Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

XSplit VS FocusMe

Compare XSplit VS FocusMe and see what are their differences

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XSplit logo XSplit

Live stream and record your content with ease & share it to streaming services like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Mixer, etc. Start your broadcast today.

FocusMe logo FocusMe

The website blocker you can't cheat
  • XSplit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-06

XSplit is a live streaming and recording software designed for gaming, presentations and live events. This AI-powered software allows game developers to start live streaming of their games in pristine quality. The software also has a multilingual support team to assist you 24/7.

Currently there are four members in the XSplit family:

Product Plans:

  • Lifetime Premium license - 449.00 USD
  • 3 months Premium license - 24.95 USD every 3 month(s)
  • 12 months Premium license - 59.95 USD every 12 month(s)
  • 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
Platforms
-
Release Date
-
Startup details
Country
United Kingdom
State
London
City
England
Founder(s)
Jon Rumens
Employees
50 - 99

XSplit features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    XSplit offers a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced streamers.
  • Multiple Output Formats
    The software supports various output formats and resolutions, giving users flexibility in how they broadcast their content.
  • Powerful Integration
    XSplit integrates seamlessly with a wide range of platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live, making it versatile for different streaming needs.
  • High-Quality Streams
    The software is known for providing high-quality streams with minimal latency, ensuring a smooth viewing experience for the audience.
  • Advanced Features
    XSplit offers a host of advanced features including scene transitions, chroma key, and source masking, allowing for professional-grade broadcast setups.

Possible disadvantages of XSplit

  • Cost
    XSplit is a premium software and requires a subscription for access to all features, which can be costly over time compared to free alternatives.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be quite resource-demanding, potentially causing performance issues on lower-end systems.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version has several limitations such as watermarks on streams and limited access to advanced features, which may not be sufficient for more serious streamers.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users have reported occasional bugs and crashes, which can interrupt streaming sessions and require troubleshooting.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functions are easy to use, mastering the advanced features can take time and require a more in-depth understanding of the software.

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 XSplit

Overall verdict

  • Overall, XSplit is considered a good choice for both beginners and professional streamers due to its versatility, ease of use, and powerful streaming capabilities.

Why this product is good

  • XSplit is a popular broadcasting and live streaming software that is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. It offers high-quality video and audio production tools, integrated support for various streaming platforms, and a range of customization options for professional-grade streaming. Additionally, XSplit provides excellent customer support and regular updates that introduce new features and improve performance.

Recommended for

  • Content creators looking for a reliable streaming solution.
  • Gamers who want to broadcast their gameplay with high-quality visuals.
  • Professionals who need to create webinars or live presentations.
  • Anyone seeking a user-friendly interface with powerful production tools.

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.

XSplit videos

What is XSplit Broadcaster?

More videos:

  • Review - OBS vs Xsplit Broadcaster (2019): Who is King of the Stream?
  • Review - XSplit Broadcaster DEFINITIVE Review | Is 2020 the year to leave OBS?

FocusMe videos

Focusme Review

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to XSplit and FocusMe)
Live Streaming
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100
Screen Recording
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using XSplit 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 XSplit and FocusMe

XSplit Reviews

  1. Konstantin Baumgartner
    ยท video production manager at Triple Jump Media ยท
    Great software

    XSplit rocks for streamers. It's like your streaming sidekick - simple, full of cool stuff, and very stable. XSplit is super user-friendly, it's got many powerful plugins for easy streaming, and it plays nice with lots of platforms. Yeah, it's a bit pricey, but if you're all about streaming, it's money well spent.

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Custom plugins|Cross-platform compatibility
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Price

Top 10 OBS Alternatives
XSplit is actually two types of programs; a Broadcaster and a Gamecatser bundled together. It is the only tool on this list that is very similar to OBS in terms of features and functionality. It can be used for both recording a live streaming and it will live stream gameplay directly to the most popular streaming sites like YouTube and Twitch.
Best Streaming Software for 2021 (Twitch & Youtube)
XSplit Broadcaster is live streaming and recording software for Windows. You can stream and record in 4K 60fps. You can use XSplit Broadcaster to stream on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Indeed, you can even simultaneously broadcast to multiple stream services.

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 a lot more popular than XSplit. While we know about 11 links to FocusMe, we've tracked only 1 mention of XSplit. 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.

XSplit mentions (1)

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: almost 4 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 XSplit and FocusMe, you can also consider the following products

OBS Studio - Free and open source software for video recording and live streaming for Mac, Windows and Linux.

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!

Camtasia - Unleash the worldโ€™s most powerful screen recorder and video editor with everything you need to tell your story โ€” powered by AI.

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

Flash Media Live Encoder - Browse for the technical support periods for products.

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.