Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Timer 7

Compare SelfControl VS Timer 7 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.

Timer 7 logo Timer 7

โฐ 7 minute timer is the same as 7 minute countdown - you can easily set countdown alarm timer for seven minutes with just one click.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Timer 7 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-15

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.

Timer 7 features and specs

  • Convenience
    Timer 7 offers a quick and easy way to set a seven-minute timer without needing to download any additional software or apps.
  • Accessibility
    Being web-based, Timer 7 can be accessed from any device with a browser, whether it's a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Simplicity
    The minimalist design of Timer 7 allows users to start the timer with a single click, making it user-friendly and straightforward.
  • Focus Enhancement
    The 7-minute timer can help with task management and productivity by breaking work into manageable intervals, similar to the Pomodoro Technique.

Possible disadvantages of Timer 7

  • Limited Functionality
    Timer 7 is specifically designed for seven-minute intervals, which may not cater to users needing variable time settings.
  • Internet Dependency
    Since it is a web-based tool, an active internet connection is required to use Timer 7, which may not be ideal for areas with poor connectivity.
  • No Customization
    The timer lacks customization options such as changing alert sounds or adding visual cues, limiting its versatility.
  • Ads and Distractions
    The presence of advertisements on the website might serve as distractions or interfere with the focus that the timer aims to bolster.

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

Timer 7 videos

Sinn EZM 7 The Mission Timer 7 857.030 Sinn Watch Review

More videos:

  • Review - Sinotimer Digital Programmable Timer 7 Days REVIEW SETUP

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Timer 7)
Time Tracking
96 96%
4% 4
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Alarm Clock
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0

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 / 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

Timer 7 mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Timer 7 yet. Tracking of Timer 7 recommendations started around May 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Timer 7, 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!

MultiTimer - The new application available on the App Store|Subscribe

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

Hourglass - Hourglass is the most advanced simple countdown timer for Windows.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

wnr - Better than pomodoro, this timer app balances work and rest.