Software Alternatives & Startups

Double Commander VS SelfControl

Compare Double Commander VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Double Commander

Double Commander is a cross-platform open source file manager with two panels side by side.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
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.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Double Commander. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
24 vs 79
File Manager popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
158 vs 183

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Double Commander
SelfControl
Website doublecmd.sourceforge.io selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Double Commander 7 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • Cross-Platform
    Double Commander is available for multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes it a versatile choice for users operating across different platforms.
  • Free and Open Source
    Double Commander is free to download and its source code is open to the public. Users can modify and redistribute it under the GPL license, making it a cost-effective and customizable option.
  • Two-Panel Interface
    The application features a two-panel interface, which allows users to view and manage files in two distinct directories simultaneously. This enhances productivity and streamlines file operations.
  • Plugin Support
    Double Commander supports Total Commander WCX, WDX, and WLX plugins, providing additional functionalities such as extended file operations and viewing capabilities.
  • FTP/SFTP Support
    It includes built-in support for FTP and SFTP protocols, allowing users to easily manage files on remote servers.
  • Customizable User Interface
    Users can customize the layout, colors, and various other aspects of the interface to suit their individual preferences.
  • Advanced Search Function
    Double Commander offers an advanced search feature with various filters, allowing users to find files quickly and efficiently.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    The two-panel interface and multitude of features may be overwhelming for new users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Occasional Bugs and Instability
    As an open-source project, Double Commander may occasionally suffer from bugs and stability issues, though these are often addressed by the community.
  • Less Polished UI
    The user interface, while customizable, may not be as polished or modern-looking as some commercial file managers.
  • Limited Integration
    Compared to some commercial options, Double Commander may offer limited integration with other applications and services out of the box.
  • 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

  • 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

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Double Commander
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Double Commander is a well-regarded file manager that can significantly improve file organization and management tasks, especially for users who prefer a Total Commander-like experience on Linux, Windows, or macOS.

Why this product is good

  • Double Commander is considered good due to its open-source nature, cross-platform support, and feature-rich environment. It offers a dual-pane interface, which enhances productivity by allowing users to easily manage files across different directories. Features such as tabbed browsing, an advanced search function, and the built-in file viewer/editor support diverse file formats, making it a versatile tool. Many users appreciate its customization options and support for WCX, WDX, and WLX plug-ins.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for a free, open-source alternative to Total Commander.
  • Those who frequently work with multiple files and directories and require efficient file management.
  • Users who prefer cross-platform tools that offer consistency across operating systems.
  • Individuals who appreciate customization and support for plug-ins to extend functionality.

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.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Double Commander 2 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

Check Out Double Commander File Manager In Ubuntu 16.04

More videos

  • - Context menu suggestion for Double Commander

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Double Commander
SelfControl
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Double Commander no reviews yet
SelfControl no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Double Commander 24 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions

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Alternatives to Double Commander and SelfControl

When comparing Double Commander and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products.