Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

alphabits VS SelfControl

Compare alphabits VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

alphabits logo alphabits

New ideas for big problems, every day

SelfControl logo SelfControl

V2 updates! - Custom time interval for distraction free mode - Ability to turn off ' always on' mode - Improved UI -- Self Control -- A simple app to keep you focused online by blocking sites that you spend way too much time on.
  • alphabits Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-12
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

alphabits features and specs

  • Intuitive User Interface
    The website offers a clean and easy-to-navigate interface, making it convenient for users to find the features and tools they need without confusion.
  • Comprehensive Learning Resources
    Alphabits provides a wide range of learning materials, including tutorials and guides, which support users in enhancing their understanding of the topics covered.
  • Regular Updates
    The platform is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes, ensuring that users have a reliable and improved experience over time.
  • Community Support
    Users have access to a community forum where they can discuss problems and share solutions, fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Mobile Compatibility
    The application is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to access the resources on the go without sacrificing functionality.

Possible disadvantages of alphabits

  • Subscription Cost
    Some features of Alphabits may be behind a subscription paywall, limiting access for users not willing to pay for a premium experience.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While suitable for beginners, the platform might lack advanced features that more experienced users might find beneficial.
  • Potential for Data Overload
    The abundance of resources available can be overwhelming for new users who might not know where to start or how to prioritize their learning.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    Despite its intuitive design, new users may encounter an initial learning curve when exploring all the features and tools the platform offers.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    Access to Alphabits requires a stable internet connection, which might pose challenges for users in areas with poor connectivity.

SelfControl features and specs

  • Effective Website Blocking
    SelfControl blocks access to distracting websites based on a customizable blocklist, helping users stay focused.
  • Timer Functionality
    Users can set a timer for how long they want websites to remain blocked, ensuring focused work periods without distraction.
  • Free to Use
    SelfControl is open-source and free to download and use, making it accessible to anyone without financial barriers.
  • Easy to Use
    The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly set their preferences and get started.

Possible disadvantages of SelfControl

  • Mac-Only
    SelfControl is only available for macOS, excluding Windows and Linux users from using the application.
  • No Undo Option
    Once the block period is set and started, it cannot be undone even by restarting the computer, which could be an issue if access to blocked sites is needed unexpectedly.
  • Limited Feature Set
    The app primarily focuses on website blocking, lacking additional productivity tools or features like app blocking or usage analytics.
  • No Scheduled Blocking
    SelfControl does not offer the ability to schedule block sessions in advance, meaning users must manually start each session.

Analysis of SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SelfControl is a highly recommended tool for individuals looking to enhance their productivity by minimizing digital distractions. Its open-source nature and no-nonsense approach make it a popular choice among students, freelancers, and professionals alike.

Why this product is good

  • SelfControl is considered a good application because it effectively blocks distracting websites, helping users focus on their tasks without getting sidetracked by online distractions. It's simple to use, efficient, and highly customizable, allowing users to specify which sites to block and for how long, ensuring a tailored productivity experience.

Recommended for

    SelfControl is ideal for students who need to concentrate on studying, remote workers who want to avoid procrastination, freelancers who require discipline in managing their time, and anyone who needs a simple solution to reduce digital distractions during focused work periods.

alphabits videos

AlphaBits Review

SelfControl videos

How to block websites that distract you ? Selfcontrol [Mac App review and tutorial]

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to alphabits and SelfControl)
SEO
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
7 7%
93% 93
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using alphabits and SelfControl. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 79 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

alphabits mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of alphabits yet. Tracking of alphabits recommendations started around Mar 2021.

SelfControl mentions (79)

  • Oregon School Cell Phone Ban: 'Engaged Students, Joyful Teachers'
    A combination of https://selfcontrolapp.com/ and Hammerspoon automation and you can lock yourself out of pretty much everything. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Kiki โ€“ The accountability monster for people who are easily distracted
    Happy to see it still exists, and free https://selfcontrolapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • How do you fight YouTube addiction and procrastination? I'm struggling with it
    I have found that a useful method for getting distractions off my work laptop has been https://selfcontrolapp.com/ (if you're on mac). - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Using an $8 smart outlet to avoid brainrot
    Pro tip for macos/ios folks: - Macos: Install https://selfcontrolapp.com/, add every website and their alternatives you know, set it to 24 hours. Really hard to bypass this even if you know networking stuff - iOS: Enable downtime 24/7 ask someone else to set the password. I'm down to about 35 minutes a day of mobile usage, and laptop usage is only work related things. You really need two or three days to clear... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • My 30-Year Quitting Addiction
    There is a free and open source app called SelfControl for macOS. It allows one to block access to any site one adds to the list in the app for the amount of time the user chooses. Attempt to use multiple browsers, restarting one's machine, deleting the app, etc. won't get around the block either. It's been super helpful for me, so I thought I'd just throw it out there. https://selfcontrolapp.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing alphabits and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

Really Good Questions - Find curious questions powered by Twitterโ€™s brightest minds.

Cold Turkey - Cold Turkey is a free productivity program that you can use to temporarily block distractions so that you can get your work done!

Find Better Questions - Answer Quoraโ€™s best questions & get traffic

Freedom.to - Freedom is a productivity hack that lets you block apps, websites or the entire Internet on iPhones, iPads, Windows and Mac computers.

Quora - Quora is a place to gain and share knowledge. It's a platform to ask questions and connect with people who contribute unique insights and quality answers.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat