Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS PAUSE

Compare SelfControl VS PAUSE 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.

PAUSE logo PAUSE

Regain focus using ancient principles of Tai Chi mindfulness.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • PAUSE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29

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.

PAUSE features and specs

  • Stress Reduction
    PAUSE is designed to help individuals alleviate stress through a simple touch-and-trace relaxation method, promoting mental well-being.
  • Ease of Use
    The application requires no intricate instructions; users can quickly engage with it through intuitive movements.
  • Accessibility
    PAUSE is available on multiple platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users with smartphones and tablets.
  • Innovative Approach
    PAUSE employs an innovative and unique interaction method that stands out from traditional stress-relief apps.
  • Visually Appealing
    The appโ€™s interface is aesthetically pleasing, enhancing user experience and making the relaxation process more enjoyable.

Possible disadvantages of PAUSE

  • Monotony
    The simplicity of the app could potentially become monotonous for users over time, reducing its long-term appeal.
  • Limited Functionality
    PAUSE focuses on a narrow range of relaxation techniques, which may not satisfy users looking for a more comprehensive stress-relief solution.
  • Cost
    While PAUSE offers a free version, some advanced features may require in-app purchases, which could be a deterrent for some users.
  • Device Dependence
    As a mobile application, it requires users to possess a compatible device, potentially excluding those without access to modern technology.
  • Battery Drain
    Continuous usage of the app could contribute to faster battery depletion on mobile devices, which might be inconvenient for users.

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 PAUSE

Overall verdict

  • PAUSE can be considered a good platform for those seeking structured support in managing their mental health and stress levels. Its intuitive design and wide range of offerings make it accessible for individuals looking to incorporate more rest and mindfulness into their daily routine.

Why this product is good

  • PAUSE (pauseable.com) is designed to help users take intentional breaks from their fast-paced digital lives. It provides tools and resources for relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness, which can be beneficial for mental well-being. Users may find value in its emphasis on reducing stress and improving focus through its guided sessions and relaxing music.

Recommended for

  • People experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.
  • Individuals seeking to improve their focus and productivity.
  • Anyone interested in mindfulness and meditation practices.
  • Workers in high-pressure environments needing regular breaks.
  • Students looking to manage stress and improve concentration.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

PAUSE videos

Review PAUSE - BTK: ุณูŠุงุณุฉ ุงู„ุฃุฑุถ ุงู„ู…ุญุฑูˆู‚ุฉ ููŠ ุงู„ูƒู„ุงุดุงุช

More videos:

  • Review - Review PAUSE FLOW - Megalomania | Interview B7al Album
  • Review - MASSIVE GYMSHARK NEW RELEASE HAUL, TRY ON, & REVIEW! PULSE, APEX, PAUSE REVIEW HAUL! GYMSHARK HAUL!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and PAUSE)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Health And Fitness
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Meditation
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SelfControl and PAUSE

SelfControl Reviews

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet.
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PAUSE Reviews

10 Apps to Become More Mindful and Stress-Free
Pause is unique on this list because it requires touch for you to hone in and focus on your meditation. Using your finger, you continually trace the screen and follow the audiovisual cues. The idea here is to keep you in the present and focused on the task at hand, thereby reclaiming your mind in a stressful or difficult time. The company behind Pause also released Sway, an...

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
View more

PAUSE mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and PAUSE, 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!

Headspace - Meditation made simple. Brilliant things happen in calm minds.

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

Sway - Sway is a drop-in replacement for the i3 window manager, but for Wayland instead of X11.

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

Simple Habit - Our mission is to empower humans to stress less, achieve more, and live better. Meditate today!