Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SbigControl VS SelfControl

Compare SbigControl VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

SbigControl logo SbigControl

A low cost alternative control program for your SBIG astronomic camera.

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.
  • SbigControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-11-11
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

SbigControl features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SbigControl offers a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it accessible even for beginners in astrophotography.
  • Comprehensive Camera Control
    The software provides extensive control over SBIG cameras, allowing for detailed adjustments and optimization for capturing high-quality images.
  • Integration with Other Software
    SbigControl integrates well with other astrophotography tools and software, enhancing its functionality and usability in complex setups.
  • Support for Multiple Cameras
    It supports controlling multiple SBIG cameras simultaneously, which is beneficial for advanced astrophotographers managing complex imaging rigs.

Possible disadvantages of SbigControl

  • Limited Operating System Support
    SbigControl may not be compatible with all operating systems, restricting its use to those who can run compatible platforms.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic controls are user-friendly, advanced features can be complex, requiring a significant time investment to master.
  • Lack of Regular Updates
    The software may not receive frequent updates, which can limit improvements and compatibility with newer devices and technology.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    Users have reported occasional stability issues, particularly when running complex tasks or using the software for extended periods.

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.

SbigControl 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 SbigControl and SelfControl)
Time Tracking
7 7%
93% 93
Accounting
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100
Invoicing
12 12%
88% 88

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 79 times since March 2021. 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.

SbigControl mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SbigControl yet. Tracking of SbigControl recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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 / 5 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 / 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 / 12 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 SbigControl and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

Nebulosity - Nebulosity is designed to be a powerful, but simple to use capture and processing application for Windows and Mac.

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!

SharpCap - SharpCap is an easy-to-use and powerful astronomy camera capture tool. It can be used with dedicated astronomy cameras, webcams and USB frame grabbers.

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

Qastrocam - Qastrocam is a capture program to do astrophotography.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat