Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DropIt VS SelfControl

Compare DropIt VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

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DropIt logo DropIt

Application to automatically process and organize your files, to move, compress, extract, rename, delete, list, send by mail, encrypt, etc. DropItDownload DropIt for free.

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.
  • DropIt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-10
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

DropIt features and specs

  • Automation
    DropIt automates the process of organizing files, saving users time by handling file management tasks according to predefined rules.
  • Custom Rules
    Users can create custom rules to sort, move, delete, or compress files, providing a high level of flexibility based on personal or project-specific needs.
  • Wide File Support
    Supports a wide array of file types and actions, which means it can handle various organizational tasks across different file formats.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Offers an intuitive and easy-to-understand interface, making it accessible for users who might not be tech-savvy.
  • Free and Open Source
    As a free and open-source application, it allows users to freely access its features and even contribute to its development or customization.

Possible disadvantages of DropIt

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    Setting up the rules requires some time and understanding, which might be complex for new users until they get accustomed to the process.
  • Limited Support
    As a community-driven project, users may experience limited support compared to commercial alternatives, potentially complicating troubleshooting.
  • Dependence on Regular Updates
    Being an open-source project, regular updates depend on community contributions, which may affect the promptness and frequency of enhancements or fixes.
  • Potential System Resource Use
    Automating tasks can sometimes result in higher system resource use, particularly when dealing with large volumes of files or complex rules.

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.

DropIt videos

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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 DropIt and SelfControl)
File Management
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100
Image Optimisation
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

DropIt mentions (2)

  • Program to Sort Hard Drives and Queue up moves?
    22 drives connected to your main computer via who knows how (usb?) Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l60MnDJklnM Anyway I have used dropitfor some automated sorting it may help you it may not depending on what you're trying to sort and move. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Best fast file copier?
    Hiya, you got your script I see. If you are having problems making that work, you should go the easy route and install DropIt from the dropitproject.com. Once installed, make a copy task. Anything that ends with *.jpg *.bmp or whatever gets copied to your new folder. Then drag your folder to the dropit icon and click it to process. It is weird the first time you see it. It is like a visual batch/script icon. Source: over 3 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 / 4 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 / 5 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 / 11 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 DropIt and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

Hazel - Lighweight update server for Electron apps

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!

Organize - The file management automation software.

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

File Juggler - File Juggler is a Windows utility for automatic file management.

Focus App - New Tab page that gives you a moment of calm and inspires you to be more productive.