Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS ShaderGradient

Compare SelfControl VS ShaderGradient 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
ShaderGradient

Create beautiful moving gradients for Framer and Figma

No screenshot yet
Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

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 50

Base details

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

SelfControl
ShaderGradient
Website selfcontrolapp.com shadergradient.co
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
ShaderGradient 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.
  • Versatile Design Tool
    ShaderGradient provides a versatile range of options to create complex and visually appealing gradients that can be adjusted to fit various design needs, offering a unique tool for designers looking to create standout graphics.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of gradient creation, making it accessible even to those who may not have extensive experience with shader programming.
  • Customization Flexibility
    With a robust set of customization features, ShaderGradient allows users to fine-tune shader settings to achieve precise control over the final visual output.
  • Efficient Workflow
    ShaderGradient enhances workflow efficiency by providing immediate visual feedback and easy adjustment options, enabling rapid iterations and creative experimentation.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly design, newcomers to shader programming might face a learning curve when trying to fully exploit the advanced features of ShaderGradient.
  • Resource Intensive
    Some users may find that running ShaderGradient, especially with complex designs, can be resource-intensive, requiring significant computational power and potentially affecting performance on lower-end systems.
  • Limited Integrations
    ShaderGradient may have limited direct integrations with other popular design software, which could hinder seamless workflow integration for users relying on multiple design tools.
  • Subscription Cost
    Users may consider the subscription cost a disadvantage, as ongoing expenses could add up, particularly for freelancers or small businesses with limited budgets.

Analysis

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

SelfControl
ShaderGradient

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.

Overall verdict

  • ShaderGradient is a well-crafted, free tool that makes it easy to create stunning animated 3D gradients for websites and design projects, offering strong value for creators who want dynamic visuals without deep technical knowledge.

Why this product is good

  • Free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone from hobbyists to professionals
  • Intuitive visual editor lets you customize colors, animation, shapes, and lighting in real time
  • Exports easily to React, Framer, and other frameworks for smooth integration
  • Produces high-quality, GPU-accelerated animated gradients that look modern and polished
  • Great for adding eye-catching motion and depth to otherwise flat web designs

Recommended for

  • Web designers and developers wanting animated hero backgrounds
  • Framer and React users looking for plug-and-play gradient components
  • Creators building modern, visually engaging landing pages
  • Designers who want customizable 3D gradient visuals without coding from scratch
  • Startups and portfolios aiming for a contemporary, dynamic aesthetic

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
ShaderGradient 0 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

No ShaderGradient videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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
ShaderGradient
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and ShaderGradient. 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
ShaderGradient 0 mentions

View more

Tracking ShaderGradient since May 2023.

Alternatives to SelfControl and ShaderGradient

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