Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS Backdrops

Compare SelfControl VS Backdrops and see what are their differences

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
Backdrops

The only wallpapers you'll ever need. Say hello to Backdrops.

No screenshot yet
Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

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

social mentions
79 vs 1
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 65

Base details

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

SelfControl
B
Backdrops
Website selfcontrolapp.com backdrops.io
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
B
Backdrops 5 features
  • 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.
  • Ease of Use
    Backdrops offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and utilize its features efficiently without a steep learning curve.
  • High-Quality Images
    The platform provides a wide variety of high-resolution images that can enhance the visual appeal of any project.
  • Customizable Options
    Users can customize backdrops to suit their specific needs, allowing for a more personalized and unique visual experience.
  • Diverse Library
    Backdrops boasts a diverse library of images covering various themes and styles, providing ample choices for different projects.
  • Integration Capability
    The service offers seamless integration with various tools and platforms, making it easier to incorporate into existing workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Some users may find the subscription or purchase costs for premium features and images to be prohibitive, especially for small businesses or individuals.
  • Limited Free Options
    While there are free images available, the selection might be limited compared to the premium offerings, potentially restricting users who do not wish to pay.
  • Subscription Model
    The reliance on a subscription model might not appeal to users who prefer one-time purchases or who infrequently need such services.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Access to the library and customization tools requires a stable internet connection, which could be a limitation for users in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Potential Overlap
    Given that the images are publicly available, there is a chance of encountering the same backdrops across multiple projects, which might reduce the uniqueness of a given project.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

SelfControl
B
Backdrops

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.

Overall verdict

  • Backdrops.io is considered a good platform for finding unique and high-quality wallpapers. It stands out for its aesthetic selection and ease of use, making it valuable for users seeking to enhance their digital environments.

Why this product is good

  • Backdrops.io is well-regarded due to its high-quality, curated collection of wallpapers and backgrounds. It offers a wide variety of visually appealing images that are frequently updated, making it a popular choice for users looking to refresh their digital spaces. The platform's user-friendly interface and easy download options enhance the overall experience.

Recommended for

    Backdrops.io is recommended for individuals who appreciate high-quality design and aesthetics, such as graphic designers, digital artists, and anyone who frequently updates their device backgrounds. It's also ideal for those who want a simple and efficient way to browse and download wallpapers.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
B
Backdrops 2 videos + Add

How to block websites that distract you ? Selfcontrol [Mac App review and tutorial]

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

First Impressions - Cheap Food Photography Backdrops

More videos

  • - Photo Backdrop Unboxing Video Review - Gryphon Backdrops

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
SelfControl
B
Backdrops
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SelfControl 79 mentions
B
Backdrops 1 mention

View more

  • What is your Phone/PC wallpaper and how long have you been using it?
    Same thing on my phone, but there I have a bunch of pictures I've downloaded from the Backdrops app. Source: over 4 years ago

Alternatives to SelfControl and Backdrops

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