Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl -- The Linux port VS Freedom.to

Compare SelfControl -- The Linux port VS Freedom.to and see what are their differences

SelfControl -- The Linux port logo SelfControl -- The Linux port

Linux port of the Mac OS X application https://alternativeto.net/software/selfcontrol/ .

Freedom.to logo Freedom.to

Freedom is a productivity hack that lets you block apps, websites or the entire Internet on iPhones, iPads, Windows and Mac computers.
  • SelfControl -- The Linux port Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-08-28
  • Freedom.to Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-23

SelfControl -- The Linux port features and specs

  • Focus Enhancement
    SelfControl helps users stay focused by blocking distracting websites, leading to increased productivity and more efficient work sessions.
  • Customizability
    The application allows users to customize which websites to block and for how long, giving them flexibility to tailor the experience according to their needs.
  • Security
    As an open-source project, SelfControl's code can be reviewed and audited by the community, enhancing transparency and security.
  • Free of Cost
    SelfControl is free, making it accessible to anyone seeking a cost-effective solution to manage distractions.

Possible disadvantages of SelfControl -- The Linux port

  • Limited Platform Support
    The official Linux port may not support all Linux distributions, which can limit its accessibility and usability for some users.
  • User Interface
    The interface may not be as polished or user-friendly as some other proprietary applications, which could be a challenge for less tech-savvy users.
  • Lack of Advanced Features
    SelfControl focuses on basic website blocking and lacks some advanced features that are present in other browser-based productivity tools, such as scheduling or usage statistics.
  • No Customer Support
    As a free and open-source tool, SelfControl does not have dedicated customer support, which could be an issue for users who need assistance.

Freedom.to features and specs

  • Block Distractions
    Freedom.to allows you to block distracting websites and apps, thereby increasing productivity and focus by removing distractions.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    The service works across multiple devices and operating systems, ensuring that you can stay focused no matter what device you are using.
  • Customizable Sessions
    You can customize your blocked sessions, choosing specific times and durations to improve productivity according to your schedule.
  • Focus Mode
    Freedom.to offers a special 'Focus Mode' that helps users enter deep work states by minimizing distractions.
  • Website and App Blocking
    It supports the blocking of both websites and applications, offering comprehensive coverage for digital distractions.

Possible disadvantages of Freedom.to

  • Subscription Cost
    Freedom.to is a subscription-based service, which may not be affordable for everyone, especially for long-term use.
  • Initial Setup Time
    Setting up the tool to fit your specific needs may take some initial time and effort, reducing its immediate utility.
  • Potential Over-Blocking
    There is a risk of blocking productivity tools or necessary resources if not configured correctly, which can be counterproductive.
  • Limited Offline Functionality
    The service is less effective when you are working offline, as it primarily focuses on blocking online distractions.
  • Possible Workarounds
    Advanced users may find workarounds to bypass the blocking, which can diminish the tool's effectiveness.

Analysis of Freedom.to

Overall verdict

  • Freedom.to is a good tool for those looking to improve focus and reduce digital distractions. It offers robust features that cater to a variety of needs, making it a strong choice for productivity enhancement.

Why this product is good

  • Freedom.to is well-regarded because it effectively helps users block distracting websites and apps, enhancing focus and productivity. It provides an easy-to-use interface with customizable blocking schedules, making it suitable for individuals seeking to manage their digital consumption.

Recommended for

    Individuals who struggle with digital distractions, remote workers needing help with time management, students seeking to concentrate on studies, and anyone looking to build healthier digital habits.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl -- The Linux port and Freedom.to)
Time Tracking
13 13%
87% 87
Invoicing
30 30%
70% 70
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl -- The Linux port and Freedom.to. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Freedom.to seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 184 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.

SelfControl -- The Linux port mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SelfControl -- The Linux port yet. Tracking of SelfControl -- The Linux port recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Freedom.to mentions (184)

  • [NeedAdvice] 20 Years old with no discipline. Morning Routine?
    I found it hard to stick to, so I use this app which seems to work quite well: https://freedom.to. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for the right app
    Apps I have tried and are not enough: - https://heyfocus.com/ - https://freedom.to/ - https://selfcontrolapp.com/ - https://www.forestapp.cc/ - https://www.rescuetime.com/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Cognitive Load and Your Development Environment
    There are plenty of apps and organizational systems that will help you remember future tasks and reduce distractions. For example, Focus blocks distractions and schedules your breaks and Freedom will block distractions on all of your devices at once. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Developing habits I should’ve developed as a child
    Freedom. For $2.50 a month, Freedom will block all social media sites on all your devices during hours you specify. Source: over 1 year ago
  • 25 Best Productivity Apps: 2023 Review Guide
    Ever find yourself unable to pull away from the digital distractions that disrupt your workflow? Well, Freedom is one of the best distraction-blocking apps that allows you to block websites, mobile apps, and any other digital distractions that prevent you from getting things done. Users can create personalized schedules that temporarily block access to distracting websites, apps, and even the entire internet if... - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl -- The Linux port and Freedom.to, you can also consider the following products

Time Sink - Time Sink helps you track how you spend your time on your 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!

SelfRestraint - If you find yourself constantly ending up on distracting websites, you know what a time sink your...

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.

Anti-Social - Anti-Social is a productivity application for Macs that turns off the social parts of the internet.

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