Pluckeye

Overview

Pluckeye is a self-control filter for people who want to put limits on their own internet use, including pornography, social media, gaming, gambling, shopping, or email. It is best suited to users willing to build a detailed setup and accept friction when changing it.

Key features

Pluckeye blocks internet images and videos by default, then lets users tailor that broad starting point with rules for particular URLs or internet media types. It can target websites and apps, which offers more control than a blanket cutoff but requires users to decide what to allow and block.

Configuration changes take effect only after a user-selected delay, and the software cannot be uninstalled until that delay has passed. That enforced pause can help users stick to decisions made in advance; it can also be inconvenient when a rule needs prompt correction. Another person can instantly approve a site and bypass the wait, so urgent exceptions are possible but depend on involving someone else.

Schedules can allow or block sites at selected hours, recur, or shut off the entire internet for a chosen period. An accountability partner can view which sites the user has allowed. These controls suit users who want structure and oversight, though the maker describes Plucky as a do-it-yourself filter with a steep learning curve.

The manual says Plucky works best with Edge and Firefox, and works with Brave, Chrome, and Vivaldi with a caveat. Pluckeye supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android; it does not support iOS, Chrome OS, or Windows Mobile. The Android app and browser extensions broaden its reach, but the lack of iOS support rules it out for people who need filtering on an iPhone or iPad.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes all Pluckeye features, so users do not have to give up core controls to avoid a subscription. Feel extra good lets supporters contribute, with custom pricing. The Sliding scale subscription is $7.50 a month, billed $90 per year; it is a way to support the product rather than a tier with additional features.

A free trial is offered, but no trial length is stated. The paid subscription is billed annually, while the full-featured free plan is the practical choice for anyone who wants the filter without a recurring payment.

Platforms

Pluckeye runs on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Browser support is strongest with Edge and Firefox; Brave, Chrome, and Vivaldi work with a caveat. It is not an option for iOS, Chrome OS, or Windows Mobile users.

Who it's for

Pluckeye is aimed at people seeking a filter for their own self-control, not parents trying to protect children. It makes sense for users prepared to configure rules, schedules, and possibly an accountability relationship. Those who need a simple setup, fast self-service changes, or support guaranteed to every free user should look elsewhere: the help page points users to the manual and support cases, warns that replies may take 24 hours or more, and does not guarantee free individual technical support to everyone.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free plan includes all features, so detailed rules, schedules, and accountability do not require a paid tier.
• Pro: Delayed changes and uninstall protection make it harder to reverse a blocking decision on impulse.
• Pro: Schedules can govern specific sites or the whole internet, and another person can approve an urgent exception.
• Con: The delay also makes routine adjustments less convenient, while the maker’s steep-learning-curve warning signals real setup work.
• Con: No iOS support limits its usefulness for users whose main device is an iPhone or iPad.
• Con: Free individual technical support is not guaranteed, and a response may take 24 hours or more.

Alternatives

Choose Freedom if you need iOS or web support alongside Android, Linux, macOS, or Windows; its free plan has limited features, including blocking, multi-device sync, custom blocklists, and website exceptions.

Focus Bear is another free-plan option on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, with Essentials limits including Pomodoro sessions capped at 25 minutes, no AI blocking, up to five websites or apps, and up to three habits per routine and break activities.

For a free TOTP browser-extension option on Android, iOS, macOS, or Windows, consider Phone-Free 2FA; its free plan has no central recovery or sync.

Opal may suit someone who wants app blocking on iOS, Android, or Mac with a free plan limited to one rule, basic timers and soundscapes, and a daily Opal Score.

ScreenZen is a free option for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

Pick Focuser if a free, open-source blocker for browser extensions, Linux, macOS, or Windows is a better fit.

AppBlock is a freemium alternative for Android, browser extensions, and iOS.

Cold Turkey Blocker offers a free plan with website blocking, exceptions, timed blocks, and statistics on macOS, Windows, and browser extensions.

Browse Distraction Blocking Software for more focus tools, or see Parental control apps if your goal is protecting a child rather than managing your own access.

Verdict

Pluckeye is a strong fit for self-directed users who want detailed, free filtering and deliberately difficult-to-reverse limits. Its delay is the reason to choose it—and the reason to pass if flexibility matters more than friction. The steep setup, qualified browser support, and lack of iOS support make it a focused choice rather than a universal filter.