Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Unclutter

Compare SelfControl VS Unclutter 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.

Unclutter logo Unclutter

Unclutter is an app that is designed to help Mac users bring order to their desktop. Among other features, this powerful piece of software provides quick access to a user's notepad and clipboard.
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Unclutter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-22

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.

Unclutter features and specs

  • Unified Workspace
    Combines clipboard manager, file storage, and notes in a single interface, helping to streamline workflow.
  • Quick Access
    Accessible via a simple swipe from the top of the screen, allowing for fast retrieval of important data.
  • Clipboard History
    Automatically tracks clipboard history, ensuring you never lose any copied text or items.
  • Drag-and-Drop
    Supports drag-and-drop functionality for easy organization and transfer of notes and files.
  • Customizable
    Offers various customization options such as themes and settings, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences.
  • Cross-Device Sync
    Supports syncing across multiple devices, ensuring data consistency and availability.

Possible disadvantages of Unclutter

  • Platform Limitation
    Currently available only for macOS, limiting its accessibility for Windows and Linux users.
  • Cost
    Unclutter is a paid app, which might be a barrier for users looking for a free solution.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is intuitive, some users might require time to get accustomed to its full feature set.
  • Limited Integrated Apps
    Lacks integration with some third-party apps and services that might enhance productivity.
  • Potential Overhead
    Running continuously in the background could potentially consume system resources, affecting performance.

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

Unclutter videos

Unclutter โ€“ Easy Desktop Organization for Mac (2020 Review)

More videos:

  • Review - Unclutter | Mac App Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Unclutter)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
56 56%
44% 44
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Mac
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Unclutter. 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
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Unclutter mentions (10)

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Unclutter, 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!

CopyQ - CopyQ : Clipboard Manager with Advanced Features.

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

Ditto - Easy to use interface; Search and paste previous copy entries; Keep multiple computer's clipboards in sync; Data is encrypted when sent over the network; Accessed from tray icon or global hot key; Select entry by double click, enter key or drag dropโ€ฆ

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

Maccy - Lightweight open-source clipboard manager for macOS