Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS Vimium

Compare SelfControl VS Vimium and see what are their differences

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.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Vimium

The Hacker's Browser.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than Vimium. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
79 vs 31
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
188 vs 29

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

SelfControl
Vimium
Website selfcontrolapp.com vimium.github.io
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
Vimium 5 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Keyboard Efficiency
    Vimium enhances navigation efficiency by allowing users to browse using keyboard shortcuts similar to those in Vim, reducing reliance on a mouse.
  • Customizability
    Users can customize key bindings and shortcuts to suit their preferences, making it adaptable to individual workflows.
  • Productivity
    Increased productivity through reduced context switching between using a mouse and keyboard, as actions can be executed swiftly using shortcuts.
  • Free and Open Source
    Vimium is available at no cost and its source code can be reviewed and modified, promoting transparency and community-driven enhancements.
  • Cross-Browser Support
    Available as an extension for multiple browsers, allowing users to utilize Vim-like navigation across different environments.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    Users unfamiliar with Vim may find the initial learning process challenging as they adjust to new shortcuts and navigation methods.
  • Limited Mouse Interaction
    Users who prefer or rely heavily on mouse interactions might find Vimium's keyboard-focused approach limiting.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some websites or web applications may not fully support Vimium's features, leading to inconsistent performance or conflicts.
  • Overwhelming for Basic Users
    Casual users or those needing only basic browsing features may find Vimium's advanced options unnecessary and overly complex.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

SelfControl
Vimium

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.

No analysis of Vimium yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
Vimium 3 videos + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Vimium : Intro to using keyboard in your browser

More videos

  • - Quick Look at Vimium Chrome Chromium Firefox Extension
  • - How to browse the web faster using your keyboard and Vimium extension (sous-titres FR)

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
SelfControl
Vimium
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using SelfControl and Vimium. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SelfControl 79 mentions
Vimium 31 mentions

View more

  • GUIs should be fully keyboard-driven
    I use [Vimium](https://vimium.github.io/) for this very reason -- highly recommend it! Although admittedly this only solves for a fully keyboard-driven _browser_ experience. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • GUIs should be fully keyboard-driven
    Https://vimium.github.io/ Hacker browser: allows to navigate browsers without ever needing to use the mouse. I highly recommend it, it's such a productivity booster. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • GUIs should be fully keyboard-driven
    For people who want to navigate browsers only with the keyboard, I recommend vimium https://vimium.github.io/ It's a plugin that enables many keyboard shortcuts, so that you almost don't need to touch the mouse to navigate. For me, it's... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago

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Alternatives to SelfControl and Vimium

When comparing SelfControl and Vimium, you can also consider the following products.