Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Dark Mode VS SelfControl

Compare Dark Mode VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Dark Mode logo Dark Mode

A global dark theme for the web

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.
  • Dark Mode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Dark Mode features and specs

  • Reduced Eye Strain
    Dark Mode helps in reducing eye strain, especially in low-light conditions, by minimizing the exposure to bright screens which can be harsh on the eyes.
  • Energy Efficiency
    On OLED and AMOLED screens, Dark Mode can save battery life since these displays can turn off pixels to show true black, thus consuming less power.
  • Stylish Aesthetics
    Many users prefer the sleek and modern look of Dark Mode as it provides a visually appealing interface.
  • Better Focus
    The reduced brightness and glare can help some users concentrate better, particularly when reading text or viewing content for extended periods.

Possible disadvantages of Dark Mode

  • Readability Issues
    Dark Mode can lead to poor readability for some text, particularly with specific color schemes that may result in insufficient contrast.
  • Inconsistent Experience
    Not all applications and websites are fully optimized for Dark Mode, resulting in inconsistent user experience between different apps and services.
  • Lower Visibility in Bright Environments
    In well-lit or outdoor settings, Dark Mode can be harder to read compared to light themes, as the darker interface may reflect more ambient light.
  • Potential Eye Fatigue
    For some users, prolonged use of Dark Mode can lead to eye fatigue as the eyes are constantly adjusting to the high contrast between text and background.

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.

Dark Mode videos

iOS 13 Dark Mode - Review

More videos:

  • Review - iOS 13 Dark Mode Review !
  • Review - iOS 11 Dark Mode 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 Dark Mode and SelfControl)
Dark Mode
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100
Browser Extensions
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Dark Mode and SelfControl

Dark Mode Reviews

7 Best Dark Mode Extensions For Chrome
Dark mode extension is a Google Chrome dark mode extensions made for web pages. A Chrome browser extension that makes it easy to instantly make the screen (browser) black at night.
Source: thedroidguy.com
Top 8 Dark Mode Extensions for Chrome Browser
Dark mode for apps has been the new craze. It started as a design trend on Android and iOS devices but has soon made it to Windows and many Mac applications too. While the primary quirk of having a dark mode is to relieve stress and strain on the eyes while reading or using an app in a darker lit scenario, it also serves as a good way to change the appearance of apps and...
The 10 best dark mode extensions for Google Chrome in 2022
Dark Mode is a global Chrome extension that can even run offline. Its toolbar icon acts as a switch to turn the dark mode on or off. Once installed on Chrome, you can visit the โ€œOptionsโ€ page to choose from more than 50 dark themes. They can be applied immediately to see which one of these works for you. The classic themes on Dark Mode are divided into three sections, with...
Source: chromeready.com
112 Best Chrome Extensions You Should Try (2021 List)
Dark Mode Chrome extension brings darkness to your Chrome windows and on webpages. In simple words, it turns the screen to dark at night time. Want to enjoy dark mode on Google Chrome? Install and click on the Dark Mode icon that works as an ON or OFF toggle.

SelfControl Reviews

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Dark Mode. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Dark Mode. 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.

Dark Mode mentions (2)

  • Would any Floatplane users be interested in an Open Source Chrome extension that saves your video progress locally?
    I would be interested if it has a proper dark mode, though currently I use Dark Mode for most sites but it doesn't really work on floatplane. Source: over 3 years ago
  • The MCC Forums Are Flawed, And Here's Why
    I use an extension for enabling dark mode on webpages. Doesn't work with everything but it's good to have when needed. Source: almost 4 years ago

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 Dark Mode and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

Dark Reader - Reduce eye strain in your browser with this extension that provides a dark theme for browsing.

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!

Midnight Lizard - Accessible color schemes for all websites

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

Night Eye - Night Eye is a browser extension that enables dark mode on any website you visit. It does not ruin your browsing experience by simply inverting images.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat