Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Jot

Compare SelfControl VS Jot 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.

Jot logo Jot

The no-fuss way to take notes
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Jot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-02-17

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.

Jot features and specs

  • Simplicity
    Jot offers a simple and clean user interface, making it easy for users to quickly capture and organize their thoughts, ideas, and tasks without any unnecessary complexity.
  • Accessibility
    Jot is accessible across various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktops, allowing users to keep their notes and tasks synchronized and available wherever they are.
  • Collaboration
    The platform supports real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work together on notes and lists, which can enhance productivity and teamwork.
  • Integrations
    Jot integrates with other popular tools and apps, allowing users to streamline their workflows and enhance productivity by connecting their existing tools with Jot.
  • Customization
    Users can customize their experience by setting themes, fonts, and colors to suit their personal preferences, making it a more enjoyable tool to use.

Possible disadvantages of Jot

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more established note-taking and task management tools, Jot may have limited features and functionalities, which might not meet the needs of power users.
  • Pricing
    Depending on the plan, Jot might come with a subscription fee that could be a deterrent for individuals and small teams who are looking for a free or cheaper alternative.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might experience a slight learning curve due to unfamiliarity with the platformโ€™s specific navigation and features, which could initially slow down productivity.
  • Data Security
    As with any digital platform, there is a risk of data breaches or loss, which could be a concern for users dealing with sensitive or critical information.
  • Dependency on Internet
    Jot primarily functions with an active internet connection; limited offline capabilities could be a downside for users who need to access and edit their notes in areas with poor connectivity.

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 Jot

Overall verdict

  • Jot is a highly regarded tool for individuals and teams looking for an efficient and streamlined note-taking application. Its ease of use, combined with powerful features, makes it a solid choice for users.

Why this product is good

  • Jot (gogetjot.com) is considered a good tool for its simple and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for users to create, manage, and collaborate on notes efficiently. It offers seamless integration with other productivity tools and supports real-time collaboration, enhancing team workflows. Additionally, it is praised for its fast performance and robust set of features that cater to various note-taking needs.

Recommended for

  • Students who need to take organized notes for their courses.
  • Professionals seeking a reliable tool to manage meeting notes and collaborate with colleagues.
  • Teams looking for a centralized platform to improve productivity and communication.
  • Anyone in need of a simple yet powerful note-taking application.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Jot videos

JOT COFFEE - Pure Coffee Or Pure Marketing

More videos:

  • Review - Jot Ultra Coffee | Unboxing + Coffee Drink Review by The Guru
  • Review - Now Brewing - Jot Ultra Coffee - In Depth Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Jot)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
57 57%
43% 43
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
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 / 4 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
View more

Jot mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Jot yet. Tracking of Jot recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Jot, 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!

Evernote - Bring your life's work together in one digital workspace. Evernote is the place to collect inspirational ideas, write meaningful words, and move your important projects forward.

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

Notion - All-in-one workspace. One tool for your whole team. Write, plan, and get organized.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Tyke - Mac menu bar app that @torrez really needed to take notes