Software Alternatives & Startups

PointerFocus VS FocusMe

Compare PointerFocus VS FocusMe and see what are their differences

PointerFocus

Allows you to highlight the cursor using either the toolbar or hotkeys.

Rating
0 reviews
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)

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
0 vs 11
Productivity popularity
20% vs 80%
alternatives listed
49 vs 217

Base details

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

PointerFocus
FocusMe
Website pointerfocus.com focusme.com
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

About PointerFocus and FocusMe

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

PointerFocus
FocusMe

No description of PointerFocus yet.

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

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

PointerFocus 5 features
FocusMe 5 features
  • Highlight Mouse Pointer
    PointerFocus allows users to easily highlight the mouse pointer with a customizable circle, making it ideal for presentations and screen-sharing sessions to keep the audience's attention focused on the key areas.
  • Mouse Spotlight
    The software offers a spotlight feature that dims the surrounding area of the screen, highlighting the mouse pointer position. This is particularly useful for focusing on specific parts of the screen during demonstrations.
  • Keyboard Shortcut Commands
    PointerFocus includes customizable keyboard shortcuts that enable quick toggling of pointer effects, increasing efficiency and ease of use for presenters and instructors.
  • Drawing On Screen
    Users can draw directly on the screen, which is beneficial for annotating or emphasizing certain aspects of a presentation or a teaching session.
  • Affordable Pricing
    PointerFocus is reasonably priced compared to other presentation and annotation tools, making it accessible to individual teachers and small businesses.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Operating System Compatibility
    PointerFocus is only available for Windows, meaning that users on other operating systems like macOS or Linux cannot use this software.
  • Basic Feature Set
    While it provides essential features for highlighting and annotation, some users may find PointerFocus lacking in advanced options and customization compared to more extensive presentation software.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users have reported minor performance issues and lags when using PointerFocus, especially on older hardware or less powerful systems.
  • No Cloud Integration
    PointerFocus does not offer any cloud integration features, which could be a drawback for users who want to save and access their annotations or settings across multiple devices.
  • Aesthetic Limitations
    The visual customization options, while functional, might seem limited or outdated, potentially affecting users who need polished, professional aesthetics in their presentations.
  • 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.

Analysis

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

PointerFocus
FocusMe

No analysis of PointerFocus yet.

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.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

PointerFocus 0 videos + Add
FocusMe 2 videos + Add

No PointerFocus videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Focusme Review

More videos

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

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
PointerFocus
FocusMe
20% 20%
80% 80%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using PointerFocus and FocusMe. 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.

PointerFocus no reviews yet
FocusMe 5.0 · 4 reviews

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

  • 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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Social recommendations and mentions

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

PointerFocus 0 mentions
FocusMe 11 mentions

Tracking PointerFocus since Mar 2021.

  • 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 PointerFocus and FocusMe

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