Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

SelfControl VS Orbital

Compare SelfControl VS Orbital and see what are their differences

CloudCLI
Shared cloud environments for AI coding agents. Run Claude Code, Cursor CLI, Codex, and Gemini CLI from any device, API, or automation tool. featured
Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

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.

Orbital logo Orbital

Orbital is an Arcade, Puzzle and Single-player video game created by Bitforge Ltd.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Orbital Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-11-12

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.

Orbital features and specs

  • Engaging Gameplay
    Orbital offers a highly engaging and strategic gameplay experience, challenging players to think ahead and plan their moves carefully.
  • Visually Appealing
    The game features appealing graphics and design, which enhance the overall player experience and immersion.
  • Replayability
    With various levels and challenges, Orbital provides high replayability, encouraging players to return and improve their scores.
  • Simple Controls
    The game has intuitive and straightforward controls, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.

Possible disadvantages of Orbital

  • Limited Content
    Some players might find the amount of content limited, which could lead to repetitive gameplay over time.
  • Challenging for Beginners
    The game's strategic nature might be overwhelming for new players, potentially leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Monetization Model
    There may be concerns about the game's monetization model, such as in-app purchases, which could affect the player experience.
  • Lack of Multiplayer
    The game does not offer a multiplayer mode, which may disappoint players looking for competitive or cooperative gameplay with friends.

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 Orbital

Overall verdict

  • Orbital is generally well-received by its players, praised for its creative approach to the strategy genre and its ability to keep the player engaged through progressive challenges. However, like any game, it may not be suited to everyone's taste, particularly those who are not fans of strategic or space-themed games.

Why this product is good

  • Orbital offers a unique blend of strategy and interactive gameplay that combines elements of space exploration with tactical decision-making. Players often enjoy its visually appealing graphics, engaging storyline, and challenging missions that require strategic thinking. The community around the game is active, providing support and sharing strategies, which enhances the overall experience.

Recommended for

  • Players who enjoy strategic planning and tactical decision-making.
  • Fans of space exploration and science fiction themes.
  • Gamers who appreciate detailed graphics and engaging storylines.
  • Individuals looking for a game that has an active community for sharing tips and strategies.

SelfControl videos

+ Add

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Orbital videos

+ Add

Orbitals: Crash Course Chemistry #25

More videos:

  • Review - Star Scrappers: Orbital Review - To Die For Games
  • Review - Orbital - In Sides (Album Review)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Orbital)

SelfControl

Orbital

Time Tracking
100 100%
Time Tracking
0% 0
Productivity
65 65%
Productivity
35% 35
Time Management
100 100%
Time Management
0% 0
Remote Work Tools
0 0%
Remote Work Tools
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Orbital. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

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 / 5 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

Orbital mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Orbital, 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!

Noor - Chat like you're in the office together

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

ZipMessage - ZipMessage replaces live meetings with asynchronous conversations.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Angle Audio - Live audio conversations as a service

Loading...