Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS TaskbarX

Compare SelfControl VS TaskbarX and see what are their differences

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.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
TaskbarX

TaskbarX gives you control over the position of your taskbar icons.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

TaskbarX might be a bit more popular than SelfControl. We know about 86 links to it since March 2021 and only 79 links to SelfControl.

social mentions
79 vs 86
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 66

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

SelfControl
TX
TaskbarX
Website selfcontrolapp.com chrisandriessen.nl
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
TX
TaskbarX 4 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Customizable Taskbar
    TaskbarX allows users to customize their Windows taskbar by centering taskbar icons, adding animations, and altering transparency, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and personalized user interface.
  • Lightweight and Efficient
    The application is lightweight and does not significantly impact system performance, making it an efficient choice for enhancing the Windows desktop experience without compromising speed or functionality.
  • Compatibility
    TaskbarX is compatible with Windows 10, offering a straightforward installation process and easy configuration, catering to a wide range of users seeking taskbar customization options.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, TaskbarX allows users to contribute to its development and customize the code to better fit their specific needs, encouraging community involvement and improvements.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Support for Older Versions
    TaskbarX primarily focuses on Windows 10 support, which may lead to compatibility issues or limited functionality on older Windows versions, affecting users who have not upgraded their operating systems.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    As with many customization tools, TaskbarX may occasionally cause stability issues or conflicts with other applications, potentially leading to crashes or unexpected behavior in some system configurations.
  • Learning Curve
    While TaskbarX offers many features, new users might face a learning curve in understanding how to configure and optimize the settings correctly for their specific preferences.
  • Manual Updates
    TaskbarX does not update automatically, requiring users to manually check for and install updates to gain access to new features or fixes, which can be inconvenient for some.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

SelfControl
TX
TaskbarX

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.

No analysis of TaskbarX yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
TX
TaskbarX 2 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

TaskbarX [Windows 10] App Review

More videos

  • - Make your windows taskbar icons allign center // TaskbarX app overview

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
SelfControl
TX
TaskbarX
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
86% 86%
14% 14%
0% 0%
LMS
100% 100%

User comments

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

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SelfControl 79 mentions
TX
TaskbarX 86 mentions

View more

  • Why do you hate us, Microsoft? Biggest mistake was "upgrading" to Windows 11 in the first place
    TaskbarX for taskbar customization. TaskbarXI for Win11. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Black and White Laptop Setup
    Its a software called Rainmeter, basically you can put widgets and go crazy with customization. For the taskbar its called TaskbarX (its also a skin in Rainmeter). As for the live time its LunaIUI Widget. Source: over 3 years ago
  • My desktop theme for 2023 !
    For those wondering, I'm pretty certain this is done with rainmeter. It's similar to this setup which has all the used skins posted. Clock is the same except with a different font for the bottom text, clear taskbar is like taskbarx or... Source: almost 4 years ago

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Alternatives to SelfControl and TaskbarX

When comparing SelfControl and TaskbarX, you can also consider the following products.