Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

Iris VS SelfControl

Compare Iris VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

ReleasePad
Changelog software that turns GitHub commits into release notes your users actually see — inside your app. Built for founders and teams who ship fast. sponsored
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Iris logo Iris

The fastest web framework for Go in (THIS) earth

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.
  • Iris Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-31
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Iris features and specs

  • Blue Light Filtering
    Iris software filters out harmful blue light from screens, which can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
  • Brightness Control
    Iris allows users to control screen brightness levels, which can help create a more comfortable viewing experience in varying lighting conditions.
  • Multiple Modes
    The software offers various modes including Health, Sleep, and Reading, each optimized for different activities, adding convenience and versatility.
  • Automatic Adjustments
    Iris can automatically adjust your screen settings based on the time of day, reducing the need for manual changes and improving user experience.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Iris supports multiple operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Minimalistic Interface
    The application features a user-friendly and minimalistic interface that makes it easy to navigate and customize settings.

Possible disadvantages of Iris

  • Cost
    While Iris offers a free version, its full range of features is locked behind a paywall, which may not appeal to all users.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported experiencing slowdowns and performance issues on older hardware when using Iris.
  • Complex Configuration
    Advanced settings can be overwhelming for non-technical users, requiring a learning curve to fully understand and utilize all features.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version of Iris is somewhat limited in functionality, pushing users toward purchasing a subscription for full access.
  • Compatibility Issues
    In some cases, users have reported compatibility issues with certain applications or operating system updates.
  • No Mobile Version
    Iris currently does not offer a mobile version, limiting its usability to desktop and laptop computers only.

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 Iris

Overall verdict

  • Iris is considered a good choice for individuals seeking to minimize eye strain and protect their vision. Its effectiveness, coupled with an easy-to-use interface and a variety of adjustable features, makes it a popular option among users who spend extensive time in front of digital screens.

Why this product is good

  • Iris (iristech.co) offers software solutions that focus on reducing eye strain and improving sleep quality by controlling the blue light emitted from screens. Their tools are designed to adjust brightness without PWM, offer flexible scheduling options, and provide health-oriented eye protection features. Many users appreciate its customizable settings and ease of use, which can lead to increased productivity and reduced discomfort during long hours of screen time.

Recommended for

    Iris is recommended for professionals, students, gamers, and anyone who experiences extended screen exposure. It is particularly useful for those who suffer from digital eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns due to screen use, or those simply looking to enhance their visual comfort.

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.

Iris videos

+ Add

Something Is WRONG With The IRIS SKin?! Iris Pack Review & Gameplay (Is The Iris Pack Worth $4.99?)

More videos:

  • Review - THE IRIS PACK is Here! Before You Buy! Combos + Gameplay! (Fortnite Battle Royale)
  • Review - Best Chapter 2 Combos | Iris | Fortntie Skin Review

SelfControl videos

+ Add

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 Iris and SelfControl)

Iris

SelfControl

Health And Fitness
100 100%
Health And Fitness
0% 0
Time Tracking
30 30%
Time Tracking
70% 70
Time Management
0 0%
Time Management
100% 100
Productivity
34 34%
Productivity
66% 66

User comments

Share your experience with using Iris and SelfControl. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Iris. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 1 mention of Iris. 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.

Iris mentions (1)

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 / 6 months ago
  • Kiki – 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 / about 1 year 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
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

Workrave - Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

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!

stretchly - break time reminder app

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

CareUEyes - CareUEyes is an eye protection software for windows that comes with blue light filter, screen dimmer, and break reminder

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Loading...