Scrolling through Instagram when you should be studying? You’re not alone. Online students face endless distractions—but the right apps can help you stay locked in. At Paris American International University (PAIU), we tested dozens of tools to find the best focus boosters for 2025.
Top 5 Distraction-Blocking Apps
1. Forest ($3.99)
- How it works: Grow virtual trees by staying focused. If you leave the app, your tree dies.
- Best for: Gamification lovers.
2. Freedom ($6.99/month)
- How it works: Blocks distracting sites/apps across all devices.
- Best for: Serial multitaskers.
3. Cold Turkey Writer (Free)
- How it works: Locks your screen until you hit a word count goal.
- Best for: Essay emergencies.
4. Focus@Will ($7.99/month)
- How it works: Science-backed music to improve concentration.
- Best for: Auditory learners.
5. LeechBlock NG (Free browser extension)
- How it works: Limits time on specific websites (e.g., 10 mins/hour for YouTube).
Bonus: Built-In Phone Hacks
- iPhone: Use Screen Time to set app limits.
- Android: Enable Focus Mode in Digital Wellbeing settings.
Why It Matters
A University of California study found it takes 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction. These tools protect your most valuable asset: time.
PAIU Student Pick
*“Freedom + Focus@Will = my ultimate study combo.”* – Priya K., PAIU MBA Student
