What is ZenBlock used for?

ZenBlock is a Chrome extension that blocks distracting sites with a strict mode, a 30-second breathing pause, schedules and a Pomodoro-style timer, sold as a lifetime plan. It is a good fit for blocking social media during deep work hours and adding friction to compulsive site visits.

Yes. ZenBlock has a free plan, and paid plans start at $49.99 as a one-time payment.

Is ZenBlock open source?

No. ZenBlock is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Super Productivity, Vimium and Moodist.

What are some alternatives to ZenBlock?

ZenBlock competes with Freedom, Forest and RescueTime.

ZenBlock: features, pricing and alternatives

About ZenBlock

ZenBlock is a website blocker for Chrome aimed at stopping doomscrolling and protecting focus. You can start without an account, add sites to a blocklist and choose how strict to be. Strict Mode makes blocks impossible to cancel once active, Wait Mode adds a 30-second breathing pause before a blocked site opens, and Scheduling blocks sites automatically during work hours. A built-in focus timer runs Pomodoro-style sessions.

Analytics visualize browsing habits, and cloud sync keeps blocklists and schedules the same across computers. The site calls itself privacy-first, and frames the pause as friction that interrupts habit loops rather than strict restriction. The pricing is a single Pro plan with lifetime access at $19.99, listed against $49.99 as a launch offer.

Key features

Blocklist of distracting websites
Strict Mode that cannot be cancelled
Wait Mode with a breathing pause
Scheduled blocking during work hours
Built-in Pomodoro focus timer
Cloud sync across computers
Browsing habit analytics
No account needed to start

Good fit for

Blocking social media during deep work hours
Adding friction to compulsive site visits

Tags: website-blocker; chrome-extension; focus; pomodoro; productivity; distraction; deep-work

ZenBlock: questions and answers

What is ZenBlock used for?: ZenBlock is a Chrome extension that blocks distracting sites with a strict mode, a 30-second breathing pause, schedules and a Pomodoro-style timer, sold as a lifetime plan. It is a good fit for blocking social media during deep work hours and adding friction to compulsive site visits.
Is ZenBlock free?: Yes. ZenBlock has a free plan, and paid plans start at $49.99 as a one-time payment.
Is ZenBlock open source?: No. ZenBlock is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Super Productivity, Vimium and Moodist.
What are some alternatives to ZenBlock?: ZenBlock competes with Freedom, Forest and RescueTime.