Blocking stress (sigma(b)) and free strain (S-f) are the most important parameters for piezoelectric actuators, both having a decisive impact on the electromechanical performance. Here, we report on the blocking stress of lead-free piezoceramics, using 0.94Bi(1/2) Na1/2TiO3-0.06BaTiO(3) (6BT) and 0.98(0.94Bi(1/2)Na(1/2)TiO(3)-0.06BaTiO(3))-0.02K(0.5)Na(0.5)NbO3 (2KNN) as prototypical compositions. While 6BT delivers high sigma(b) = 102 MPa at 125 degrees C, the addition of 2 mol.% K0.5Na0.5NbO3 results in a large sigma(b) = 124 MPa at room temperature. Therefore, both lead-free materials outperform lead zirconate titanate at their respective peak temperatures.