Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Block

Compare SelfControl VS Block and see what are their differences

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.

Block logo Block

Break away from your phone
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Block Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-17

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.

Block features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Block offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and operate the platform without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
  • Schedule Management
    The platform provides robust tools for managing schedules, allowing users to organize and optimize their meeting times effectively.
  • Integrations
    Block integrates with various productivity tools that users might already be using, enhancing the platform's functionality and ease of adoption.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Block is accessible on multiple devices and operating systems, making it versatile and ensuring consistent user experience across platforms.

Possible disadvantages of Block

  • Limited Customization
    While Block is user-friendly, it offers limited customization options, which might be a downside for users needing tailor-made solutions.
  • Pricing
    The pricing structure can be a concern for smaller businesses or individuals with limited budgets, potentially making it less competitive compared to other providers.
  • Feature Set
    Block might lack some advanced features that power users or large enterprises require, limiting its effectiveness for more complex needs.
  • Reliance on Integrations
    As Block relies on integrations for additional functionalities, users may require multiple subscriptions, complicating the user experience and increasing costs.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Block videos

H&R Block Review by a CPA | Pros + Cons | Walkthrough | Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - WILL THEY BLOCK?! Our Halo TV Ep.5 Angry Review!?
  • Tutorial - H&R Block Review 2021-2022 by a CPA | Pros + Cons | Walkthrough | Tutorial

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Block)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
95 95%
5% 5
Health And Fitness
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
93 93%
7% 7

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 75 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 mentions (75)

  • 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: over 1 year 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: over 1 year ago
  • Finals season
    - https://selfcontrolapp.com/ this is free app. block off all social media and time wasters .. Only for mac. if there is nothing to be distracted... IMO I eventually be bored and I was able to get into the zone... Not right away... But I told my self... Today I study... And I stay in the study room. 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
View more

Block mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

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

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!

Google Wellbeing - Helping you look at your devices less

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

Forest App - Forest is an app that helps you stay focused on the important things in life.

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

Brick - Brick is an open-source webfont service that serves fonts in their original form for high quality rendering across all browsers.