Comparison

Opal vs
FocusJar

Opal helps you track and limit screen time on iOS. FocusJar blocks distracting sites on your Mac and charges you real money if you want them back.

The verdict

Opal monitors your habits. FocusJar enforces them.

Opal is a polished screen time management app focused on iOS and Mac. It tracks usage, sets limits, and helps you understand your habits. But awareness alone doesn't change behavior - you can always override the limits. FocusJar takes a different approach: it blocks sites at the system level and charges you real money to get access back. It's not about tracking how much you scroll. It's about making scrolling cost you.

Feature comparison

Side by side

Feature
FocusJar
Opal
System-level blocking (all browsers)
Financial accountability / unlock fees
Survives restarts
Bypass-proof (no incognito workarounds)
No account required
Free to use (pay only on unlock)
Session-based blocking
Preset site lists
macOS support
Windows support
iOS / mobile support
Browser extension alternative

Key differences

What sets FocusJar apart

Enforcement, not just awareness

Opal shows you how much time you're spending and sets soft limits you can override. FocusJar enforces a hard block that you can only bypass by paying real money. Knowing you have a problem isn't enough - you need a consequence.

Free vs premium subscription

Opal requires a subscription ($9.99/month or $59.99/year) for its full feature set. FocusJar is completely free - the only money you spend is the unlock fee you set on yourself, and only if you break focus.

Desktop-first for deep work

Opal focuses primarily on iOS screen time. FocusJar is built for Mac - where most deep work happens. It blocks distracting sites across every browser on your desktop, which is where productivity matters most.

Ready?

Ready to try real
accountability?

FocusJar is free during beta. The only thing you pay for is giving up.

Free during beta · macOS 13+ · No account required

FAQ

Common questions

Yes. Opal is strong on iOS for managing phone screen time. FocusJar is built for macOS desktop blocking. Together they cover both your phone and your computer - different tools for different contexts.
Opal is a screen time tracker and manager - it helps you monitor usage and set limits you can override. FocusJar is a system-level site blocker with financial stakes - sites are completely blocked, and the only way out is paying real money. It's enforcement vs awareness.
Opal can limit app usage on iOS but its blocking can be overridden through settings. On Mac, its capabilities are more limited. FocusJar provides true system-level blocking on macOS that can't be bypassed by switching browsers, using incognito, or restarting.

Stop negotiating
with yourself.

Every minute you spend deciding whether to check Twitter is a minute lost. Let FocusJar make the decision for you - or make you pay for it.

Free during beta · macOS 13+ · No account required to start