Software Alternatives & Startups

Hours VS SelfControl

Compare Hours VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Hours

Boosting productivity through live, virtual co-working.

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

Which is more popular?

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

social mentions
9 vs 79
Productivity popularity
51% vs 49%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 236

Base details

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

Hours
SelfControl
Website hours.zone selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Hours 5 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • Simple Time Tracking
    Allows users to easily track their time with just a few clicks, making it less cumbersome than more complex project management tools.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Hours.zone offers an intuitive and clean interface which enhances user experience and reduces the learning curve.
  • Real-Time Reporting
    Provides real-time data on time usage, which can be crucial for making immediate adjustments in work patterns.
  • Cross-Platform Access
    Available on multiple platforms (web and mobile), allowing users to log their hours from anywhere.
  • Collaborative Features
    Supports team collaboration by allowing multiple users to log time on shared projects and tasks.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Integration
    May not integrate well with other project management or productivity tools, limiting its usefulness in a broader tech ecosystem.
  • Basic Functionality
    While it offers core time-tracking features, it may lack advanced functionalities that some businesses require.
  • Potential Subscription Costs
    Depending on the feature set desired, there could be subscription costs involved, which may not be ideal for all users.
  • Data Security Concerns
    As with any online time-tracking tool, there could be potential data security issues unless robust safeguards are in place.
  • Limited Customization
    May not offer extensive customization options, making it less adaptable to unique business needs and workflows.
  • 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.

Hours
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Hours.zone is a useful tool for certain users, but its value depends on specific needs and preferences.

Why this product is good

  • Hours.zone provides a simple way to manage and coordinate time zones, which can be very helpful for teams working remotely or with members in different geographic locations. It allows users to compare time across various zones, making scheduling more efficient and reducing errors related to time conversions.

Recommended for

  • Remote teams that have members in different time zones
  • Individuals or companies that frequently schedule international meetings
  • Freelancers or contractors working with clients globally
  • Event planners coordinating events across several locations

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.

Hours 3 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

Hours (Starring Paul Walker) Movie Review

More videos

  • - THE HOURS (2002) Movie Review
  • - Hours - Movie Review (2013)

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
Hours
SelfControl
51% 51%
49% 49%
38% 38%
62% 62%
0% 0%
100% 100%
27% 27%
73% 73%

User comments

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

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Reviews and articles

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

Hours no reviews yet
SelfControl no reviews yet

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.

Hours 9 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions
  • Group Pomodoro where you write aim & result?
    There are Discord servers that do group pomodoros, or websites like hours.zone, but these tend to focus on general to-do lists rather than goals for each pomodoro session. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Looking for friendly & supportive morning work session buddy
    I like hours.zone because we can see what each other is working on. I break up my work into lots of tiny tasks and aim to clear the whole list before the session ends, so it's a bit like a game. Source: over 4 years ago
  • 21F, engineering student. Can't get myself up from bed and study. Timezone: GMT +6
    Thanks to your post, I know of hours.zone now. I have made an account. All the best everybody who is reading this! Source: almost 5 years ago

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Alternatives to Hours and SelfControl

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