Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Mindful Internet Use VS SelfControl

Compare Mindful Internet Use VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Mindful Internet Use logo Mindful Internet Use

A Chrome Extension that prevents mindless browsing

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.
  • Mindful Internet Use Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-09-13
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Mindful Internet Use features and specs

  • Improved Focus
    Mindful Internet Use encourages users to be more intentional with their time online, reducing distractions and improving focus.
  • Time Management
    The extension helps users better manage their time by logging usage and offering insights into online habits.
  • Reduced Screen Time
    By promoting awareness of internet use, the tool can help users reduce unnecessary screen time and engage in more offline activities.
  • Enhanced Productivity
    Less time spent on distracting websites can lead to increased productivity and more efficient use of online resources.
  • Customization
    Users can tailor the settings to fit their needs, allowing for a personalized approach to managing internet use.

Possible disadvantages of Mindful Internet Use

  • Potential Over-restriction
    Strict settings might lead some users to inadvertently block useful sites, negatively impacting productivity.
  • User Compliance
    The effectiveness is contingent on user engagement and willingness to adhere to the suggested browsing habits.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Users may be wary of how their browsing data is collected and used by the extension.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might find it challenging to configure the tool optimally and fully leverage its features.
  • Dependency Risk
    Relying heavily on the extension may prevent users from developing their own mindful internet usage habits independently.

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.

Mindful Internet Use 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 Mindful Internet Use and SelfControl)
Productivity
4 4%
96% 96
Time Tracking
4 4%
96% 96
Time Management
4 4%
96% 96
AI
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 Mindful Internet Use. While we know about 77 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 1 mention of Mindful Internet Use. 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.

Mindful Internet Use mentions (1)

  • Which are some popular open-source Chrome extensions that you'd like to see on Firefox?
    Https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/mindful-internet-use/hieolpjdilnibgamiafklnlcmagdngoo is Mindful Internet Use. I KNOW that there are already "relaxed" siteblockers on Firefox, the most infamous in particular being Impulse Blocker by raicem but those will never hide the option to disable at whim. This one specifically forces you to focus before re-enabling action and allows you to limit your time. I may... Source: about 3 years ago

SelfControl mentions (77)

  • 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 month 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 / 3 months 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 1 year ago
  • App to prevent distractions at work
    It is SelfControl. It is open-source and free. You select the website you want to block and the time. The moment you click the button no matter what you do, you can forget about accessing those websites until the time is over; there is no cancel button. Restarted mac won't work, you can delete the app no luck. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • App to prevent distractions at work
    The SelfControl app lets you specify web sites that will be blocked. When you run the app, you specify a countdown timer, during which time those apps will be inaccessible. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Mindful Internet Use and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

Mindful (Beta) - A space for your thoughts, ideas, and ongoing tasks

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!

Reader Mode - Remove clutter and ads from any article. Instantly โšก

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

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

SavvyCal - A scheduling tool both the sender and the recipient will love.