Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS Rooster

Compare SelfControl VS Rooster 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.

Rooster logo Rooster

Local sharing community where neighbors share free resources
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Rooster Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-14

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.

Rooster features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Rooster's platform is designed with an intuitive layout that makes it easy for users to navigate and find the tools they need to manage and organize their tasks effectively.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Rooster offers integration with a variety of third-party applications, allowing users to streamline their workflow by connecting their favorite tools and services.
  • Customizable Notifications
    Users can tailor notifications to their preferences, ensuring they stay informed about important updates without being overwhelmed by excessive alerts.
  • Collaboration Features
    Rooster includes collaboration tools that facilitate communication and coordination among team members, enhancing productivity for projects and tasks.

Possible disadvantages of Rooster

  • Limited Free Version
    While Rooster offers a free version, it comes with limited features, which may not be sufficient for users requiring more advanced functionalities.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Some users may find it challenging to fully leverage Rooster's advanced features due to a steep learning curve, especially if they are new to similar productivity tools.
  • Mobile App Limitations
    The mobile app version of Rooster may lack some features available on the desktop version, leading to a less seamless experience when switching between devices.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional lag or performance issues, particularly when dealing with large volumes of data or during peak usage times.

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.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Rooster videos

Alice In Chains - Rooster (REACTION!!!)

More videos:

  • Review - Armattan ROOSTER REVIEW. OMG!! BUY THIS DRONE RIGHT NOW!!
  • Review - Red Rooster Crunchy Fried Chicken Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Rooster)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
83 83%
17% 17
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Web App
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Rooster. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Rooster. 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 / 6 months ago
  • Kiki – 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 / about 1 year 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

Rooster mentions (3)

  • My 25+ year old bed is breaking and I have no idea how to get it out and a new one in
    I think it might show some of your information. But you could check out Rooster which will keep your info private. You can ask for physical help or ask for a nice used mattress or bed. Rooster keeps your address private. https://therooster.co/. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Is there any queer-friendly affordable housing in Portland?
    I would also highly recommend checking out [The Rooster]The Rooster which is kinda similar to Craigslist but everything is free. Wouldn’t necessarily bank on that one for housing (doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out though!) but pretty much anything else can be found there! Source: over 4 years ago
  • What to cook for 2 weeks with just 6 euros?
    In the US most neighborhoods have a free group called Rooster. You can ask for anything or give anything. The people in these groups are generous and want to help others. Maybe you have something similar in your location. https://therooster.co/. Simply state your broke and need food, and you will get offers. Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Rooster, 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!

FocusList - Daily planner & focus timer based on timeboxing and pomodoro

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

The Ultimate Productivity Stack - Curated directory of tools to supercharge your productivity

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

CityCop - Outsmarting crime. Together.