App Comparisons 2026

Find the Best Focus App for You

Not all productivity apps work the same way. Compare Accountable AI with popular alternatives to find the approach that matches your brain.

What Makes Accountable AI Different?

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Goal-Based Blocking

Apps unlock when you finish tasks, not when time runs out

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AI Verification

Submit photo proof—AI confirms you actually did the work

Unbypassable

Uses Apple Screen Time API—can't cheat even if you try

Compare With Popular Alternatives

Gamified Apps

Forest vs Accountable AI

Gamification vs Real Consequences

Forest grows virtual trees when you focus. Accountable AI blocks apps until you complete real goals.

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Time-Based Blockers

Opal vs Accountable AI

Scheduled Blocking vs Goal-Based Blocking

Opal blocks apps on a schedule. Accountable AI blocks until you prove task completion.

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Time-Based Blockers

Freedom vs Accountable AI

Time-Based vs Output-Based

Freedom blocks during set times. Accountable AI ties unblocking to actual accomplishment.

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Awareness Tools

One Sec vs Accountable AI

Mindful Pauses vs Hard Blocking

One Sec adds breathing delays. Accountable AI completely locks apps until goals are met.

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Hardcore Blockers

Cold Turkey vs Accountable AI

Nuclear Desktop vs Smart Mobile

Cold Turkey is the hardest desktop blocker. Accountable AI brings that intensity to mobile with goal-based unlocking.

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Accountability Apps

Beeminder vs Accountable AI

Financial Stakes vs Digital Stakes

Beeminder charges money when you fail. Accountable AI blocks your apps—same psychology, no financial risk.

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Accountability Apps

Forfeit vs Accountable AI

Money on the Line vs Apps on the Line

Forfeit uses financial penalties. Accountable AI uses app blocking—both create real accountability.

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Time-Based Blockers

ScreenZen vs Accountable AI

Time Limits vs Task Completion

ScreenZen sets daily screen time caps. Accountable AI locks apps until you finish meaningful work.

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NFC/Hardware Blockers

Brick vs Accountable AI

Physical Friction vs Productive Friction

Brick uses an NFC device to block apps. Accountable AI blocks until you complete goals—no hardware needed.

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NFC/Hardware Blockers

Bloom vs Accountable AI

NFC Card vs Goal Verification

Bloom uses an NFC keycard to lock apps. Accountable AI locks until you prove task completion with AI.

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NFC/Hardware Blockers

Unpluq vs Accountable AI

Multiple Unlocks vs Single Path

Unpluq offers tap, shake, or walk to unlock. Accountable AI has one path: finish your work.

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NFC/Hardware Blockers

Blok vs Accountable AI

Paid Bypasses vs Zero Bypasses

Blok charges for emergency unlocks. Accountable AI has no bypass—complete the task or stay blocked.

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NFC/Hardware Blockers

Foqos vs Accountable AI

Free NFC Blocking vs Goal-Based Blocking

Foqos is free NFC blocking. Accountable AI adds what's missing: verification you did real work.

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Quick Decision Guide

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Want gamification?

Try Forest first. If virtual trees don't stop your scrolling, switch to Accountable AI.

Need scheduled blocking?

Freedom or Opal excel here. If time-based blocking doesn't equal productivity, try goal-based with Accountable AI.

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Ready to risk money?

Beeminder or Forfeit use financial stakes. If you want similar accountability without cash risk, try Accountable AI.

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Prefer gentle nudges?

Start with One Sec for mindfulness. If you still end up scrolling, Accountable AI provides harder boundaries.

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Need the nuclear option?

Cold Turkey is the hardest desktop blocker. For mobile with an "escape hatch" that requires work, try Accountable AI.

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Want physical/NFC blocking?

Try Foqos (free) or Brick ($59). If physical friction doesn't equal productivity, try goal-based with Accountable AI.

Ready to try goal-based blocking?

Start free. No credit card required. See if earning your distractions works for you.

Try Accountable AI Free