Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Gemma

Compare SelfControl VS Gemma 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.

Gemma logo Gemma

Sell or rent your property without an agent using Gemma. Save on commission and take control of your sale or rental with expert support, marketing, and listing services.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Gemma Gemma Australia
    Gemma Australia //
    2025-07-08

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.

Gemma features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

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.

Analysis of Gemma

Overall verdict

  • Gemma is a well-regarded Australian buy now, pay later and finance provider that offers flexible payment options with a straightforward application process, making it a solid choice for spreading out the cost of purchases.

Why this product is good

  • Offers flexible interest-free and buy now, pay later options for eligible purchases
  • Australian-based service with a network of participating retailers
  • Simple online application and account management process
  • Allows customers to manage larger purchases through manageable repayments
  • Established presence in the consumer finance space

Recommended for

  • Australian shoppers wanting to spread the cost of purchases over time
  • Customers looking for interest-free payment plans at participating retailers
  • People making larger or lifestyle purchases who prefer structured repayments
  • Buyers who want a straightforward alternative to traditional credit cards

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Gemma videos

Gemma 3 QAT Insane Speed Boost vs FP16?! Google AI's KILLER 27b

More videos:

  • Review - Announcing Gemma 3n Preview: Powerful, Efficient, Mobile-First AI
  • Review - Gemma 3n Review: Google's Free AI Model That Runs on 2GB RAM (No Internetย Required)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Gemma)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
82 82%
18% 18
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
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 79 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 (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

Gemma mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Gemma yet. Tracking of Gemma recommendations started around Jul 2025.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Gemma, 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!

RecordAi - A friend in WhatsApp to set reminders and events

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

CurrentOrigin AI - Structured intelligence for complex tasks through specialized AI tools.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Sewpoint.app - SEWPOINT creates and edits native Google Slides from plain language. From reference, template, or notes; edit in place. QBR refresh, slide mimic, batch translation etc. Web app โ€” sign up, paste your link, no extra setup. Beta: 200 free credits