. Its comprehensive feature set and flexible options make it a strong contender in the productivity software market.

Why this product is good

  • FocusMe is designed to enhance productivity by blocking distracting websites and apps, helping users maintain focus on their tasks. It offers features like scheduling, time tracking, and breaks management, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with maintaining concentration in the digital age.

Recommended for

  • Students looking to minimize online distractions while studying.
  • Remote workers needing to enhance their focus during work hours.
  • Individuals seeking to manage their screen time effectively.
  • Professionals aiming to increase productivity by structuring their work time.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

FocusMe 2 videos + Add
Classic Shell 3 videos + Add

Focusme Review

More videos

  • - Hands On Review of the Distraction-Blocking Software FocusMe

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos

  • - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
FocusMe
Classic Shell
100% 100%
Productivity
0% 0%
0% 0%
Note Taking
100% 100%
100% 100%
Time Management
0% 0%
0% 0%
LMS
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using FocusMe and Classic Shell. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

FocusMe 5.0 · 4 reviews
Classic Shell no reviews yet
  • Started using FocusMe six years ago. I rely on it heavily.
    SaaSHub review
    · Apr 2023

    I have been using FocusMe software on all my PCs and phones for over six years. I have a paid license. I would really like to commend the developers of FocusMe. As someone who spends more than 8 hours a day at a...

  • The Best Application for Managing Digital Distractions
    SaaSHub review
    · Mar 2023

    Wow! Where should I start? I've been constantly searching in these two years for finding a complete solution that could really help me manage my digital distractions and focus on my daily life routines, most...

  • FocusMe review
    SaaSHub review
    · Jan 2023

    It just all works properly unlike other softwares. I am very happy because if I have minor troubles, customer support is there the same day to help me fix it. A lot of good locking systems that so far I haven't been...

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We have no reviews of Classic Shell yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

FocusMe 11 mentions
Classic Shell 18 mentions
  • WFH Developers how do you fight major procrastination?
    I would probably be homeless if it wasn't for FocusMe. I use it to block all sites except sites I need for work. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Build/compile/package restore times KILL my productivity
    It's called FocusMe (https://focusme.com/). I came across some years ago when it was still a simple little app. You had to manually set it to block a site and enter in a time period. I had my daily working schedule that I use now set... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Software for permanent blocking websites
    How about Forest - https://www.forestapp.cc/ or FocusMe - https://focusme.com/. Source: almost 4 years ago

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Alternatives to FocusMe and Classic Shell

When comparing FocusMe and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products.

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