Focuh vs Opal: 2026 Comparison

Compare Focuh and Opal for focus and distraction blocking. Opal offers beautiful screen time analytics across iPhone and Mac, while Focuh combines system-level blocking with task management and a focus timer on macOS — for free.

What is Opal?

Opal is a screen time management and focus app designed primarily for iPhone, with a companion Mac app. It helps you understand your phone usage patterns through detailed analytics and lets you set app limits, block distracting apps, and create focus sessions. Opal is known for its beautiful, polished design and its emphasis on building awareness around screen time habits.

Opal has gained a strong following, particularly among iOS users who want a more thoughtful approach to managing their phone usage.

What is Focuh?

Focuh is a free macOS app that combines website and app blocking with a focus timer, kanban-style task management, and Google Calendar sync. Built with Tauri, it uses macOS Accessibility APIs for system-level blocking during focus sessions.

Focuh was designed for people who need more than just blocking — it provides a workflow from planning tasks to executing focused work, with particular attention to users with ADHD.

How does blocking work differently in each app?

This is where the two apps diverge most. Opal takes an awareness-first approach — it tracks your screen time, shows you usage patterns, and lets you set limits on apps. Its blocking is more about building self-awareness and gradually changing habits. On iPhone, Opal uses iOS Screen Time APIs to enforce limits.

Focuh takes a session-based approach. You start a focus session, and system-level blocking kicks in for that duration. There's no usage tracking or analytics — it's straightforward: when you're focusing, distractions are blocked.

FeatureFocuhOpal
macOS blockingYes, system-levelLimited Mac companion
iOS blockingNoYes, primary platform
Screen time analyticsNoYes, detailed
App usage trackingNoYes
Focus timerYes, built-inYes
Task managementYes, kanban boardNo
Google Calendar syncYesNo
Website blockingYes, all browsersLimited on Mac
App blockingYes, macOS appsYes, iOS apps
PriceFreeFree tier / ~$9.99/mo Premium

Is Opal better on iPhone?

Yes, significantly. Opal was built as an iPhone-first app, and it shows. The iOS experience includes detailed screen time breakdowns, app-by-app usage tracking, smart session suggestions, and deep integration with iOS Screen Time APIs. The Mac companion app is secondary and doesn't offer the same depth.

Focuh doesn't have an iPhone app at all. If your biggest distraction problem is your phone, Opal addresses that directly while Focuh can't help.

Does Opal have task management or calendar sync?

No. Opal is focused on screen time awareness and app blocking. It doesn't include a task manager, kanban board, or calendar integration. You'd need separate apps for planning your work.

Focuh includes a drag-and-drop kanban task board and Google Calendar sync alongside its focus timer and blocking. If you want to plan what you're going to work on during a focus session, it's all in one place.

How does pricing compare between Focuh and Opal?

Focuh is completely free with no premium tier or subscription.

Opal offers a free tier with basic screen time tracking and limited features. Opal Premium unlocks the full experience — advanced analytics, unlimited focus sessions, and deeper blocking — for approximately $9.99/month or $59.99/year.

Over a year, Opal Premium costs about $60 while Focuh costs nothing. However, Opal covers iPhone, which Focuh doesn't touch.

When should you choose Opal over Focuh?

Choose Opal if:

  • Your biggest distraction is your iPhone
  • You want detailed screen time analytics and usage insights
  • You value beautiful design and a polished mobile experience
  • You want to gradually build better habits through awareness
  • You need iOS app blocking

Choose Focuh if:

  • You primarily work on a Mac and need strong desktop blocking
  • You want integrated task management and a focus timer alongside blocking
  • You want a free solution with no subscription
  • You have ADHD and benefit from structured focus sessions with task planning
  • You want Google Calendar sync to see your schedule alongside tasks

The bottom line

Opal and Focuh solve related but different problems. Opal is the better choice if your phone is your biggest distraction — it's a beautiful, well-designed iOS app that helps you understand and reduce screen time. Focuh is the better choice if you need a complete focus workflow on your Mac — blocking, task management, and a timer in one free app.

Some users benefit from both: Opal to manage phone habits and Focuh to power focused work sessions on Mac.

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