Software Alternatives & Startups
Register | Login

FocusMe VS Open Shell

Compare FocusMe VS Open 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)
Promote on VibeVoted
Alternatives Is it good?
Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...

Rating
0 reviews
Promote on VibeVoted
Alternatives Is it good?
Usejarvis
Turn business tasks into reusable workflows with company context, AI judgement and human approvals. 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, FocusMe seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 11 times since March 2021.

social mentions
11 vs 0
Productivity popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 44

Base details

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

FocusMe
Open Shell
Website focusme.com open-shell.github.io
Pricing
Paid Free trial $17.95 / Monthly ($17.95 a month, $119.40 a year or $449 once; 14-day free trial) Official pricing
—
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 Open Shell

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

FocusMe
Open 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 Open Shell yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

FocusMe 5 features
Open 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.
  • Customization
    Open Shell provides extensive customization options, allowing users to modify the Start menu to fit their preferences, from design to functionality.
  • Familiar Interface
    It offers a classic start menu which is familiar to users of older Windows versions, making it easier for them to navigate.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, it allows for community contributions, making it more transparent and potentially more secure.
  • No Cost
    Open Shell is free to use, providing a cost-effective solution for users who want a different Start menu experience without paying for software.
  • Regular Updates
    The project is fairly well-maintained, receiving updates that add new features and fix potential issues, improving user experience over time.

Possible disadvantages

  • Compatibility Issues
    There could be compatibility problems with certain Windows updates or third-party applications, requiring troubleshooting and fixes.
  • Learning Curve
    While it offers many customization options, new users might find the settings and customization process overwhelming and confusing initially.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, it relies heavily on community support rather than professional customer service, which can be a drawback for users needing prompt assistance.
  • Resource Usage
    Though generally lightweight, Open Shell can consume additional system resources, which might be impactful on less powerful machines.

Analysis

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

FocusMe
Open 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

  • Open Shell is considered a good tool for those who desire a more traditional Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions. It is reliable, versatile, and generally well-received by the community for resurrecting the familiar interface from previous Windows iterations.

Why this product is good

  • Open Shell (formerly known as Classic Shell) is appreciated for its ability to bring back the classic Start Menu functionality to Windows, particularly for users who prefer the interface design and usability of older versions of Windows. It provides a customizable menu, various skins, and additional enhancements for the Start Button, File Explorer, and Internet Explorer. The software is lightweight, free, and open source, allowing for a high degree of personalization and adaptability.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer the classic Windows Start Menu.
  • Individuals who are not satisfied with the default Start Menu on newer Windows versions.
  • Users seeking a highly customizable and lightweight menu solution.
  • Technical users who appreciate open-source software and want to tweak their system appearance and functionality.
  • Anyone upgrading from older Windows versions who wants to maintain a consistent user interface experience.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

FocusMe 2 videos + Add
Open Shell 1 video + Add

Focusme Review

More videos

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

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

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
Open 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 Open Shell. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

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

FocusMe 5.0 · 4 reviews
Open 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...

View more

We have no reviews of Open 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
Open Shell 0 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

View more

Tracking Open Shell since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to FocusMe and Open Shell

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

Loading...