Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS PanicMode

Compare SelfControl VS PanicMode 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.

PanicMode logo PanicMode

Protect your screen in public with one shortcut
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
Not present

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.

PanicMode features and specs

  • Quick Access in Emergencies
    An app named PanicMode likely offers rapid, one-tap access to emergency features or coping tools, allowing users to respond quickly during a panic attack or crisis situation.
  • Simple, Focused Interface
    Apps designed around a single core purpose like panic management often prioritize a minimal, distraction-free interface, making it easy for users to act quickly under stress without navigating complex menus.
  • Portable Mental Health Support
    Having a dedicated app for panic or anxiety management means users can carry coping strategies, breathing exercises, or grounding techniques with them at all times on their mobile device.
  • Potential for Personalization
    Such apps often allow users to customize alerts, contacts, or coping strategies to fit their specific triggers and preferences, increasing the tool's relevance to individual needs.
  • Low Barrier to Entry
    Being a mobile/web app, PanicMode is likely accessible without needing specialized equipment, making mental health or emergency support more available to a broad range of users.
  • Platform
    macOS and Windows
  • Activation
    Global keyboard shortcut
  • Workspace Modes
    Developer, Office, Neutral
  • Transition Speed
    Instant overlay switch
  • Privacy
    Runs locally on device
  • Interactive Demo
    Live browser preview available
  • Customization
    Multiple workspace layouts
  • License Model
    One-time purchase

Possible disadvantages of PanicMode

  • Limited Information Available
    Without extensive public documentation, reviews, or a well-known presence, it can be difficult for potential users to verify the app's effectiveness, security, and feature set before committing to use it.
  • Not a Substitute for Professional Help
    Apps focused on panic or crisis management may provide temporary relief but are not equipped to handle severe mental health emergencies, which could give users a false sense of security.
  • Potential Privacy Concerns
    Given that such apps may handle sensitive personal and health-related data, there could be concerns about how user data is stored, encrypted, or shared with third parties.
  • Dependence on Device Availability
    Since the app requires a smartphone or internet connection to function, its usefulness is compromised in situations where the device is unavailable, has no battery, or lacks connectivity.
  • Uncertain Long-Term Support
    As a niche or lesser-known app, there may be risks regarding ongoing updates, customer support, and long-term maintenance, which could affect reliability over time.

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 PanicMode

Overall verdict

  • I don't have verified, up-to-date information about PanicMode (panicmode.app) specifically, so I can't confirm its quality, features, or reliability. Before relying on it, check independent reviews, its app store ratings, privacy policy, and how it handles sensitive dataโ€”especially since apps related to mental health or panic/anxiety management should be scrutinized for clinical backing, data security, and transparency about who built it.

Why this product is good

  • Cannot verify actual features, pricing, or performance without direct access to current app details
  • No confirmed user reviews or ratings available to assess real-world satisfaction
  • Unknown whether it has any clinical validation or endorsement if it's health/wellness related
  • Unclear data privacy practices, which matter greatly for apps handling personal or health-related information

Recommended for

  • Users who first verify the app's legitimacy through official app stores (Apple App Store/Google Play) and check developer credentials
  • Anyone considering it for mental health support should consult reviews from verified users and possibly a healthcare professional first
  • Not recommended as a sole solution for urgent panic or mental health crises without professional backup

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

PanicMode videos

No PanicMode videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and PanicMode)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
90 90%
10% 10
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Security & Privacy
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing SelfControl and PanicMode.

What makes your product unique?

PanicMode's answer:

PanicMode instantly replaces your screen with believable workspace overlays using a global shortcut. Instead of minimizing windows one by one, users can switch to a clean neutral workspace immediately and toggle back just as fast.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

PanicMode's answer:

PanicMode focuses on speed, simplicity, and realism. It runs locally, activates instantly with a shortcut, and includes realistic workspace environments designed to feel natural instead of looking like a blank lock screen or generic privacy filter.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

PanicMode's answer:

PanicMode is designed for people who work on laptops and want a fast way to temporarily cover personal, distracting, or sensitive content while working around others.

What's the story behind your product?

PanicMode's answer:

The idea came from those moments where you suddenly want to hide what is visible on your screen without awkwardly minimizing windows or switching desktops manually. PanicMode was built to make that action instant and effortless.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

PanicMode's answer:

PanicMode is built using Tauri and React. The website and interactive browser preview are built with Next.js.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

PanicMode's answer:

PanicMode is currently an independent product focused on early adopters and individual users.

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
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PanicMode mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of PanicMode yet. Tracking of PanicMode recommendations started around Jul 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and PanicMode, 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!

Blur It - Hide Sensitive Data Instantly While Screen Sharing

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

focusedOS - Hide all distractions in one click on Mac and iPhone.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Rearview - When you're in a cafe and someone is staring at your screen