Always-on vs session-based
Deskly's app and website limits and scheduled blocking run automatically. Freedom requires you to start a session each time you want protection.
Comparison · Windows
Deskly vs Freedom: continuous tracking vs session-based blocking
Freedom blocks distractions during sessions you start manually, synced across devices through the cloud. Deskly runs continuously in the background on Windows, tracking usage and applying limits and blocks automatically — free, and without an account.
| Feature | Deskly | Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Native Windows 10/11 app | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome |
| Pricing | Free | Subscription (lifetime option available) |
| Blocking model | Continuous, schedule-based | Manually started sessions |
| Usage tracking & timeline | Automatic, hour-by-hour | Limited — focused on session blocking, not detailed history |
| App & website limits (soft) | Included, overlay reminders | Not a core feature |
| Account required | Optional | Required |
| Works offline | Yes, fully | Requires connection to sync/start sessions reliably |
| Cross-device sync | Not offered — Windows only | Included across devices |
| Desktop widgets | Included | Not available |
| Data storage | Local-first | Cloud-synced |
Feature sets and pricing change over time — verify current details on Freedom's official site before deciding. Deskly's pricing and features reflect what's shipped in the app today.
Where Deskly and Freedom really differ
Freedom is built around manually starting a blocking session when you know you need it. Deskly is built around always-on awareness, so limits and blocks apply automatically without you remembering to start anything.
Local-first vs cloud-synced
Deskly keeps your activity data on your PC. Freedom relies on its cloud service to coordinate blocking sessions across your devices — a tradeoff for its cross-platform reach.
Detailed history vs session logs
Deskly's hour-by-hour timeline shows exactly how your day unfolded. Freedom's reporting centers on past sessions rather than continuous, granular usage data.
Free vs subscription
Deskly's core tools are free. Freedom's blocking sessions require an active subscription or one-time lifetime purchase to use ongoing.
Which one should you choose?
If your work and distractions mostly live on your Windows PC, and you'd rather have protection running automatically than remember to start a session, Deskly's continuous, local, free approach fits naturally with a broader digital wellbeing routine.
If you specifically need one blocking session to apply across your phone, tablet, and multiple computers at the same time — say, blocking social media everywhere during a study session — Freedom's cross-device sync solves a problem Deskly intentionally doesn't try to solve, since Deskly stays focused on being the best tool for Windows.
Who switches from Freedom to Deskly
Desktop-first workers
People whose distractions and work both happen on the same Windows PC, with no real need for phone-level blocking.
People who forget to start sessions
Anyone who found manually starting a Freedom session was itself a habit that fell apart under real distraction.
Privacy-conscious users
People who'd rather their focus data stay local instead of being coordinated through a cloud account.
Budget-conscious users
Anyone who wants automatic blocking and limits without an ongoing subscription cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is Deskly free unlike the Freedom app?
Yes. Deskly is free to use on Windows. Freedom is a subscription-based service (with a lifetime purchase option), and most of its blocking features require an active plan.
Does Deskly need the internet to block apps, like Freedom does?
No. Deskly's app and website blocking runs entirely locally and works fully offline. Freedom syncs block sessions through its cloud service across your devices, which typically requires an internet connection to start or manage a session reliably.
Does Deskly track usage continuously, unlike Freedom's session model?
Yes. Freedom is built around starting a defined "session" to block distractions for a set period. Deskly instead tracks your app and website usage continuously in the background and applies limits or blocks based on schedules or daily caps, without needing to manually start a session.
Do I need an account to use Deskly, like Freedom requires?
No. Deskly works fully without an account — all tracking and blocking run locally. Freedom requires an account to manage subscriptions and sync blocking sessions across devices.
Is Freedom better if I need to block distractions across phone and desktop together?
If you specifically need one blocking session to apply simultaneously across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome, Freedom's cross-device sync is built for that. Deskly focuses only on Windows and doesn't extend blocking to phones or other operating systems.