About Ahero
Ahero (formerly Sidekick) is a cross-platform distraction blocker and deep work app that helps you block distracting websites and apps, run timed focus sessions, and stay accountable. It combines hard-to-bypass website and app blocking with goal tracking, calendar integration, and accountability buddies to help knowledge workers and students do meaningful work.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hard-to-bypass blocking with password and lock protection that resists force-quitting
- Granular control over subdomains and individual pages, not just whole sites
- Works across Mac, Windows, iOS, Chrome, and Firefox for consistent blocking everywhere
- Accountability buddies add social commitment to help you stick with focus goals
- Privacy-friendly: the company states it does not sell your data or use it for ads
Cons
- No dedicated Android app listed (mobile blocking emphasizes iOS)
- Advanced features like unlimited blocking, schedules, and reporting require a paid plan
- Recent rebrand from Sidekick to Ahero may cause confusion when searching for it
- Smaller, newer product compared to established focus tools like Cold Turkey or Freedom
Key Features
Website & App Blocking
Block any site, app, or specific page with limits, schedules, or permanent blocks, plus settings that make blocks hard to bypass.
Lock Protection
Password-protect and lock your settings, prevent force-quitting, and bring an accountability buddy to stay committed.
Direct Page Blocking
Block specific subdomains and individual pages rather than just whole sites, while keeping access to pages you actually need.
Timed Focus Sessions
Run custom deep work sessions with built-in breaks to build momentum and stay in flow.
Google Calendar Integration
Sync your existing calendar to view events and launch focus sessions directly from your schedule.
Accountability Buddies
Connect with friends to support each other and stay accountable to your focus goals.
Goal Tracking & Metrics
Map out goals in detail and track focus progress over time with reporting and metrics.
Cross-Platform Apps
Available on Mac, Windows, iOS, plus Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
Pricing
- Block websites & apps on mobile
- Focus sessions on mobile
- Everything in Free
- Unlimited blocked sites & apps
- Unlimited focus sessions
- Blocked schedules
- Time limits
- Accountability buddies
- Reporting
- Everything in Pro
- Pay once, use forever
Best For
Deep work for knowledge workers
Schedule timed focus sessions tied to goals and block distracting apps so every session moves work forward.
Study without distractions
Students block social media and distracting sites across devices to study and visualize their time in chunks.
Stop doomscrolling
Block social media apps and sites on phone and computer to break compulsive scrolling habits.
Accountability-driven focus
Pair with friends as accountability buddies to stay committed to focus goals and support each other.
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