Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS Mtools

Compare SelfControl VS Mtools 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
Mtools

Mtools is a collection of utilities to access MS-DOS disks from GNU and Unix without mounting them.

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 53

Base details

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

SelfControl
M
Mtools
Website selfcontrolapp.com gnu.org
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
M
Mtools 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.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Mtools can be used on various operating systems including Unix, Linux, and DOS, making it a versatile tool for users working with different platforms.
  • No Superuser Privileges Required
    Users do not need root or superuser access to perform file operations on MS-DOS file systems, enhancing security and ease of use in multi-user environments.
  • File Manipulation Without Mounting
    Mtools allows users to access and manipulate files on MS-DOS file systems without the need to mount them, saving time and simplifying workflows.
  • Wide Range of Utilities
    Includes a variety of tools like mdir, mcopy, and mdel, which offer familiar commands for users with experience in command-line interfaces.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to MS-DOS File Systems
    Mtools is specifically designed for MS-DOS file systems, limiting its usefulness for interacting with other types of file systems.
  • Command Line Interface
    Mtools operates primarily via the command line, which may not be user-friendly for individuals accustomed to graphical user interfaces.
  • Potential for Data Corruption
    As with any tool that interacts directly with file systems, there is a risk of data corruption if used improperly, particularly when bypassing standard mounting procedures.
  • Outdated Documentation
    The documentation for Mtools might be outdated or insufficient for users with less technical expertise, posing challenges in troubleshooting and advanced usage.

Analysis

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

SelfControl
M
Mtools

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 Mtools yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
M
Mtools 3 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Mifare hack read IC Card with MTools and Mifare classic tools without acr122u

More videos

  • - MTools Clone Mifare 1K Card to Mi Band 3 NFC Version ACR1222U PN532
  • - 2020 New Design All In One PN532 RFID APP Working on Android with MTools | Micro USB Type C

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
M
Mtools
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 Mtools. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

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

SelfControl 80 mentions
M
Mtools 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 / 1 day 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 / 9 months ago

View more

Tracking Mtools since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to SelfControl and Mtools

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