LeechBlock NG
An open-source blocker for the sites that eat your working day.
Why it's a strong pick
LeechBlock NG gives you more control than most blockers. You decide which sites to block, when, and for how long. It is open source under the MPL-2.0 license, and its code is public on GitHub. It is actively maintained: version 1.8 added the option to count time spent on allowed sites.
What it does
You list the sites you want to block and choose when to block them. LeechBlock NG then stops you from opening those sites during the times you set, or once you have used up a time limit. You can run several sets side by side, for example one for social media during work hours and one for news in the evening.
Key features
- Up to 30 block sets. Each set has its own sites, times and days.
- Schedules and time limits. Block at fixed times, after a set amount of use, or both. Version 1.8 can also count time spent on allowed sites.
- Hard to switch off. Lockdown mode, password protection and a countdown delay before access.
- Flexible rules. Wildcards, exceptions, regular expressions and keyword blocking. You can block only a site's first page, and set a minimum block time.
- Time statistics. See how much time you spend on the sites in each set.
Who it's for
LeechBlock NG suits anyone who wants to cut time-wasting sites during work or study. It fits people who like to fine-tune their rules, and people who need a blocker they can't easily undo. If you only want to trim YouTube, RYS is lighter.
Good to know
Start small. Make one block set for the two or three sites that cost you the most time, and try a time limit before a full block. Only turn on lockdown mode or password protection once your list feels right, because those features are built to be hard to undo. It only works in Chrome where you install it. Other browsers and your phone are not covered.
Is LeechBlock NG the best website blocker for Chrome?
For most people who want real control, yes. LeechBlock NG blocks any site you list, on a schedule or after a time limit, with up to 30 separate block sets. Lockdown mode and password protection stop you from switching it off in a weak moment. It is also open source, so its code can be checked.
Is LeechBlock NG safe?
LeechBlock NG is open source under MPL-2.0, so anyone can read its code on GitHub. Its manifest asks for tab, navigation, storage and alarm permissions, plus access to all sites. It needs site access to spot and block the pages you list. History access is optional. Check the permissions on the Chrome Web Store listing before you install.
Can LeechBlock NG limit time instead of blocking a site completely?
Yes. LeechBlock NG supports time limits as well as fixed schedules. Instead of blocking a site at set hours, you can let yourself use it until a time limit runs out, and then it is blocked. Each block set has its own rules. The built-in statistics show how much time you actually spend on those sites.
Other distraction blockers to compare
LeechBlock NG is one of 5 picks in our website and distraction blockers guide, which compares them side by side and explains how to choose. The other picks:
- RYS: Remove YouTube Suggestions: Hides YouTube suggestions, Shorts and comments.
- News Feed Eradicator: Replaces social media feeds with a quote.
- uBlacklist: Hides the sites you choose from search results.
- Fokuser: A simple focus timer that blocks the sites you list while it runs, with data kept on your device. Open source. A very new, small project.
Working in timed blocks? See our productivity timers.
This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing — install and permissions are entirely between you and the extension's own publisher.