Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS Hemingwrite

Compare SelfControl VS Hemingwrite and see what are their differences

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.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Hemingwrite

Distraction free writing with 6 weeks battery (prelaunch)

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

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

social mentions
79 vs 1
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
236 vs 48

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

SelfControl
Hemingwrite
Website selfcontrolapp.com hemingwrite.com
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
Hemingwrite 5 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Distraction-Free Writing
    The Hemingwrite device is designed to provide a focused writing environment, devoid of internet distractions, notifications, or other applications, allowing writers to concentrate solely on their writing tasks.
  • Long Battery Life
    With its extended battery life, the Hemingwrite can operate for weeks on a single charge, making it highly portable and reliable for long writing sessions without worrying about frequent recharging.
  • E-Ink Display
    The device features an E-Ink screen, which is easy on the eyes, reduces glare, and mimics the appearance of paper, offering a comfortable reading and writing experience even in bright light conditions.
  • Cloud Synchronization
    Hemingwrite allows writers to sync their work to popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, ensuring their documents are backed up and accessible from other devices.
  • Modern and Vintage Design
    The Hemingwrite combines a modern digital interface with a vintage typewriter-inspired design, appealing to writers who appreciate a blend of contemporary technology with a nostalgic feel.

Possible disadvantages

  • High Cost
    Compared to other writing or typing solutions, the Hemingwrite is a relatively expensive investment, which might be a barrier for some users considering its limited features.
  • Limited Functionality
    While it excels in providing a distraction-free environment, the Hemingwrite lacks the multi-function capabilities of laptops or tablets, offering little beyond basic text entry and cloud backup.
  • No Editing Tools
    The device doesn't come with advanced text editing features, making it necessary for users to transfer their work to another device for proofreading and formatting.
  • Physical Bulk
    Compared to other portable devices such as laptops and tablets, the Hemingwrite is relatively bulky and heavy, which might deter users looking for ultra-portability.
  • Niche Market
    Given its specific design and functionality, the Hemingwrite appeals predominantly to a niche market of writers looking for a distraction-free tool and may not suit the broader audience's needs.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

SelfControl
Hemingwrite

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.

No analysis of Hemingwrite yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
Hemingwrite 1 video + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

60 Seconds with Hemingwrite | Engadget Expand

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
SelfControl
Hemingwrite
100% 100%
0% 0%
87% 87%
13% 13%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Hemingwrite. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SelfControl 79 mentions
Hemingwrite 1 mention

View more

  • Next slide, please: A brief history of the corporate presentation
    Perhaps this person uses it as a constrained writing environment, similar to why some people use locked down editors [0]. If I am forced to summarize the meeting onto index cards, I am obliged to keep the essence and discard the details.... - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago

Alternatives to SelfControl and Hemingwrite

When comparing SelfControl and Hemingwrite, you can also consider the following products.