Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Space Repeat

Compare SelfControl VS Space Repeat 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.

Space Repeat logo Space Repeat

Train your memory with a science backed spaced repetition flashcard app built around active recall.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Space Repeat Homepage
    Homepage //
    2026-03-09
  • Space Repeat Home
    Home //
    2026-04-20
  • Space Repeat Deck page
    Deck page //
    2026-04-20
  • Space Repeat Landing page snapshot
    Landing page snapshot //
    2026-04-20

Spacerepeat helps you remember what you learn. Create simple flashcards for any topic and review them over time using spaced repetition, a method that schedules reviews so information stays fresh in your memory. Study a little each day and build knowledge that lasts.

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.

Space Repeat features and specs

  • Active Recall
    Tests you with questions rather than passive reading to build real retention
  • Spaced Repetition Algorithm
    Schedules reviews at the optimal moment before you forget
  • Adaptive Difficulty
    Adjusts card frequency based on how well you know each answer
  • Progress Tracking
    Monitors your study sessions and retention over time

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 Space Repeat

Overall verdict

  • Space Repeat appears to be a solid spaced-repetition learning tool that leverages proven memory science to help users retain information more effectively over time, making it a worthwhile choice for dedicated learners.

Why this product is good

  • Uses spaced repetition, a scientifically-backed method for improving long-term memory retention
  • Helps automate review scheduling so you study material at optimal intervals
  • Can save time by focusing effort on what you're most likely to forget
  • Useful for building consistent, habit-based learning routines

Recommended for

  • Students preparing for exams who need to memorize large amounts of information
  • Language learners building vocabulary over time
  • Professionals studying for certifications
  • Anyone looking to retain knowledge long-term through efficient review

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Space Repeat videos

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

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Space Repeat)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Education
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Spaced Repetition
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing SelfControl and Space Repeat.

What makes your product unique?

Space Repeat's answer:

Space Repeat removes everything that distracts from actual learning: no feature overload. It focuses purely on active recall and spaced repetition, the two techniques with the strongest scientific backing for long-term memory.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Space Repeat's answer:

Most study apps optimize for engagement, not retention. Space Repeat is intentionally minimal. It shows you cards exactly when you're about to forget them, adapts to how hard each card is for you, and tracks your retention over time. The free plan is fully usable with no tricks.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Space Repeat's answer:

Students who want to remember what they study for the long-term, especially those preparing for exams or learning large amounts of material over time.

What's the story behind your product?

Space Repeat's answer:

I'm a student myself. I tried the flashcard apps that already exist, but none of them felt right. Some were too flashy, packed with features I didn't need. Others were too bare-bones, with free plans so limited they were barely usable. I wanted something in the middle: a focused app that does a few things really well, with no distractions and a free plan you can actually use.

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Space Repeat. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 79 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 / 4 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

Space Repeat mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Space Repeat yet. Tracking of Space Repeat recommendations started around Mar 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Space Repeat, 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!

Anki - Anki is a program which makes remembering things easy. Because it's a lot more efficient than traditional study methods, you can either greatly decrease your time spent studying, or greatly increase the amount you learn.

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

Quizlet - Quizlet allows you to review and create flashcards for a variety of subjects, such as math and reading.

Focus App - New Tab page that gives you a moment of calm and inspires you to be more productive.

MemoRep - Spaced repetition that emails you when itโ€™s time to review.