Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS FocusMode

Compare SelfControl VS FocusMode 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.

FocusMode logo FocusMode

Stay focused like humans, not robots
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • FocusMode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-15

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.

FocusMode features and specs

  • Increased Productivity
    FocusMode helps boost productivity by minimizing distractions and allowing users to focus on tasks for set periods.
  • Customizable Sessions
    Users can tailor their focus sessions according to their work style and needs, optimizing their workflow.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The app offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all tech-savviness levels.
  • Task Management Integration
    FocusMode allows integration with popular task management apps, enabling users to seamlessly incorporate it into their existing workflows.
  • Break Management
    It encourages a balanced work routine by incorporating regular breaks, which can help reduce fatigue and maintain focus.

Possible disadvantages of FocusMode

  • Limited Free Features
    The free version of FocusMode may come with limited functionalities, potentially requiring a subscription for full access.
  • Dependency on Internet
    The app may require an internet connection to access certain features or updates, which can be a downside in offline situations.
  • Potential Over-Scheduling
    With so much emphasis on productive blocks of time, users might overschedule themselves, leading to stress or burnout.
  • Device Compatibility
    FocusMode might not be compatible with all devices or operating systems, limiting accessibility for some users.
  • Learning Curve
    While generally user-friendly, there might still be a learning curve for users unfamiliar with productivity tools or digital task management.

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

FocusMode videos

FocusMode Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and FocusMode)
Time Tracking
96 96%
4% 4
Productivity
92 92%
8% 8
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Web Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than FocusMode. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 1 mention of FocusMode. 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 / 5 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 / 7 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 / 12 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

FocusMode mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and FocusMode, 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!

Stay Focused - More suitable with Google Chrome, this service enables you ensure you do not waste precious time on updating Facebook status or chatting with people.

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

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Hide Feed - Get things done without distractions

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