Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Float Browser

Compare SelfControl VS Float Browser 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.

Float Browser logo Float Browser

Float Browser app allows you to use apps in the floating window just like multitasking.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Float Browser Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03

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.

Float Browser features and specs

  • Multi-Tasking Enhancement
    Float Browser allows users to browse the internet while simultaneously using other apps by overlaying a floating window on top of existing applications.
  • Convenience
    Users can quickly access web content without having to switch between apps or disrupt their current workflow.
  • Compact Mode
    The floating browser window can be adjusted in size, making it easier to manage screen space and optimize for multitasking.
  • Resource Efficiency
    Designed to be lightweight, Float Browser minimizes its impact on device resources such as battery and processing power.

Possible disadvantages of Float Browser

  • Limited Functionality
    Compared to full-featured web browsers, Float Browser may lack advanced features like extensions or in-depth settings.
  • UI Overlap
    The floating window may obstruct parts of other applications, potentially complicating the user interface and leading to a cluttered screen.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some device-specific or app-specific restrictions may cause compatibility issues, limiting the browser's functionality.
  • Security Concerns
    Running multiple apps simultaneously, including a web browser, could expose the device to security vulnerabilities if not properly managed.

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

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Float Browser videos

Floating window | Float browser | Full review (uses) | Floating browser | New app | Mandal Ji

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Float Browser)
Productivity
95 95%
5% 5
Android
0 0%
100% 100
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Personalization
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 77 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 (77)

  • 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 / about 1 month 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 / 3 months 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 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: almost 2 years 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: almost 2 years ago
View more

Float Browser mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Float Browser yet. Tracking of Float Browser recommendations started around Apr 2022.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Float Browser, 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!

Overlays - Overlays is an app that lets you launch multiple applications in the form of a floating window.

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

Floating Apps - Real multitasking on Android phone or tablet.

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

Edge Screen - Edge Screen app is made for a smartphone with curve-edged displays like the Samsung Galaxy S series and other manufacturers.