Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Structured

Compare SelfControl VS Structured 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.

Structured logo Structured

Structured is a visual day planner, which combines calendars and to-do lists into an easy-to-use interface.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Structured Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-11

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.

Structured features and specs

  • Intuitive Design
    Structured.today offers an intuitive user interface that makes scheduling and planning tasks straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Efficiency
    The platform helps users efficiently manage their time by accommodating various scheduling needs and preferences.
  • Customization
    Users can customize their scheduling experience with different views and options tailored to individual requirements.
  • Integration
    The service integrates well with other popular tools and platforms, helping users sync their tasks and calendars seamlessly.
  • Accessibility
    Structured.today can be accessed from multiple devices, providing flexibility and convenience for users on the go.

Possible disadvantages of Structured

  • Learning Curve
    New users might require some time to fully understand and utilize all features of the platform effectively.
  • Cost
    Some advanced features or functionalities might necessitate a premium subscription, which could be a drawback for budget-conscious users.
  • Feature Limitations
    Certain users might find the feature set limited compared to other, more comprehensive project management tools.
  • Dependence on Internet Connectivity
    As a web-based tool, its functionality is reliant on a stable internet connection, which might limit use in offline scenarios.

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.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Structured videos

What's New In Structured 2.0

More videos:

  • Review - Structured Medication Reviews

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Structured)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
70 70%
30% 30

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Structured. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Structured. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 7 mentions of Structured. 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
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Structured mentions (7)

  • How do you guys stop procrastinating on stuff you don't want to do?
    The principle of The One Thing together with a day planned out ahead every previous evening on this app helps me a lot. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Expat prescription medication and adhd medication question
    - Structured - https://structured.today/ - A good planner app designed for ADHD, lets you visualise your day / time constraints correctly. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Other similar Routinery-like app
    Oh Iโ€™m sorry, I didnโ€™t realize it was only available on iOS. If you have a Mac, there is a desktop app. Hereโ€™s the URL, even though it might not be helpful for you: https://structured.today/. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Hey guys, what app are yall using for a daily planner?
    Structured is by far the best, and I've tried a lot. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Calendar Timeline Update: Tons of new features for your favorite calendar app on your Apple Watch! App
    Currently using https://structured.today/ for structuring lessons and to have a quick glance at how much time left for this exercise, until break, etc., but thereโ€˜s no Watch appโ€ฆ. Source: over 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Structured, 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!

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

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

TickTick - TickTickis a cross-platform to-do list app & task manager helps you to get all things done and make life well organized.

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

Notion - All-in-one workspace. One tool for your whole team. Write, plan, and get organized.