Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS RANDOM.ORG

Compare SelfControl VS RANDOM.ORG and see what are their differences

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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.

RANDOM.ORG logo RANDOM.ORG

RANDOM.ORG offers true random numbers to anyone on the Internet.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • RANDOM.ORG Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-02

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.

RANDOM.ORG features and specs

  • True Randomness
    RANDOM.ORG generates random numbers based on atmospheric noise, which is considered to be truly random compared to algorithmic pseudorandom number generators.
  • Variety of Services
    Provides a wide range of randomization services, such as random number generation, random list shuffling, coin flipping, dice rolling, and more.
  • API Access
    Offers an API that developers can use to integrate true random number generation into their applications.
  • Statistical Analysis
    Includes tools for analyzing the statistical properties of the generated random sequences, ensuring randomness quality.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The website is easy to navigate and use, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.
  • Secure Randomness
    Often used for cryptographic purposes due to the high level of unpredictability in the generated numbers.

Possible disadvantages of RANDOM.ORG

  • Limited Free Usage
    The free-tier usage is limited, and heavy users may need to subscribe to a paid plan to access more extensive services.
  • Internet Dependency
    Requires an internet connection to access the randomization services, which can be a limitation in offline scenarios.
  • Potential for Downtime
    As with any web service, there is a potential for downtime or server issues which could disrupt access to the service.
  • Data Privacy
    Users submitting data for randomization (e.g., shuffling a list) may have concerns about data privacy and should review the privacy policy.
  • Speed
    The process of generating true random numbers from atmospheric noise can be slower compared to pseudorandom number generation.

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 RANDOM.ORG

Overall verdict

  • RANDOM.ORG is generally considered a good resource for generating true random numbers.

Why this product is good

  • RANDOM.ORG utilizes atmospheric noise to generate sequences of random numbers, which is more unpredictable and thus more 'random' compared to algorithmic pseudo-random number generators used in computer programs. This makes it suitable for applications where true randomness is important, such as cryptography, secure data management, and unbiased data sampling.

Recommended for

  • Lottery games and raffles that require verifiable randomness.
  • Scientific experiments where unbiased random samples are critical.
  • Cryptography applications where security depends on unpredictability.
  • Games and simulations needing true random behavior.
  • Educational purposes to demonstrate the difference between true and pseudo-randomness.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

RANDOM.ORG videos

How to cheat random.org on android

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and RANDOM.ORG)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Random Generator
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Random Number Generator
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, RANDOM.ORG should be more popular than SelfControl. It has been mentiond 563 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 / 7 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 / 12 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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RANDOM.ORG mentions (563)

  • Create robust CLI apps with Bashly
    Some people take randomness very seriously (especially those who deal with cryptography). There's even a web service called random.org self-described as "a true random number service that generates randomness via atmospheric noise". Well, I don't know exactly what "atmospheric noise" means, but as the site exists since 1998 and is still running, I'm assuming they're good at randomness. - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago
  • 30 minutes left to launch - who's still undecided on their build?
    I'm about to just do a Random.org roll for the 5 builds I'm deciding between. Let RNGesus take the wheel. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Let's play a game + Comment to get 100-690 cones!
    I am live on twitch rn and let's play a game tip me in the comments 1000 cones and every 3000 cones tip I will use random.org to choose a winner between the three tippers who will get all of the cones. Do not tip to play if I am offline it will be considered a gift at that point. Source: over 2 years ago
  • /r/MightyParty Monthly Gem Giveaway
    Winners will be selected after 1 week using random.org to select winning comments. The winning IDs will be reported to Panoramik and gems will be distributed during the week. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Free to good home #299: HP laptop, no battery ("spicy pillow" removed safely). AMD A12-9700P w/Radeon R7, touchscreen, new SSD, Windows 10, all updates. Not compatible w/Windows 11 according to Microsoft.
    Indicate your interest below and random.org will decide. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and RANDOM.ORG, 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!

Random Number Generator - Randomly generate integers or floating point numbers within a given range and specified discrete or continuous statistical probability distribution.

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

Wheel of Names - Free and easy to use spinner. Used by teachers and for raffles. Enter names, spin wheel to pick a random winner. Customize look and feel, save and share wheels.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Spin The Wheel Of Names - The best random wheel spinner for your next event!