Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

SelfControl VS Timing

Compare SelfControl VS Timing and see what are their differences

Topolog
Topolog is a goal planner that models your plans as a directed graph and allows you to execute tasks in order, then schedules your days around them. featured
Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

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.

Timing logo Timing

Timing is the best way to keep track of the time you spend with your Mac.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Timing Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-24

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.

Timing features and specs

  • Comprehensive Time Tracking
    Timing automatically tracks how you spend time on your Mac, providing detailed insights into your productivity and time management.
  • Automatic Categorization
    The app intelligently categorizes activities, reducing the need for manual input, and making it easier to understand where your time goes.
  • Detailed Reports
    Timing offers robust reporting features, allowing users to generate detailed reports that can be customized to show specific time usage and productivity metrics.
  • Privacy Focused
    Timing ensures that all data is kept private and stored locally on your device, addressing concerns about data privacy and security.
  • Integrations
    The app offers integrations with popular productivity tools such as calendar applications and task managers, streamlining workflow management.

Possible disadvantages of Timing

  • Mac-Only
    Timing is only available for macOS, limiting its use to users within the Apple ecosystem and excluding Windows and Linux users.
  • Subscription Model
    The app operates on a subscription basis, which may be less appealing to users who prefer one-time purchases over recurring costs.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might find the comprehensive features and settings overwhelming initially, requiring time to fully understand and utilize all functionalities.
  • No Mobile App
    There is no mobile app available, limiting time tracking capabilities to desktop use only and missing out on mobile-centric workflows.
  • Price
    Timing is relatively expensive compared to some other time tracking solutions, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious individuals or small businesses.

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 Timing

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Timing is a highly regarded productivity app, especially for macOS users.

Why this product is good

  • Timing is praised for its automatic time tracking capabilities, allowing users to understand how they spend their time without the manual start-stop process. It offers insightful reports and analytics, which can help users improve their productivity and time management. The app's ability to categorize activities automatically and the provision of manual adjustments offer flexibility and precision in tracking time.

Recommended for

  • Freelancers who need detailed tracking for client billing.
  • Professionals seeking to optimize their productivity.
  • Anyone interested in understanding their digital habits.
  • macOS users, as the app is primarily designed for this platform.

SelfControl videos

+ Add

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Timing videos

+ Add

Review of Nature and Timing of the Resurrection Debate Part 3

More videos:

  • Review - Timing 2.0 review | features, pricing and thoughts
  • Review - Nav & Metro Boomin - PERFECT TIMING MIXTAPE Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Timing)

SelfControl

Timing

Time Tracking
39 39%
Time Tracking
61% 61
Time Management
40 40%
Time Management
60% 60
Invoicing
32 32%
Invoicing
68% 68
Productivity
48 48%
Productivity
52% 52

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Timing. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Timing. 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 / 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

Timing mentions (23)

  • Launch HN: PointOne (YC W24) โ€“ Automated time tracking for lawyers
    Timing.app is really good for this purpose. I use it every day, but I am not affiliated with the company in any way. Essentially it uses the accessibility features on MacOS to see what you are doing and generate time entries for you. https://timingapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • A collection of useful Mac Apps
    Timing - Price: $42/year or $7/month Automatic time tracking app for Mac that helps you track and analyze your time spent on different tasks and projects. Source: about 3 years ago
  • A Windows based alternative to the Timing App on Mac?
    I've been religiously utilising Timing for at least a year now. However I'm trying to find the closest Windows equivalent now that I'm using Windows on a semi-frequent basis. The features I most benefit from are its:. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Ask HN: How do you track your work hours?
    I used to use the apps atimelogger (http://www.atimelogger.com/) and atracker (http://www.wonderapps.se/ATracker/home.html) for a year and two years, respectively. I tracked work and certain non-work activities (e.g, sleep and such), and it was very effective. The reports helped with awareness around relative time spent over different projects and such. While all the tracking was manual, and I tried to do it... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Ask HN: How do you track your work hours?
    Timing App: https://timingapp.com You can use rules to auto-categorize your time which is clutch. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Timing, 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!

Toggl - Toggl is an online time tracking tool. It features 1-click time tracking and helps you see where your time goes. Free and paid versions are available.

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

RescueTime - Time management software that shows you how you spend your time & provides tools to help you be more productive.

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

Harvest - Simple time tracking, fast online invoicing, and powerful reporting software. Simplify employee timesheets and billing. Get started for free.

Loading...