Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Tasker

Compare SelfControl VS Tasker and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

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.

Tasker logo Tasker

Tasker is an application for Android which performs Tasks (sets of Actions) based on Contexts...
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Tasker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-13

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.

Tasker features and specs

  • Highly Customizable
    Tasker allows for extensive automation scripting, enabling users to create complex task sequences tailored to their needs.
  • Wide Range of Triggers
    Users can set triggers based on time, location, event, app status, and many other parameters to automate tasks under specific conditions.
  • Third-Party Integration
    Tasker supports integration with various third-party apps and services, which enhances its versatility and compatibility.
  • Plugin Support
    Numerous plugins are available to extend Tasker's functionality, from additional triggers to new actions.
  • Active Community
    Tasker has a robust community of users who share scripts, ideas, and solutions, which can be beneficial for both new and advanced users.
  • Battery Efficiency
    Tasker is designed to run efficiently in the background without significantly impacting battery life.
  • TaskerNet Sharing
    The ability to share and import task profiles via TaskerNet simplifies exchanging and utilizing pre-made automations.

Possible disadvantages of Tasker

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Tasker's extensive feature set and complexity can be overwhelming for new users, requiring time and effort to learn.
  • Cost
    Tasker is a paid app, which might deter some potential users who are looking for free automation solutions.
  • Limited Official Support
    While there is an active community, official support and documentation can be limited, making it challenging to find solutions to specific problems.
  • Interface
    The user interface can be perceived as outdated and not very intuitive compared to modern app design standards.
  • System Permissions
    Tasker requires extensive system permissions to function optimally, which might raise privacy and security concerns for some users.
  • Manual Setup
    Setting up tasks and profiles can be time-consuming as it requires manual configuration and testing to ensure they work correctly.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Tasker may have compatibility issues with certain devices or newer operating systems, which can hinder its functionality.

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 Tasker

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Tasker is considered excellent for those who are comfortable with technology and seek advanced automation options. It does have a learning curve but offers significant payoff in terms of productivity and enhanced device functionality.

Why this product is good

  • Tasker is highly regarded for its extensive customization capabilities, allowing users to automate almost any aspect of their Android devices. It's favored by tech enthusiasts for its flexibility, integration with numerous apps and system settings, and the ability to create complex automation scripts without rooting the device.

Recommended for

  • Tech-savvy users who enjoy tinkering with their devices
  • Users seeking to automate repetitive tasks on their Android phones
  • Those looking to integrate various apps and services seamlessly
  • Individuals interested in improving device efficiency and functionality through customizable triggers and actions

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Tasker videos

TaskRabbit Review : How Much I Made First Day as Tasker

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to use Tasker : A Beginner's Guide

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Tasker)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Web Service Automation
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Automation
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 Tasker

SelfControl Reviews

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Tasker Reviews

10 n8n.io Alternatives
Tasker is an efficient Android app presented by Joao Dias that focuses on performing user-defined actions based on contexts activated by a click as well as timer-based home screen widgets. Featuring the flexibility to combine tasks and contexts in the way you want. Tasker helps users make their phones a true Smart Phone while letting them manage plenty of intelligent...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Tasker. 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 / 6 months ago
  • Kiki – The accountability monster for people who are easily distracted
    Happy to see it still exists, and free https://selfcontrolapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 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 / about 1 year 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

Tasker mentions (31)

  • Show HN: Tasker – An open-source desktop agent for browser and OS automation
    Not to be confused with https://tasker.joaoapps.com/, which has been around just about as long as Android has. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Termux:tasker (black icon) vs Tasker (orange gear icon), and where to find docs?
    I have seen many videos where people use the Tasker app for automation. How is this different from Termux:Tasker app? Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Is there a mobile program that can find specific words on screen and click on them?
    Have a look at Tasker it's a fantastic tool for automation, it does have a bit of a learning curve but nothing to steep. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What's that really useful, can't live without app you install on all your devices?
    For me that's Tasker. I've installed it on every phone I've owned since my Nexus 4 in 2013. Currently I use it to:. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Best current self hosted password manager(2023)?
    Depends upon the phone. On Samsung it would be a routine. On others something like tasker. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Tasker, 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!

Automate - Automate various tasks on your Android smartphone or tablet.

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

AutomateIt - Automate Your Android!

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

ifttt - IFTTT puts the internet to work for you. Create simple connections between the products you use every day.