Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Kinzoo

Compare SelfControl VS Kinzoo 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.

Kinzoo logo Kinzoo

Turn screen time into family time
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Kinzoo Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-19

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.

Kinzoo features and specs

  • Privacy and Safety Features
    Kinzoo is designed with safety and privacy in mind, ensuring that children's data is protected. It complies with COPPA, GDPR, and other regulations, providing a secure platform for kids.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The app features an intuitive design that is easy for children to navigate, making it accessible for young users without requiring constant adult supervision.
  • Focus on Family Communication
    Kinzoo emphasizes secure communication within family groups, allowing parents to stay connected with their children without exposing them to broader online networks.
  • No Advertisements
    The platform operates without advertisements, ensuring that kids can interact without being targeted by marketers, thus maintaining a distraction-free environment.
  • Creative Expression Tools
    Kinzoo offers tools that enable children to express themselves creatively through messages, drawings, and videos, fostering both learning and fun.

Possible disadvantages of Kinzoo

  • Limited Social Interaction
    While designed to be a safe space, Kinzoo limits social interaction to approved family contacts, which might restrict children's opportunities to make new friends online.
  • Platform Dependency
    The effectiveness of the app relies heavily on both parties having Kinzoo, potentially limiting communication with peers who use different platforms.
  • Lack of Advanced Features
    Compared to other communication apps, Kinzoo lacks some advanced features like group calls or integrated educational content, which might be appealing to older children.
  • Parental Supervision Required
    Although the app aims to be safe, parental supervision and approval are still necessary to initiate contact with new users, which might be inconvenient for some families.
  • Subscription Costs
    While Kinzoo offers a free version, some premium features require a subscription, which could be a drawback for families looking for entirely free options.

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

Kinzoo videos

Kinzoo | More than a Messenger

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Kinzoo)
Time Tracking
95 95%
5% 5
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
iPhone
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 75 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 (75)

  • 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 1 year ago
  • App to prevent distractions at work
    It is SelfControl. It is open-source and free. You select the website you want to block and the time. The moment you click the button no matter what you do, you can forget about accessing those websites until the time is over; there is no cancel button. Restarted mac won't work, you can delete the app no luck. Source: over 1 year ago
  • App to prevent distractions at work
    The SelfControl app lets you specify web sites that will be blocked. When you run the app, you specify a countdown timer, during which time those apps will be inaccessible. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Finals season
    - https://selfcontrolapp.com/ this is free app. block off all social media and time wasters .. Only for mac. if there is nothing to be distracted... IMO I eventually be bored and I was able to get into the zone... Not right away... But I told my self... Today I study... And I stay in the study room. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for the right app
    Apps I have tried and are not enough: - https://heyfocus.com/ - https://freedom.to/ - https://selfcontrolapp.com/ - https://www.forestapp.cc/ - https://www.rescuetime.com/. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

Kinzoo mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Kinzoo, 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!

Knocknock - Set your status in your household

Focus App - New Tab page that gives you a moment of calm and inspires you to be more productive.

Forest App - Forest is an app that helps you stay focused on the important things in life.

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

1 Question - Learn your friends' inner secrets one question at a time