Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Taskful

Compare SelfControl VS Taskful 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.

Taskful logo Taskful

Deadlines, meet your match.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Taskful Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-20

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.

Taskful features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Taskful offers a clean and intuitive design that makes it easy for users to navigate and manage their tasks seamlessly.
  • Progress Tracking
    The app allows users to track progress on their tasks visually, providing a sense of achievement and motivation to complete tasks.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Taskful is available on multiple platforms including iOS and Android, enabling users to sync and access their tasks from different devices.
  • Daily Task Encouragement
    It helps users break down larger goals into smaller, daily tasks which can help in managing workload and staying on track.
  • Customizable Reminders
    Users can set customizable reminders to ensure they donโ€™t miss out on any important task deadlines.

Possible disadvantages of Taskful

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of Taskful has limited features, which may require users to opt for a paid subscription to access the full capabilities of the app.
  • No Desktop Application
    As of now, Taskful is primarily designed for mobile use and does not offer a dedicated desktop application, which might be a disadvantage for some users.
  • Feature Gaps
    Some users might find that Taskful lacks certain advanced features available in other task management apps, like project collaboration tools and detailed analytics.
  • Dependence on Connectivity
    The need for an internet connection to sync tasks across devices can be a drawback in areas with limited connectivity or for users who prefer offline access.
  • Customization Limitations
    The app has limited customization options for organizing tasks and projects which can be restrictive for power users looking for more flexibility.

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 Taskful

Overall verdict

  • Taskful is considered a good option for those seeking a simple yet efficient task management tool. Itโ€™s particularly beneficial for individuals who prioritize deadline-driven and time-specific task management.

Why this product is good

  • Taskful is a productivity app that offers a visually appealing interface and focuses on helping users manage their tasks effectively with deadlines and time-blocking features. Itโ€™s designed to assist users in staying organized and motivated, providing functionalities such as progress tracking and customizable notifications.

Recommended for

  • Students who need to balance multiple deadlines.
  • Professionals seeking to manage their work tasks more effectively.
  • Individuals who prefer a minimalist interface with strong deadline emphasis.

SelfControl videos

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Taskful videos

Taskful 2.0 Review | 5 x PRO GIVEAWAY

More videos:

  • Review - Taskful - A Smart, Beautiful, and Minimalistic To-Do App for your iPad and iPhone

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Taskful)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
46 46%
54% 54
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. 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 / 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 / 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

Taskful mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Taskful yet. Tracking of Taskful recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Taskful, 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!

Gone - An ephemeral to-do list

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

Streaks - The to-do list that helps you form good habits.

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

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