Cold Turkey is a powerful distraction-blocking and productivity application designed to help users regain control of their focus by limiting access to time-wasting websites, apps, and even their entire computer. Built for students, writers, remote workers, and professionals, Cold Turkey enforces discipline and structure when self-control isn’t enough.
By blocking distractions at the system level, Cold Turkey offers a more effective solution than browser extensions or mobile-only apps. It works even if you try to uninstall it or restart your computer, making it one of the strictest and most reliable productivity tools available.
Features
Cold Turkey provides a robust suite of features designed to eliminate distractions and improve deep work sessions.
Website and App Blocking
Block access to specific websites, entire categories, or desktop applications. Custom blocklists can be created based on your personal productivity needs.
Scheduled Sessions
Plan ahead by scheduling distraction-free periods during the day or week. Set up recurring blocks to build better habits over time.
Frozen Blocks
Enable irreversible blocks that can’t be undone until the session ends, even if you restart your device or uninstall the app.
Break Timers
Set work and break intervals to maintain a healthy balance using a customizable Pomodoro-style timer.
Writing Mode (Cold Turkey Writer)
Launch a full-screen writing environment that disables all distractions until your writing goal is achieved by word count or time.
Statistics and Reports
Track how often and how long you stay blocked or focused. Review your productivity patterns over time.
Password Protection
Add a password to make changes to settings, blocklists, or timers more difficult, further reinforcing self-discipline.
Block Entire Internet
Temporarily disable internet access to maximize focus on offline tasks or writing.
Cross-Browser Compatibility
Works across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and all other browsers because it blocks at the system level.
How It Works
Cold Turkey is installed on your Windows or macOS computer as a standalone application. After installation, users can create blocklists by selecting websites or applications they want to restrict. Once a block session is started, Cold Turkey runs in the background and enforces the restrictions without any loopholes.
For example, if a user creates a blocklist with social media websites and starts a session for two hours, those sites will be completely inaccessible, regardless of the browser used. For more serious sessions, the Frozen Block option ensures the session can’t be canceled or bypassed.
The Cold Turkey Writer mode is a separate full-screen environment designed for writing. When activated, it prevents you from exiting the window until you meet a predefined word count or time limit, ensuring a distraction-free writing process.
All activities can be scheduled in advance, and the app keeps a log of blocked sessions to help users monitor their focus habits.
Use Cases
Cold Turkey serves a wide variety of professionals, students, and creatives who need help managing digital distractions.
Writers and Authors
Use Cold Turkey Writer to stay immersed in writing by blocking everything except the blank page until the goal is met.
Students
Block gaming sites, YouTube, and social media during study hours to improve concentration and academic performance.
Remote Workers
Prevent distractions during work-from-home sessions and maintain a structured routine.
Freelancers
Stay accountable by scheduling focused time blocks and ensuring client work gets done without delay.
Entrepreneurs and Creatives
Protect creative time by eliminating interruptions during brainstorming, design, or development work.
ADHD and Focus Support
Cold Turkey is a helpful companion for users with attention challenges who need stricter control over screen time.
Pricing
Cold Turkey offers both a free version and a premium version called Cold Turkey Pro.
Free Version
Includes basic website blocking, custom blocklists, and scheduling features. Suitable for users who want essential blocking without additional tools.
Cold Turkey Pro – One-time payment of $39 CAD
Unlocks advanced features such as Frozen Blocks, app blocking, Cold Turkey Writer, break timers, password protection, statistics, and internet blocking.
There are no recurring subscriptions or hidden fees. One license includes lifetime updates and works on both Windows and macOS.
For full details and updates, visit the official pricing page.
Strengths
Powerful Enforcement
Blocks at the system level, not just through browsers, making it hard to bypass.
Frozen Mode for Serious Focus
Once enabled, blocks cannot be canceled—ideal for users who need absolute accountability.
One-Time Payment
No monthly or yearly subscription, just a one-time license fee for the full version.
Dedicated Writing Mode
Cold Turkey Writer is one of the best tools available for distraction-free writing sessions.
Highly Customizable
Blocklists, timers, and schedules can be fully tailored to match your productivity style.
No Data Collection
Cold Turkey operates locally and does not require online accounts or data syncing.
Drawbacks
Desktop-Only Tool
Cold Turkey only works on Windows and macOS. There is no mobile app for iOS or Android.
Strict Blocks Can Be Inconvenient
Frozen Blocks are irreversible, which may be too rigid for casual users or those new to productivity tools.
No Collaboration Features
Not suitable for teams or shared environments; the tool is designed for individual productivity.
Minimal Aesthetic Customization
The interface is functional but lacks modern design or advanced UI themes.
No Cloud Syncing
All settings and schedules are stored locally, with no cloud backups or syncing between devices.
Comparison with Other Tools
Compared to browser extensions like StayFocusd or LeechBlock, Cold Turkey is significantly harder to bypass. Browser-based tools are easy to disable or avoid by switching browsers. Cold Turkey blocks distractions at the operating system level, closing all possible loopholes.
Versus Freedom
Freedom supports cross-platform syncing and mobile device blocking, but operates on a subscription model. Cold Turkey is limited to desktop but offers a one-time purchase and stricter enforcement.
Versus RescueTime
RescueTime tracks productivity and provides reports but doesn’t block distractions. Cold Turkey focuses entirely on enforcement and self-regulation.
Versus FocusMe
FocusMe has similar features but uses a subscription model and is more complex to configure. Cold Turkey offers a simpler, one-time setup with fewer distractions.
Cold Turkey is best suited for users who want an uncompromising, reliable way to stay focused on deep work without recurring fees or complexity.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Cold Turkey has been widely praised by writers, students, and remote professionals for its effectiveness in eliminating distractions.
Users often highlight:
How difficult it is to bypass
Its impact on writing productivity
The simplicity of setup and use
Value for money with one-time pricing
From real user feedback:
“Cold Turkey is the only app that actually stops me from procrastinating. It’s strict, and that’s exactly what I need.”
“Cold Turkey Writer changed how I write. I now meet my word count goals without the temptation to browse or check emails.”
“The best money I’ve spent on productivity. I finally get deep work done without battling my own willpower.”
Cold Turkey is frequently recommended on productivity forums and writing communities for its no-nonsense approach to focus.
Conclusion
Cold Turkey is one of the most effective distraction-blocking tools for users who are serious about getting work done. Its combination of system-level blocking, Frozen sessions, and a focused writing mode makes it ideal for writers, students, and professionals who struggle with staying on task in a digital world full of distractions.
With a simple one-time payment, a privacy-first approach, and no-nonsense features, Cold Turkey stands out as a go-to solution for anyone looking to protect their time and focus more deeply. While it’s not for the faint of heart, those who embrace its strictness often find it transformative.
If you’re looking to build better habits, eliminate digital distractions, and finally focus on what matters, Cold Turkey is a tool you can depend on.
