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.
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.
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Which is more popular?
Based on our record, SelfControl
seems to be a lot more popular than Settle Up.
While we know about 80 links to SelfControl,
we've tracked only 1 mention of Settle Up.
social mentions
80 vs 1
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 163
Base details
Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.
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.
User-Friendly Interface Settle Up features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simple for users of all technical abilities to manage expenses and track payments among friends, family, or colleagues.
Multi-Platform Availability The app is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web, allowing users to access and update their accounts from various devices seamlessly.
Currency Support Settle Up supports multiple currencies, which is ideal for travelers or groups of friends and family in different countries needing to manage expenses accurately.
Offline Functionality The app allows users to add and edit transactions offline, syncing changes once internet connectivity is restored, enabling expense management on-the-go without interruption.
Group Expense Tracking Settle Up facilitates the tracking of shared expenses by allowing users to create groups, making it easier to split bills and settle debts among group members.
Possible disadvantages
Limited Financial Tools The app mainly focuses on tracking expenses and lacks more comprehensive financial tools, such as budget planning or financial goal setting, which might be desired by users looking for more robust financial management features.
Ads in Free Version The free version of Settle Up includes advertisements, which might be distracting or annoying for users, though there is an option to upgrade to a paid version to remove ads.
Dependency on Group Members The effectiveness of Settle Up largely depends on the active participation of all group members involved in the expenses, which can be a drawback if not everyone is keeping their entries up to date.
Privacy Concerns Sharing financial data, even among friends and family, raises privacy concerns for some users who might prefer not to have their spending habits monitored by others, regardless of the app's security measures.
Data Sync Delays Users may occasionally experience delays in data syncing across devices, leading to temporary discrepancies in expense tracking, though this is generally resolved once syncing is completed.
Analysis
An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.
SelfControlSettle Up
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.
Settle Up is a great option for anyone who wants an easy way to split bills. With features like peer-to-peer payments, automated payment reminders, and detailed accounts of transactions, the Settle Up app makes it...
Settle Up excels in its calculation capabilities, providing accurate and fair splits of expenses. The app considers various factors, such as who paid for what and any existing imbalances, to determine each...
Settle Up can handle a variety of payment scenarios: When one person pays or multiple people have paid, it can split payments evenly based on the amounts or allow you to select individual amounts for each person to...
Social recommendations and mentions
Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.
SelfControl80 mentionsSettle Up1 mention
No Forest app for PC? The 3 layers where Windows focus apps block distractions
SelfControl's site calls it "a free Mac application", so no. The nearest Windows equivalents of its locked block are in Layer 3: Cold Turkey's locking features or Freedom's Locked Mode. (selfcontrolapp.com).
- Source: dev.to
/
5 days ago
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
/
8 months ago
Can't you have her send you her money on your bank account, keep track of that on an app like Settle Up, load your combined budget on a WeSwap card and go from there?
Source:
almost 5 years ago
Alternatives to SelfControl and Settle Up
When comparing SelfControl and Settle Up, you can also consider the following products.
Splitwise is a free tool for friends and roommates to track bills and other shared expenses, so that everyone gets paid back. On the web, iPhone, and Android!
Cold Turkey
Freedom.to
FocusMe
Focus App
Forest App
LeechBlock
Stay Focused
Splitwise
Tricount
Splid
Spliit
ihatemoney
Splitser
Kittysplit
