Software Alternatives & Startups

FreeCommander VS SelfControl

Compare FreeCommander VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

FreeCommander

FreeCommander is an easy-to-use alternative to the standard windows file manager. The program helps you with daily work in Windows. Here you can find all the necessary functions to manage your data stock.

Rating
0 reviews
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 seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

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

Base details

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

FreeCommander
SelfControl
Website freecommander.com selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

FreeCommander 6 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • User Interface
    FreeCommander features a dual-pane interface that allows users to manage files in a more organized and efficient manner, providing an easy way to transfer files between directories.
  • Customization
    The software offers a high level of customization, enabling users to tailor the application to meet their specific needs, including keyboard shortcuts and layout adjustments.
  • Compatibility
    FreeCommander is compatible with various Windows versions, making it accessible to a wide range of users with different system specifications.
  • Portable Version
    A portable version of FreeCommander is available, which allows users to run the application from a USB drive without needing to install it on a computer.
  • File Management Features
    The software includes advanced file management features such as multi-rename tools, file shredding, folder synchronization, and archive handling (ZIP, RAR, CAB).
  • Cost
    FreeCommander is free to use, making it an economical choice for individuals and organizations looking for robust file management tools.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    New users may find the wide range of features and customization options overwhelming, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Documentation
    Some users report that the documentation is not exhaustive, which can make it difficult to fully utilize all the capabilities of the software without additional research or trial and error.
  • Limited MacOS and Linux Support
    FreeCommander is primarily designed for Windows, thereby offering limited compatibility and functionality on MacOS and Linux systems.
  • Updates
    The updates and development of FreeCommander are dependent on a small team, potentially leading to slower development cycles and the occasional bug.
  • Interface Design
    The user interface, while functional, is not as modern or aesthetically pleasing as some other file management tools, which may deter some users.
  • 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.

FreeCommander
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, FreeCommander is a solid choice for users looking for a robust and versatile file management solution. It is especially appealing to advanced users who need additional tools for efficient file handling. However, those who prefer a minimalist interface or only require basic file management features may find it to be more than necessary.

Why this product is good

  • FreeCommander is considered good due to its user-friendly interface and powerful file management capabilities. It offers a two-pane view for easy file management, along with a variety of tools such as file splitting, archiving, and batch renaming. Its customizability and wide range of plugins enhance its functionality, making it a favorite among users who require more than the basic file manager features offered by the operating system.

Recommended for

    FreeCommander is recommended for power users, IT professionals, and anyone who frequently handles large volumes of files and requires advanced file management tools. It is also suitable for users who appreciate software customization and seek a reliable alternative to their operating system's default file manager.

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.

FreeCommander 1 video + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

FreeCommander XE 2018 Review Free Download For Windows

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
FreeCommander
SelfControl
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

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

FreeCommander no reviews yet
SelfControl no reviews yet

View more

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

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

FreeCommander 0 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions

Tracking FreeCommander since Mar 2021.

View more

Alternatives to FreeCommander and SelfControl

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