Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS KeepOn

Compare SelfControl VS KeepOn 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
KeepOn

Keep your screen on smartly and easily with Quick Settings.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 80 times since March 2021.

social mentions
80 vs 0
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 41

Base details

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

SelfControl
KeepOn
Website selfcontrolapp.com github.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
KeepOn 4 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.
  • Open Source
    KeepOn is open source, which promotes transparency, allows for community contributions, and provides the flexibility to modify the software to meet specific needs.
  • Community Support
    Being hosted on GitHub, KeepOn benefits from a community of developers who can contribute to its development, address issues, and provide user support.
  • Transparency
    The open nature of the project allows users to examine the code for security and functionality, enhancing trust in the software.
  • Cost-effective
    As a free and open-source software, KeepOn eliminates licensing costs associated with proprietary software.

Possible disadvantages

  • Maintenance and Updates
    Open-source projects like KeepOn may face irregular updates and maintenance due to reliance on volunteer contributions.
  • Potentially Limited Features
    Compared to commercial software, KeepOn might lack some advanced features or integrations that could be found in a paid alternative.
  • Learning Curve
    Users unfamiliar with open-source platforms or without technical expertise may find it challenging to install and customize KeepOn.
  • Support Limitations
    While community support exists, KeepOn may not have dedicated customer service, which can be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance.

Analysis

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

SelfControl
KeepOn

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 KeepOn yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
KeepOn 3 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

IN DEPTH REVIEW OF MY KEEPON

More videos

  • - My Keepon review
  • - My Keepon Dances Dancing Review FUNNY 2011

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
KeepOn
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and KeepOn. 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 80 mentions
KeepOn 0 mentions
  • No Forest app for PC? The 3 layers where Windows focus apps block distractions
    SelfControl's site calls it "a free Mac application", so no. The nearest Windows equivalents of its locked block are in Layer 3: Cold Turkey's locking features or Freedom's Locked Mode. (selfcontrolapp.com). - Source: dev.to / 5 days ago
  • 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 / 8 months ago
  • Kiki – The accountability monster for people who are easily distracted
    Happy to see it still exists, and free https://selfcontrolapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago

View more

Tracking KeepOn since Jan 2022.

Alternatives to SelfControl and KeepOn

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