Alternatives

Looking for a one sec alternative?

If one sec isn't working for you, you're not alone. Here's why people look elsewhere, what ZenTab does differently, and when one sec is still the better pick.
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Why people look for a one sec alternative

  • The free version covers only one app or site.
  • A pause stops the reflex, but nothing ends a 2-hour visit once you're in.
  • You want blocking, feed hiding and a timer in one place.

What ZenTab does differently

  • $10 once versus $19.99 a year or $99.99 lifetime.
  • The free plan covers 10 sites, not one.
  • Intent Mode asks how long you need a site and closes it when time is up, instead of only pausing at the door.
  • Feed Eraser, a focus timer, ambience and a streak in the same extension.
Price
ZenTab: Free; Pro is $10 once, with a 14-day refund
one sec: Free for one app or site; pro $3.99 a month, $19.99 a year or $99.99 lifetime in the US, varying by region
Where it works
ZenTab: Chrome, Edge and Brave on desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS)
one sec: iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, and extensions for Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge
Hide feeds, keep the site
ZenTab: YouTube Shorts free; 15 feeds on 9 sites with Pro
one sec: Not a dedicated feature
Hard to undo in a weak moment
ZenTab: Strict Mode; Nuclear mode and commitment locks with Pro
one sec: Lock options with pro
Account needed
ZenTab: No; optional Google sign-in for sync
one sec: Used to share pro across devices

See the full ZenTab vs one sec comparison

When to stay with one sec

Stay with one sec if your phone is where you lose time, and a pause before apps is what you need. It does some things ZenTab doesn't:

  • Works on your phone, where it can pause apps like Instagram before they open.
  • A gentle, research-backed pause that's easy to keep on for years.
  • One pro purchase covers your phone and your computer.

Other one sec alternatives

  • BlockSite

    A popular blocker with phone apps and cross-device sync, on a subscription.

    ZenTab vs BlockSite
  • StayFocusd

    A long-running, free Chrome extension built around daily time allowances.

    ZenTab vs StayFocusd
  • LeechBlock NG

    A free, open-source and very configurable blocker for Firefox and Chrome.

    ZenTab vs LeechBlock NG
  • Cold Turkey

    A strict desktop blocker for Windows and Mac that can lock apps and the whole computer.

    ZenTab vs Cold Turkey
  • Freedom

    A cross-device blocker that runs synced sessions on your phone and computer at once.

    ZenTab vs Freedom
  • Forest

    A gamified focus timer where a virtual tree grows while you stay focused.

    ZenTab vs Forest
  • Momentum

    A beautiful New Tab dashboard with photos, quotes and to-dos, with focus tools in Plus.

    ZenTab vs Momentum
  • Unhook

    A free extension that strips YouTube down: no recommendations, Shorts, comments or home feed.

    ZenTab vs Unhook
  • News Feed Eradicator

    A free, open-source extension that replaces social media feeds with a quote.

    ZenTab vs News Feed Eradicator
  • BlockerX

    An adult content blocker with an accountability partner, on a yearly or lifetime plan.

    ZenTab vs BlockerX

Frequently asked questions

Is ZenTab free?

Yes. The free plan blocks 10 sites, hides YouTube Shorts and includes the focus timer, Zen New Tab and streak, with no time limit. Pro is $10 once, with a 7-day free trial and a 14-day refund.

Can I use ZenTab and one sec together?

You can, but most people pick one, so there's a single set of rules to manage. If you keep both, move your website blocking to ZenTab and keep one sec for what ZenTab doesn't do.

How long does switching from one sec take?

About a minute. Add ZenTab to Chrome, pick the distraction packs you want in the 60-second setup, and add any other sites from your old list in Site Blocker.

Try ZenTab free

Block distracting sites, hide endless feeds and grow a focus streak. Free forever, with a 7-day Pro trial and no card. Pro is $10 once, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.