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SelfControl VS Plug

Compare SelfControl VS Plug 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
Alternatives Is it good?
Plug

Lightweight OSX player for Hype Machine

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
SquadPrime
Free MVP cost calculator: describe your app in 5 clicks and get a realistic 2026 estimate for a freelancer build, a traditional agency and a fixed-price 14-day build by senior professionals, where the client owns the code. sponsored
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 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
79 vs 0
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
183 vs 42

Base details

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

SelfControl
Plug
Website selfcontrolapp.com plugformac.com
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in
Productivity Time Management Time Tracking Focus +1
iPhone Heatmaps Image Optimisation Tech +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
Plug 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.
  • Ease of Use
    Plug offers a user-friendly interface that allows Mac users to easily manage their devices and functions without needing extensive technical knowledge.
  • Seamless Integration
    The application integrates smoothly with macOS, providing a cohesive user experience that feels native and efficient.
  • Device Management
    Plug provides robust features for monitoring and managing multiple devices, making it ideal for users with a complex setup.
  • Automated Updates
    The software offers automatic updates, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and security patches without manual intervention.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Plug might require a subscription fee, which could be a drawback for users looking for a free solution.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users report compatibility problems with older versions of macOS, which could limit its accessibility for users with outdated systems.
  • Limited Customization
    While the default settings work well for most users, advanced users may find the customization options lacking for more specific needs.
  • Resource Usage
    The application can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance on older or less powerful Macs.

Analysis

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

SelfControl
Plug

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 Plug yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
Plug 3 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

lets HONESTLY review PLUGPLAY

More videos

  • - WHY I LOVE PLUG YOUR HOLES: BIG REVIEW | Kylie The Jellyfish
  • - PLUG & PLAY TEST

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
Plug
100% 100%
Time Tracking
0% 0%
0% 0%
Tech
100% 100%
100% 100%
Time Management
0% 0%
0% 0%
iPhone
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Plug. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

SelfControl 79 mentions
Plug 0 mentions

View more

Tracking Plug since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to SelfControl and Plug

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

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