Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS TimeFunction

Compare SelfControl VS TimeFunction 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.

TimeFunction logo TimeFunction

Plots a timeline of important events from any Wikipedia URL
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • TimeFunction Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-28

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.

TimeFunction features and specs

  • Comprehensive Time Tracking
    TimeFunction provides detailed tracking features that allow users to monitor time spent on various tasks, projects, and programs efficiently.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The platform offers an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels without requiring extensive training.
  • Integration Capabilities
    TimeFunction can be integrated with other popular productivity tools and platforms, allowing seamless data exchange and consolidated project management.
  • Real-time Reporting
    The tool offers real-time analytics and reporting features, enabling managers and team leaders to make informed decisions quickly.
  • Flexible Use
    It provides customizable options to cater to different organizational needs, making it suitable for a wide range of industries and work environments.

Possible disadvantages of TimeFunction

  • Cost Considerations
    The pricing model might be a barrier for small businesses or freelancers who are looking for budget-friendly solutions.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functionalities are easy to use, some advanced features may require additional time and effort to master.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    As a cloud-based service, uninterrupted internet access is required to fully utilize all features, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Potential Over-Reliance
    Teams may become overly reliant on the tool for monitoring productivity, potentially diminishing personal accountability and time management skills.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    As with any online tool, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and security, especially when sensitive company information is involved.

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

TimeFunction videos

No TimeFunction videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and TimeFunction)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
89 89%
11% 11
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Education
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 / 3 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
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TimeFunction mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and TimeFunction, 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!

Qikipedia - Instant Wikipedia summary cards on any web page

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

TimeGlide - TimeGlide is an interactive timeline builder that allows you to create events with second-level precision spanning 3000 BC to 2100 AD. You can then zoom seamlessly from millennia to days on a single, intuitive canvas.

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

Preceden - Preceden makes it easy to build simple, powerful timelines