Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Streaks

Compare SelfControl VS Streaks 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.

Streaks logo Streaks

The to-do list that helps you form good habits.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Streaks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-25

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.

Streaks features and specs

  • Easy to Use Interface
    Streaks offers a clean and intuitive user interface that makes it simple for users to track their habits without much difficulty.
  • Customizable Habit Tracking
    Users can customize different aspects of their habits, such as the frequency and reminders, to fit their specific needs and preferences.
  • Integration with Health App
    Streaks integrates with the Apple Health app, allowing users to automatically sync their health data and track fitness-related habits seamlessly.
  • Visual Progress Representation
    The app provides visual representations of progress, making it easy to see how well you're sticking to your habits.
  • Widgets Support
    Streaks supports iOS widgets, allowing users to view and manage their habits directly from their home screen.

Possible disadvantages of Streaks

  • Platform Limitation
    Streaks is only available on iOS and macOS, which means Android and Windows users can't take advantage of its features.
  • Paid Application
    Streaks is a paid app, which could be a drawback for users looking for free alternatives to habit-tracking.
  • Limited Habit Slots
    The app limits the number of habits you can track at one time, which may not be sufficient for users who want to monitor many habits simultaneously.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    Although the interface is user-friendly, there can be a slight learning curve when it comes to customizing the habits and settings.

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 Streaks

Overall verdict

  • Streaks is generally considered a good app for habit tracking, particularly for iOS users who appreciate its seamless integration with Apple devices and services. Its design and functionality help users stay engaged and committed to their personal goals.

Why this product is good

  • Streaks is an app designed to help users build good habits by tracking their progress across different goals. It is appreciated for its user-friendly interface, customizable goal settings, and the ability to synchronize with Apple Health to track health-related goals. The app provides daily reminders, visual progress representations, and a sense of accountability, all of which are motivating factors for users looking to establish new habits.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking to improve or establish new habits
  • People who benefit from visual progress tracking
  • Users looking for a simple and effective habit tracker
  • iOS users who want an app that integrates with Apple Health

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Streaks videos

Streaks: The To Do List App That Helps You Form Good Habits | Apps (App Walkthrough)

More videos:

  • Review - SCOM0912 - Tip - Streaks - Preview

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Streaks)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
34 34%
66% 66
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Habit Building
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SelfControl and Streaks

SelfControl Reviews

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Streaks Reviews

5 Best Habit Trackers to Help You Stay on Track
Streaks is another popular habit tracker known for its clean design and simplicity. It focuses on helping you build streaks for the habits you want to establish. Every day that you complete a habit, the app extends your streak, motivating you to keep it going.
Source: medium.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Streaks. 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 / 3 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 / 5 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 / 10 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

Streaks mentions (20)

  • Habit Tracker with data export?
    Https://streaksapp.com supports csv export. I haven't found anything else worth using. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Off-Topic Tuesday
    Self-Care Apps: I use "Streaks" for habit tracking, it's my favourite. I use the Headspace app for meditation/sleep stories (I used to use Calm, but my current employer includes Headspace for free in our wellness offerings, so here we are!). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Simple clicker counter with stats
    Streaks is not a clicker app but maybe it can do what you want. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Apple Watch Water Reminders
    Check out Streaks (https://streaksapp.com/). I use it for a lot of my reminders through my watch. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Is it possible to launch iOS Shortcuts from MacOS Shortcuts?
    The reason I ask is I have habits set up in Streaks, a habit tracker and facilitator, most of my habits use the action button to launch shortcuts which I have set up to work on my iPhone. Source: about 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Streaks, 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!

Habitica - Habitica is a free habit building and productivity application.

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

Habit List - Create good habits and break bad ones with the app that keeps you focused.

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

Habitify - The easiest way to keep track of your habits