Focus @ Will

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Focus @ Will

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to Focus @ Will.

Focus@Will is a subscription audio service that provides curated, neuroscience-informed instrumental tracks to support concentration. It offers timed focus sessions, customizable channels, and session analytics to help users structure and measure focused work or study periods.

Alternatives List

#1
It's MyTabs

It's MyTabs

Open-source web app to view and play guitar and bass tabs. Sync tabs with audio or YouTube, supports Guitar Pro and MusicXML formats, includes MIDI synth and mobile-friendly UI.

It's MyTabs is a web-based guitar and bass tablature viewer and player focused on synchronized playback and simple, mobile-friendly UI. It renders imported tab files and can sync playback to local audio files or YouTube videos for practice and playback.

Key Features

  • Web-based tab viewer/player for guitar and bass with both tab and score views
  • Supports common tab formats: .gp, .gpx, .gp3, .gp4, .gp5, .musicxml, .capx
  • Sync tabs with local audio files (.mp3, .ogg) or YouTube videos for timed playback
  • Built-in MIDI synth allowing mute/solo per track and basic mixing controls
  • Multiple cursor modes: no cursor (auto-scroll), highlight current bar, or follow cursor
  • Notes coloring, dark/light tab color themes, and mobile-friendly responsive UI
  • Shareable links for tabs and a simple UI designed for learning and practice
  • Multiple deployment options: Docker, Docker Compose, Deno runtime, or packaged desktop executable
  • Uses the AlphaTab rendering engine for notation and tab playback

Use Cases

  • Practice and learn songs by syncing tab playback with recorded audio or video
  • Quickly preview and share tab arrangements with students or bandmates via links
  • Portable self-hosted tab library for personal study, rehearsal, or teaching

Limitations and Considerations

  • YouTube-synced playback may not work from private IP addresses; a public hostname or localhost is recommended for reliable video playback
  • Focused primarily on viewing and playback rather than advanced score editing; complex editing workflows are limited
  • Playback/sync accuracy depends on source files and timing metadata; manual fine-grain sync controls are limited

It's MyTabs provides a lightweight, self-hostable alternative for viewing and practicing guitar and bass tabs with synchronized audio playback and simple sharing features. It is optimized for ease of use and quick deployment for personal or small-group practice.

303stars
25forks
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#2
NextBeats

NextBeats

Modern, customizable lofi web player built with Next.js and TypeScript; mixes YouTube streams with ambient sound effects, persistent local channels, and theme support.

NextBeats screenshot

NextBeats is a web-based lofi music player that combines YouTube stream playback with ambient sound effects and a retro-inspired interface. It is built with Next.js and TypeScript, provides persistent local channel and effect management, and is optimized for desktop and mobile browsers.

Key Features

  • Retro TV-style UI with theme customization and responsive design
  • YouTube integration for continuous lofi streams using client-side playback
  • Multiple ambient sound effects (rain, cafe, fireplace, typing, etc.) with independent volume controls
  • Channel management: add, edit, and delete custom YouTube channels saved locally
  • Per-effect and master volume mixing for fine-grained atmosphere control
  • Persistent settings stored in localStorage for per-device personalization
  • Docker support and straightforward Node.js development workflow

Use Cases

  • Provide unobtrusive background music for coding, studying, or relaxation
  • Create personalized ambient soundscapes by mixing music streams and effects
  • Maintain a curated list of favorite lofi streams and custom channels per device

Limitations and Considerations

  • Mobile browsers restrict programmatic volume control, so users may need to use device volume buttons to adjust sound levels
  • Playback depends on YouTube embeds/streams; removed or region-restricted videos will no longer play
  • Channel and effect data is stored locally and does not sync across devices or users

NextBeats is a lightweight, opinionated player for ambient listening that emphasizes customization and local persistence. It is well suited for personal use and quick self-hosted deployments for individuals or small groups.

150stars
22forks
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running