Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PicMonkey VS FocusMe

Compare PicMonkey VS FocusMe and see what are their differences

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PicMonkey logo PicMonkey

PicMonkey is a feature-rich online photo editor that works right in your browser; no downloads...

FocusMe logo FocusMe

The website blocker you can't cheat
  • PicMonkey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-25
  • FocusMe FocusMe main window โ€” the Plans dashboard
    FocusMe main window โ€” the Plans dashboard //
    2026-04-14
  • FocusMe Adding websites to the blacklist
    Adding websites to the blacklist //
    2026-04-14
  • FocusMe A completed AI Coach report
    A completed AI Coach report //
    2026-04-14
  • FocusMe The Break Screen during an active break
    The Break Screen during an active break //
    2026-04-14
  • FocusMe Settings โ€” General tab
    Settings โ€” General tab //
    2026-04-14

FocusMe is the most powerful website and app blocker available. Unlike browser extensions that can be easily disabled, FocusMe blocks at the system level across all browsers.

Key features: - Enforced Mode โ€” the strongest bypass protection of any website blocker - AI Productivity Coach โ€” personalized daily/weekly reports with one-click plan recommendations - Enforced Screen Breaks โ€” full-screen overlay with skip protection and minimum break times - Flexible Time Limits โ€” set per-site daily budgets (e.g. 30 min of Reddit per day) - Launch Limits โ€” restrict how many times per day you can open distracting apps - Pomodoro Timer โ€” built-in work/break cycles with floating timer window - CLI Automation โ€” start, stop, and list plans from the command line - Plan Library โ€” community templates you can import with one click - Block YouTube Shorts & Facebook Reels without blocking the rest of the site - Pause Limits, Stop Delays, Random Character Challenges, Plan Hardening

Works on Windows 11/10/8/7, macOS, Linux, and Android. Browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi.

Trusted by 10,000+ users. Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot with 800+ reviews. Free trial available.

FocusMe

$ Details
paid Free Trial $6.95 / Monthly
Startup details
Country
United Kingdom
State
London
City
England
Founder(s)
Jon Rumens
Employees
50 - 99

PicMonkey features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    PicMonkey has a straightforward and intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners to get started with photo editing and graphic design without much of a learning curve.
  • Variety of Templates
    The platform offers a diverse range of pre-designed templates for social media, marketing materials, and personal projects, helping users quickly create professional-looking designs.
  • Robust Editing Tools
    PicMonkey provides a comprehensive set of photo editing tools, including advanced features like layer management, blending modes, and touch-up tools, enabling users to perform detailed edits.
  • Web-Based and Mobile-Friendly
    As a web-based application, PicMonkey is accessible from any device with an internet connection. Additionally, it offers mobile apps for on-the-go editing.
  • Collaboration Features
    PicMonkey allows for easy collaboration with team members and clients, supporting shared workspaces where multiple users can work on a project simultaneously.

Possible disadvantages of PicMonkey

  • Subscription-Based Service
    While PicMonkey offers a free trial, the service is subscription-based, with monthly and annual plans. This can be a downside for users looking for a free, long-term solution.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of PicMonkey has limited functionality, restricting access to certain tools, templates, and features that are only available in the paid plans.
  • Browser Dependence
    As a web-based tool, PicMonkey's performance can be heavily dependent on the userโ€™s internet connection and browser capabilities, which can affect usability and speed.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic tools are easy to use, some of the more advanced features and functionalities of PicMonkey may require time and effort to master, which could be challenging for beginners.
  • Limited File Type Export Options
    PicMonkey has a limited range of export options for file types compared to some other graphic design and photo editing software, potentially limiting flexibility for professional users.

FocusMe features and specs

  • 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.

Possible disadvantages of FocusMe

  • Cost
    FocusMe is a paid service with subscription plans, which might be a barrier for some users who are looking for a free solution.
  • Learning Curve
    The wide array of features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a learning period to fully understand and utilize the software effectively.
  • Potential Over-Restriction
    Intensive blocking settings might inadvertently hinder necessary tasks or access to websites and apps needed for work.
  • Mobile Limitations
    The functionality on mobile platforms may not be as powerful or seamless as on desktop versions, potentially limiting its usefulness for mobile-heavy users.
  • Occasional Software Bugs
    Some users may experience technical glitches or bugs, particularly after updates, which can temporarily disrupt productivity efforts.

Analysis of PicMonkey

Overall verdict

  • PicMonkey is a good choice for those looking for a versatile and accessible design tool. While it may not have the advanced capabilities of more professional software like Adobe Photoshop, it adequately meets the needs of casual designers and small businesses looking for a quick and easy way to create professional-looking graphics.

Why this product is good

  • PicMonkey is a popular online graphic design and photo editing tool known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. It offers a range of tools for photo editing, touch-ups, graphic design, and collage creation. Its ease of use makes it accessible to both beginners and more experienced users, and it includes capabilities like layers, effects, fonts, and design templates. Additionally, it provides integration with cloud storage and collaboration features, making it suitable for both individual and team projects.

Recommended for

  • Individuals looking for an easy-to-use graphic design tool
  • Small businesses needing design content for marketing
  • Social media marketers seeking to create visually appealing content
  • Photographers interested in basic photo touch-up features
  • Teams requiring collaboration tools for design projects

Analysis of FocusMe

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.

PicMonkey videos

PicMonkey Overview 2018 First Look Beta New Features Review

More videos:

  • Review - Intro to New PicMonkey

FocusMe videos

Focusme Review

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PicMonkey and FocusMe)
Image Editing
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100
Graphic Design Software
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare PicMonkey and FocusMe

PicMonkey Reviews

The Top 10 Alternatives to Marq in 2024
PicMonkey has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on user reviews. Users generally mention the intuitive design and ease of use. Check out more PicMonkey reviews here.
Source: piktochart.com
The 7 Best Free Photoshop Alternatives
Another platform-independent, web-based design and editing tool with a lot to offer is PicMonkey, which was seemingly designed with the neophyte user in mind but also packs a punch for those looking for more state-of-the-art features. As long as you have a browser running Flash, PicMonkey is accessible on virtually any platform and lets you start your creation from scratch...
12 Best Free Photoshop Alternatives You Should Try
There are also a bunch of filters and effects that you might find useful. However, PicMonkey isnโ€™t nearly as feature-rich as Photoshop is, and it tends to respond a little slow at times. That said, the biggest problem in PicMonkey is that unless you subscribe to a pro subscription, youโ€™ll not be able to export your images..
Source: beebom.com

FocusMe Reviews

  1. Started using FocusMe six years ago. I rely on it heavily.

    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 computer, it is easy to let it take over your life, even to the point where I found myself watching, chatting and posting even when I didn't particularly want to. I wanted to take control, and FocusMe was a really good solution. FocusMe differed from other products because it handled the entire scope of the problem: 1) lock out stuff from my kids, 2) lock out some of the same stuff from me, 3) not interfere with special internet use (like GitHub, or work related youtube), and 4) to give a whole range of solutions for partial lockout, by time, location, overall usage, multiple password schemes, etc. They do a really good job protecting the software from anyone who might trying to hack around it. There really isn't anything like it.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Freedom.to, Stay Focused, SelfControl
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Easy to use|Easy user interface|Strong feature set|Highly customizable|Detailed reports|Cost effective|Great customer support
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Configuration is repetative|Needs tweeking to get rules right|Limited trial version
  2. The Best Application for Managing Digital Distractions

    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 applications are either not effective enough, so easy to circumvent or very resource-intensive, then I found FocusMe!

    1) It has everything I was searching for, most applications are not effective enough, some are just browser extensions, have a few options and not customizable enough, with FocusMe I can easily create very flexible plans to:

    a) Destroy bad habits and create good ones. For example block Internet at a certain time of night to help me sleep at a certain time each night. This has helped my insomnia a lot and my sleep times are getting regulated now.

    b) Block unnecessary and possible harmful contents completely. For example, it may be a personal choice but I choose to block online adult contents for most weekdays, which has helped my brain to regulate my dopamine system tremendously.

    c) Time limit other contents during work days, Contents that are useful but can also easily waste a lot of your daily time if not careful enough, like emails, news, social media...

    2) Most other applications can be circumvented easily, if you have a little computer knowledge, most of these applications are useless, but FocueMe! OMG! It goes to great lengths to make sure you stick to your plan, when you create and start a plan, you can't cheat it! You can even create punishment if you try to bypass your plan, to restrict your access more which can prevent any kind of future cheatings. It is evident that FocusMe creators really love what they do and really pay attention to details, which is what distinguishes this from most other similar applications.

    3) Some other applications are very resource-intensive, you can see in windows task manager that they swallow all of your computer resources or even slow down your web surfing/loading experiences which makes them useless, because no one wants to have a slower computer just to have an application to control his/her daily habits, but when I use FocusMe, there are no computer/web surfing slow downs and also the resource consumption is minimal which also makes this software a great choice.

    4) Last but not least, FocusMe has a superb support system, you never feel alone on your path to more success and focus, they are always there for you answering your questions and always updating the software to newer greater versions.

    Let me emphasize this point: I don't know how I could live without this application and I wished I had found it sooner! Those that are searching for applications to help them live a healthier life know what I mean if they read my explanations above. It took me two years to find you, FocusMe! I would give you 10 stars if I could!

    After all these years, I finally feel in control of my life and my time, Thank you.

  3. FocusMe review

    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 able to cheat.

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Great customer support
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Nothing, so far

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, FocusMe seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 11 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

PicMonkey mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PicMonkey yet. Tracking of PicMonkey recommendations started around Mar 2021.

FocusMe mentions (11)

  • 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 up and I wanted FocusMe to run on a schedule as well. He freaked out when I told him how I would use his app: killing the app via DOS at the end of a time period, renaming the... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Software for permanent blocking websites
    How about Forest - https://www.forestapp.cc/ or FocusMe - https://focusme.com/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • [lichess addiction] Safe my flat mate!!
    I agree with the other answers that it is not your responsibility. For people that would like an efficient blocker for themselves, I used FocusMe during my time at ETH which works well. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • App to track writing progress?
    I don't know of any specific app that does what you want but you can mix it up across platforms. I track all my writing time with Toggl Track's free plan and I use Google Sheets for word count. If you're looking for distraction blockers I'd recommend Forest for your web browser if you want something free, but if you're willing to pay for something more powerful I recommend Freedom or the even more restrictive... Source: almost 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing PicMonkey and FocusMe, you can also consider the following products

Canva - Canva is a graphic-design platform with a drag-and-drop interface to create print or visual content while providing templates, images, and fonts. Canva makes graphic design more straightforward and accessible regardless of skill level.

Cold Turkey - Cold Turkey is a free productivity program that you can use to temporarily block distractions so that you can get your work done!

Marq - Marq (formerly Lucidpress) is a web-based design and layout application that enables anyone to create beautiful creatives

Freedom.to - Freedom is a productivity hack that lets you block apps, websites or the entire Internet on iPhones, iPads, Windows and Mac computers.

Piktochart - Piktochart for Business Storytelling

SelfControl - V2 updates! - Custom time interval for distraction free mode - Ability to turn off ' always on' mode - Improved UI -- Self Control -- A simple app to keep you focused online by blocking sites that you spend way too much time on.