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SelfControl VS Centered

Compare SelfControl VS Centered and see what are their differences

Tabidoo
A simple way to keep all your data under control. Build your own business applications in just 4 minutes. featured
Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

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.

Centered logo Centered

Centered helps you get into a Flow State faster and stay there longer so you can do your best work.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Centered Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-25

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.

Centered features and specs

  • Focus Sessions
    Centered offers structured focus sessions that help users maintain concentration on tasks by providing timed work periods followed by breaks.
  • Distraction Blocking
    The app can block distracting websites and applications, allowing users to focus better on their work.
  • Music for Productivity
    Centered provides curated music tracks designed to boost concentration, helping users enter a state of deep focus more easily.
  • Task Management
    Users can organize their tasks and to-do lists within the app, aiding in better task management and prioritization.
  • Community and Accountability
    Centered fosters a community where users can join focus groups or accountability partners, enhancing motivation and commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Centered

  • Subscription Cost
    To access all features, users may need to subscribe to a paid plan, which can be a drawback for those looking for free options.
  • Learning Curve
    Some users might experience a learning curve when setting up the app and using all of its features effectively.
  • Limited Free Features
    The free version of Centered may have limitations, restricting the availability of certain productivity tools unless upgraded.
  • Dependence on External Distractions
    While blocking distractions, users might become too reliant on the app to manage distractions rather than cultivating personal discipline.
  • Platform Dependency
    Centered may not be available on all devices or platforms, potentially limiting accessibility for some users.

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.

SelfControl videos

+ Add

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Centered videos

+ Add

Centered Review: Improve Productivity with AI Coaching and Focus Music

More videos:

  • Review - Centered Review: Is THIS the Best Productivity App in 2023?
  • Review - Centered Review: AI-powered coaching, Pomodoro timers to boost productivity

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Centered)

SelfControl

Centered

Time Tracking
88 88%
Time Tracking
12% 12
Productivity
58 58%
Productivity
42% 42
Time Management
100 100%
Time Management
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
Task Management
100% 100

User comments

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

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Centered. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 5 mentions of Centered. 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 (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 / 4 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 / 6 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 / 11 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
View more

Centered mentions (5)

  • Obsidian as all-in-one daily note(calendar, reminder, task management, ledger...)
    - weak for bodydoubling method: I still need to use separate app for bodydoubling. i.e. cen****d.app. This bodydoubling app makes me to focus on task by sharing my current task with other users. This also has `always on top with minimized UI` option, which works great for the focus. However, it causes another clutter for me because I need to write down the task in a separate app again. I want to replace it if... Source: about 3 years ago
  • What is the best purchase you have made to make life with adhd easier?
    Centered.app application helps me a lot to work and to stay focused. It seems - the best and only task management systems designed for people with ADHD. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Desktop app which reminds you to stay on your task/ stop even work distractions?
    The centered.app does look good and the most close to what I am looking for compared to the hundreds I have googled today, I am giving it a go, thank you! Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Top 5 Online Study Websites and Virtual Work Spaces
    I also recently discovered centered.app which is free for students. Source: about 4 years ago
  • A Fun Linear Integration!!!
    You can learn more at centered.app or feel free to message me!! I'd be happy to offer you all my personal onboarding too!! Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Centered, 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!

Magic Flow - Generate high-converting landing page copy using GPT-3

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

Llama Life - Say goodbye to never-ending lists, and hello to daily bliss

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

Blitzit - A simple to-do list & timer that gives you superpowers

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