Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Google

Compare SelfControl VS Google and see what are their differences

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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.

Google logo Google

Google Search, also referred to as Google Web Search or simply Google, is a web search engine developed by Google. It is the most used search engine on the World Wide Web
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Google Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-09

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.

Google features and specs

  • Search Efficiency
    Google provides highly efficient and relevant search results due to its advanced algorithms and vast indexing capabilities.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface of Google is clean, simple, and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all ages and technical abilities.
  • Integration with Other Services
    Google seamlessly integrates with other Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Maps, providing a unified ecosystem.
  • Speed
    Search results on Google are delivered almost instantly, offering a smooth and efficient user experience.
  • Advanced Search Features
    Google offers numerous advanced search features like voice search, image search, and search filters that enhance user experience.
  • Cinematic Excellence
    RRR is praised for its high production values and excellent cinematography, which enhance the storytelling and provide a visually engaging experience.
  • Strong Performances
    The film features strong performances by the lead actors, which adds depth to the characters and makes the narrative more compelling.
  • Cultural Richness
    RRR showcases Indian culture and history, providing audiences with insight into historical events and cultural elements.
  • Engaging Storyline
    The film offers an engaging and emotionally resonant storyline that keeps the audience invested throughout.

Possible disadvantages of Google

  • Privacy Concerns
    Google collects a significant amount of user data for ads and personalization, raising privacy concerns among users.
  • Ad Saturation
    The presence of multiple ads at the top of the search results can sometimes degrade the user experience by burying organic results.
  • Filter Bubble
    Google's search algorithms can create a 'filter bubble' effect where users are shown information that aligns with their previous searches, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
  • Monopolistic Practices
    Critics argue that Googleโ€™s dominant market position stifles competition and limits choices for consumers.
  • Complexity of Search Commands
    While advanced search features are powerful, they can also be complex for the average user to utilize effectively.
  • Length
    The film's lengthy runtime may be challenging for some viewers, requiring a significant time commitment.
  • Historical Accuracy
    Some critics argue that the film takes creative liberties with historical facts, which may not appeal to purists seeking historical accuracy.
  • Complex Plot
    The intricate plot can be complex and difficult to follow for some viewers, potentially leading to confusion.
  • Cultural Specificity
    While the film's cultural richness is a pro, it may also be a con for international audiences who are less familiar with Indian history and culture.

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

Google videos

RRR - The Best Movie You've Never Seen

More videos:

  • Review - Project Jacquard Smart Jacket: Levi's Commuter Trucker Review
  • Review - Google โ€” Year in Search 2019
  • Review - Get Google reviews for your business the fast and easy way
  • Review - Project Jacquard: Leviโ€™s smart jacket first look
  • Review - RRR - Movie Review
  • Review - Google โ€” Year In Search 2018
  • Review - Project Jacquard | Hela Geek Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Google)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Search Engine
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Internet Search
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SelfControl and Google

SelfControl Reviews

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet.
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Google Reviews

  1. Exploring Google: A comprehensive review of the search giant

    Google has been an integral part of my digital life for many years. Its search engine is unparalleled in its ability to fine relevant information quickly and accurately. The user-friendly interface and wide range of services make it a go- to for everything from email to navigation.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Google's search engine consistently delivers highly relevant results
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Google's data collection practices have raised privacy concerns among users, as the company collects vast amounts of personal information for targeted advertising.
  2. My Search Companion

    Google is the most reliable source for me to find the correct information. Its user-friendly interface and speedy results make searching much easier. From answers to random questions and finding locations, Google has never let me down. Its the first app I turn to when I need information. Highly recommended

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Feature rich|Speedy performance|Intuitive user interface
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Minor glitches|Ads
  3. The Lead Market
    Best Search Engine

    Best Search Engine


Alternative search engines
Startpage lies at the opposite side of the spectrum from Mojeek in that it is simply a proxy for Google Search. So, Startpage lets you use Google Search without handing over any personal data to Google. If you just want Google Search with better privacy, Startpage is your best bet.
"The Rise of Online Learning Platforms in India"
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Best DuckDuckGo Alternative: Private Search Engines in 2024
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Best and Worst Hotel Booking Sites for 2024
#1: Google.com/travel/hotels Our top spot goes to the mightiest of search engines, which has built the most nimble hotel aggregator in the business. Sure, you can Google a hotelโ€™s name directly to see rates from various sites, but type the less-than-catchy Google.com/travel/hotels, and you get Googleโ€™s full-fledged aggregator interface.
The 8 Best Alternatives to Google Travel Trip Summaries
The full Google Trips service eventually shut down, leaving only a remnant of the original app, Google Trip Summaries. This part of the app allowed you to review past and upcoming trips, add reservations to your Google calendar, and review some activity, transport, and accommodation suggestions. However, Google Trip Summaries has now been shut down, leaving users looking for...
Source: wanderlog.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Google seems to be a lot more popular than SelfControl. While we know about 3767 links to Google, we've tracked only 79 mentions of SelfControl. 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

Google mentions (3767)

  • e.preventDefault() vs e.stopPropagation()
    Event.preventDefault() It prevents the browser's built-in behavior associated with an event. Example: clicking a link. Google. - Source: dev.to / 8 days ago
  • What Happens When You Type a URL? Web Architecture Explained Simply
    You type google.com into your browser, hit Enter, and the website appears on your screen. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Native Windows Terminal for AI coding agents โ€” no WSL
    Browser_open โ†’ browser_navigate("https://google.com") โ†’ browser_fill(ref=13, "wmux") โ†’ browser_press_key("Enter") โ†’ browser_screenshot(). - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • โญ I gave Claude Code a real Ubuntu computer (and open-sourced the engine)
    > open chrome on the shipkit workspace, search "claude opus 4.7", Take a screenshot of the top result, then send it to my email. โบ vm_create(label: "research") โบ browser_open() โบ browser_navigate("https://google.com") โบ browser_snapshot()โ† Set-of-Mark applied โบ browser_click_ref("[2]")โ† search box, ref 2 โบ browser_type_ref("[2]", "claude opus 4.7") โบ browser_key("Enter") โบ browser_snapshot() โบ... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • YATL โ€” API testing in a new way
    Import java.net.URI; Import java.net.http.HttpClient; Import java.net.http.HttpRequest; Import java.net.http.HttpResponse; Import java.io.IOException; Public class HttpTest { public static void main(String[] args) { try { test(); } catch (IOException | InterruptedException e) { e.printStackTrace(); } } public static void test() throws IOException,... - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Google, 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!

DuckDuckGo - The Internet privacy company that empowers you to seamlessly take control of your personal information online, without any tradeoffs.

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

Bing - Bing helps you turn information into action, making it faster and easier to go from searching to doing.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

YouTube - Our mission is to give everyone a voice and show them the world.