In simple English
Focuser stops you from getting distracted by social media and games while you work. It blocks specific websites, closes time-wasting apps, and runs focus timers to help you get things done. Your block lists live only on your computer, so nothing is tracked or sent to the cloud. It costs nothing to use, and you can change every rule yourself. You just need to keep the app running in the background while you work.
What it is
Focuser is an open-source website and application blocker built in Rust and Tauri (a framework for building desktop apps using web technologies). It acts as a self-hosted alternative to paid distraction-blocking tools like Cold Turkey.
What it is good for
Solo builders and remote workers who lose hours to mindless scrolling and need a strict tool to lock them out of distracting sites and desktop games.
- Completely free and open source with no hidden cloud accounts or telemetry.
- Combines system-level blocking, application termination, and browser extensions in one tool.
- Includes Pomodoro focus sessions and daily time allowances to manage habits flexibly.
- Windows is the primary development target, so macOS and Linux versions need more real-world testing.
- Requires installing a companion browser extension to enforce rules on complex URLs and keywords.
- Keeping strict blocks active requires running the desktop app continuously.
Cold Turkey Blocker
Tauri
git clone https://github.com/aadeshrao123/Focuser.git cd Focuser cargo build --workspace cargo run -p focuser-ui