Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Hamachi

Compare SelfControl VS Hamachi 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.

Hamachi logo Hamachi

Hamachi is a VPN service scaled to the unique needs of business owners.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Hamachi Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29

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.

Hamachi features and specs

  • Ease of Setup
    Hamachi is very user-friendly and easy to set up, even for users with limited technical knowledge. The installation process is straightforward and quick.
  • Virtual LAN
    Hamachi allows users to create a virtual LAN network, which can be particularly useful for gaming, remote teamwork, and accessing network resources securely.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Hamachi supports various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it versatile for different users.
  • Free Version Available
    A basic free version of Hamachi is available, which is suitable for personal use or small groups without incurring any cost.
  • Security Features
    Hamachi offers encryption for network traffic, which helps secure data transmissions between connected devices.

Possible disadvantages of Hamachi

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version has limitations, such as a maximum of 5 devices per network, which can be restrictive for larger groups or more extensive usage.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users experience latency and performance issues, especially when connecting multiple devices or using high-bandwidth applications.
  • Subscription Cost
    The paid version of Hamachi can be relatively expensive, particularly for small businesses or individuals who need to connect more devices or access advanced features.
  • Dependence on Central Server
    Hamachi relies on LogMeIn's central servers to function, which means that any downtime or server issues on their end can disrupt your connection.
  • Limited Customization
    Compared to some other VPN solutions, Hamachi offers limited options for network configuration and customization, which might not meet the needs of advanced users.

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 Hamachi

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Hamachi is considered a good VPN solution, especially for users seeking a straightforward and reliable way to connect remote computers securely. Its free version offers sufficient features for casual use, though the paid version unlocks additional capabilities and supports more clients per network. Some drawbacks include limited control compared to more advanced VPNs and performance issues if used for large-scale or high-demand tasks.

Why this product is good

  • Hamachi is a popular VPN service offered by LogMeIn that is praised for its simplicity and ease of use. It enables users to create secure virtual networks over the internet, making it ideal for personal use or small businesses. Hamachi is frequently used for gaming, allowing users to play multiplayer games over a virtual LAN. The service is also appreciated for its ability to provide secure connections without requiring advanced configuration or technical knowledge.

Recommended for

    Hamachi is recommended for users who need an easy-to-setup virtual network for personal projects, gaming, or small-scale use cases. It suits individuals or small teams looking to connect devices privately, without requiring significant technical expertise. However, for businesses with higher security or performance needs, or those needing advanced features, other VPN solutions might be more appropriate.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Hamachi videos

Hamachi review, its Features and how to use.

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Hamachi)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
VPN
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Security & Privacy
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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Hamachi Reviews

Top Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming in 2023
LogMeIn Hamachi has established a renowned position in VPN tools. It enables the user to connect directly between remotely placed computers. A VPN created within Hamachi encrypts data transmission between remote computers as well as on individual machines. However, these networks come with various other benefits,, a user can access one of the remote computers to print...
Best Free Hamachi Alternatives For You To Try in 2022
Another of the best and free Hamachi alternatives is the NetOverNet tool. The tool is the perfect alternative for every Hamachi user as it is quite easy to handle and work with. With a single tool, you can connect as many devices (16 at most) as you want with ease, especially for all kinds of gaming and usage purposes. The solution may not be a Hamachi free alternative for...
10 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
And LogMeIn Hamachi is not the only one specializing in Virtual LAN creation; you have hundreds of choices now. Hence, this article will share a few best Hamachi alternatives to provide you with a better Virtual LAN gaming experience. Letโ€™s check out.
Source: techviral.net
15 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Gaming in Virtual LAN (Latest 2021)
15 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Gaming in Virtual LAN:- Hamachi is a very famous VPN particularly used for gaming within a Local Area Network. Hamachi act as a connection between the computers with its powerful LAN connection and features. This software helps multiplayer gamers play LAN games efficiently.
Source: growtechy.com
11 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
Well, Hamachi does just that. Itโ€™s a virtual LAN connector that emulates a LAN connection using your internet and makes your computer think that itโ€™s connected to the other PCs via LAN. But Hamachi also comes with its own shares of problems. The most common being the driver related issues that most users seem to have with Hamachi. It also doesnโ€™t include any other features...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Hamachi. 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 / 6 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 / 11 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
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Hamachi mentions (29)

  • simple question i'm new to piratin ( not as much as people assume when i say that but pretty new ) how do i play multiplayer game pirated like for honor
    Not all games support it, and best bet is online-fix for the games that support it or LogMeIn Hamachi to emulate a LAN via VPN for the games that support that functionality. I could be mistaken, so I am welcome to any corrections just don't be an a** about it to the more experienced who know better ways. Source: over 3 years ago
  • I dont know much about computers for the record
    There isn't something that is a 100% safe, I have used it now for over 2 years to play with my friends without any hiccups or anything suspicious. And sign up with a temp mail if you dont want to give your real email to them. This is the one that I use Log me in hamachi . Look it up if you want to be sure, and you can find alternatives. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Creating a special Tunnel VPN
    Create virtual private networks on-demand LogMeIn Hamachi is a hosted VPN service that lets you securely extend LAN-like networks To distributed teams, mobile workers and your gamer friends alike. In minutes. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Goodbye, old friendโ€ฆ
    You can use hamachi vpn to log into your family's home network once a month. Source: over 3 years ago
  • I guess I'm getting rid of Netflix then...
    PSA: Try Hamachi (https://vpn.net) for getting around this! You can VPN into your home network, essentially tricking the Netflix app into thinking you're on the home network. Just do this once every 30 days and you're good! Source: over 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Hamachi, 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!

ZeroTier - Extremely simple P2P Encrypted VPN

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

Wippien - Free p2p VPN software - establish personal p2p network with friends from your contact list.โ€ŽDownloads ยทย โ€ŽminiVPN ยทย โ€ŽFAQ ยทย โ€ŽLinux version of free p2p VPN .

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Freelan - You are in control. Why would you trust a closed, proprietary software with your most-sensitive data ? Freelan is open-source and completely free. You know everything about its internals and its source-code.