Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS SoberStack App

Compare SelfControl VS SoberStack App 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.

SoberStack App logo SoberStack App

SoberStack is a free sobriety streak tracker built around one idea: progress is not erased by a slip. Track your current streak, log urges in the moment, and see a history graph that preserves your past. Private, simple, no accounts required.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
Not present

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.

SoberStack App features and specs

  • Sobriety Tracking
    SoberStack provides a clear and straightforward way to track sober days, helping users maintain accountability and visualize their progress over time.
  • Community Support
    The app offers community features that connect users with others on similar recovery journeys, providing encouragement and shared experiences to help maintain sobriety.
  • Simple and Clean Interface
    SoberStack features an intuitive, minimalist design that makes it easy for users to navigate and use without feeling overwhelmed, which is important during recovery.
  • Motivational Features
    The app includes milestones, badges, or motivational prompts that help keep users engaged and inspired to continue their sobriety journey.
  • Privacy-Focused
    SoberStack appears to prioritize user privacy, which is crucial for people dealing with sensitive personal health and recovery information.

Possible disadvantages of SoberStack App

  • Limited Public Information
    SoberStack is a relatively niche app with limited publicly available reviews and detailed feature descriptions, making it harder for potential users to evaluate before downloading.
  • Smaller User Base
    Compared to more established sobriety apps like I Am Sober or Sober Time, SoberStack may have a smaller community, which could limit the social support aspects of the platform.
  • Feature Set May Be Basic
    As a newer or less established app, SoberStack may lack some of the advanced features found in competitors, such as detailed analytics, journaling, or integration with health platforms.
  • Platform Availability
    The app may have limited availability across all platforms, potentially not being accessible on both iOS and Android or lacking a web-based version for broader access.
  • Uncertain Long-Term Support
    With a smaller development team or company behind it, there may be concerns about the app's long-term maintenance, updates, and continued availability compared to apps backed by larger organizations.

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 SoberStack App

Overall verdict

  • SoberStack appears to be a helpful digital tool for individuals pursuing sobriety, offering tracking and support features that can complement a recovery journey, though it should not replace professional treatment for those with serious addiction issues.

Why this product is good

  • Sobriety tracking helps users visualize progress and milestones, which can boost motivation and accountability
  • Digital tools are accessible anytime, providing support during moments of temptation or difficulty
  • May include community or support features that reduce feelings of isolation common in recovery
  • Can help users identify triggers and patterns through logging and reflection
  • Convenient and private way to monitor personal goals without requiring in-person meetings

Recommended for

  • Individuals in early recovery looking for daily accountability and motivation
  • People who want to track sobriety milestones and celebrate progress
  • Those seeking a private, self-directed complement to formal treatment or group support
  • Users who benefit from digital reminders and habit-tracking tools
  • Anyone wanting to reduce alcohol or substance use and build healthier habits

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

SoberStack App videos

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

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and SoberStack App)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Health & Wellness
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Mobile Apps
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 SoberStack App. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 2 mentions of SoberStack App. 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 / 6 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 / 11 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
View more

SoberStack App mentions (2)

  • Ask HN: What are you working on? (June 2026)
    SoberStack: a sobriety/recovery tracker built around the idea of focusing on sober days rather then streaks so it's not all or nothing. It uses a Github style contribution graph. https://soberstack.app/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Ask HN: What Are You Working On? (April 2026)
    I've been building SoberStack ([https://soberstack.app](https://soberstack.app)). It's the first side project I've taken on in a few years. It's a free sobriety app for any bad habits I built for myself. Most sobriety apps reset your counter to zero when you slip, but it uses a Github style contribution graph to show you how far you have come. I also use it to track urges, and store a toolbox that is a reminder if... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and SoberStack App, 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!

Nomo - Nomo is a smart life cycle improvement application that is available for both Android and iOS devices.

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

Tritium - Tritium is a desktop drafting environment for transactional lawyers. Draft, review, and compare legal documents faster with multi-document search, real-time annotations, minimal redlines, and AI integrations - free for personal use.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

I Am Sober - I Am Sober is an app which comes with the different module, and it is one of the most celebrity application used in America.