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SelfControl VS ExtWise

Compare SelfControl VS ExtWise 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
Alternatives Is it good?
ExtWise

AI-Powered Intelligence for Chrome Extensions

No screenshot yet
Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
ANNA For Creators
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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 more popular. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
79 vs 0
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
183 vs 3

Base details

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

SelfControl
ExtWise
Website selfcontrolapp.com extwise.com
Pricing
Open source
Official pricing
Listed in
Productivity Time Management Time Tracking Focus +1
Developer Tools Chrome Extensions APIs AI Tools AI +2

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
ExtWise 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.
  • Browser Extension Management
    ExtWise allows users to efficiently manage, organize, and control browser extensions across different browsers, making it easier to keep track of installed add-ons.
  • Cross-Browser Support
    The tool supports multiple browsers, allowing users to sync and manage extensions across Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers from a single interface.
  • Extension Backup and Restore
    Users can back up their extension configurations and restore them later, which is useful when switching devices or recovering from browser resets.
  • Time-Saving for Power Users
    For users who rely on many extensions, ExtWise streamlines the process of enabling, disabling, and organizing them, saving significant time compared to manual management.
  • Simple User Interface
    The interface is designed to be straightforward and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for users who are not highly technical.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Browser Compatibility
    ExtWise may only fully support Chromium-based browsers, limiting its usefulness for users who rely on Firefox, Safari, or other non-Chromium browsers.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    Despite its simple interface, new users may still need time to understand all the features and how to best utilize the tool for extension management.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Tool
    Relying on an external tool to manage browser extensions introduces a dependency that could pose risks if the tool is discontinued or not updated regularly.
  • Potential Privacy Concerns
    Since the tool needs access to browser extension data, some users may have concerns about privacy and data security when using a third-party management tool.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to native browser extension management, ExtWise might lack some advanced customization or granular control options that power users desire.

Analysis

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

SelfControl
ExtWise

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

  • ExtWise is a lightweight browser extension management tool that helps users organize, control, and quickly toggle browser extensions on and off, which can be useful for improving browser performance and reducing clutter, though it's a niche utility rather than a must-have tool for most users.

Why this product is good

  • Simplifies managing multiple browser extensions from one place
  • Allows quick enabling/disabling of extensions to boost browser speed and reduce memory usage
  • Helps organize extensions into groups or profiles for different tasks
  • Lightweight and doesn't add significant overhead to the browser
  • Useful for users who install and test many extensions regularly

Recommended for

  • Users who have installed many browser extensions and want better organization
  • People who frequently switch between different extension sets for different tasks (e.g., work vs personal browsing)
  • Users experiencing browser slowdown due to too many active extensions
  • Developers or testers who need to toggle extensions on/off frequently
  • Anyone looking to streamline their browsing experience by decluttering extension menus

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
ExtWise 0 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

No ExtWise videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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
ExtWise
100% 100%
Time Tracking
0% 0%
0% 0%
APIs
100% 100%
100% 100%
Time Management
0% 0%
0% 0%
AI
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and ExtWise. 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
ExtWise 0 mentions

View more

Tracking ExtWise since Jun 2026.

Alternatives to SelfControl and ExtWise

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

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