Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Tabata Timer

Compare SelfControl VS Tabata Timer 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.

Tabata Timer logo Tabata Timer

Tabata Timer is a mobile application that helps you perform high-intensity workouts.
  • 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.

Tabata Timer features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    The Tabata Timer has a straightforward and easy-to-navigate design, making it accessible for users of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize the duration of work and rest periods, the number of cycles, and the total number of sets, allowing for personalized workout routines.
  • Compatibility
    The timer is accessible on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops, ensuring that users can easily use it regardless of their preferred device.
  • Audible Alerts
    The application provides audible cues to signal the start and end of each interval, helping users stay focused on their workout without needing to constantly check the screen.
  • No Registration Required
    Users can access and use the Tabata Timer without needing to create an account or provide personal information, enhancing privacy and ease of use.

Possible disadvantages of Tabata Timer

  • Limited Features
    Compared to some advanced fitness apps, the Tabata Timer offers a more basic set of features, which might not satisfy users looking for comprehensive workout tracking and analytics.
  • Internet Dependency
    As an online tool, the Tabata Timer requires an internet connection, which may limit its usability in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Ad-Supported
    The presence of advertisements can be distracting during use, potentially disrupting the focus and flow of workouts for some users.
  • Lack of Integration
    The tool doesn't integrate with other fitness apps or devices, which might be a drawback for users seeking a more interconnected fitness ecosystem.
  • Limited Custom Sound Options
    There are few options available for customizing sound notifications, which may not meet the preferences of all users.

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

Tabata Timer videos

Tabata Timer and Tabata Pro

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Use Tabata Timer and HIIT Timer App on iOS and Android #ultimateyou #tabata #hiit

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Tabata Timer)
Time Tracking
88 88%
12% 12
Health And Fitness
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Office & Productivity
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 Tabata Timer. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Tabata Timer. 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

Tabata Timer mentions (2)

  • Map Completion World Record - 6 hours 48 minutes
    I was using a website timer ( https://fitlb.com/tabata-timer) to track and yell at me when my jade buffs and combat booster buffs expire. I thought I had it ready to just click and be done (I tried at the end of Black Citadel) but I screwed some setting up. So I decided to fix that up before starting Metrica. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Tips for panic attacks?
    Do a Tabata. 20 seconds on, 10 off for 10 minutes. Do high knees, jumping jacks, or jump rope - something simple and uncomplicated. https://fitlb.com/tabata-timer. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Tabata Timer, 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!

Interval Timer - Interval Timer is a mobile application that helps you stay consistent in your workouts.

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

Interval Trainer Pro - Interval Trainer Pro is a cutting-edge tool built to serve people interested in HIIT Crossfit Interval Training.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Workout Timer PRO - Workout Timer Pro is a useful tool for all people enthusiastic about HIIT workouts and training.