Software Alternatives & Startups

SelfControl VS WorkbookDiff

Compare SelfControl VS WorkbookDiff 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
WorkbookDiff

Browser-local XLSX comparer for Mac and no-Inquire workflows. Aligned value, formula, and hidden-content changes; free CSV. Not a full Excel audit.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
79 vs 0
Time Tracking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 8

Base details

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

SelfControl
WD
WorkbookDiff
Website selfcontrolapp.com workbookdiff.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

About SelfControl and WorkbookDiff

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

SelfControl
WD
WorkbookDiff

No description of SelfControl yet.

WorkbookDiff is a browser-local XLSX version comparer for two coordinate-aligned .xlsx files (up to 20 MiB each). It is meant for Mac and other no-Inquire workflows, when Microsoft Spreadsheet Compare or the Excel Inquire add-in is unavailable. It compares aligned cell values, stored formula...

Read more about WorkbookDiff

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SelfControl 4 features
WD
WorkbookDiff 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.
  • Purpose-Built for Excel Comparison
    WorkbookDiff is specifically designed to compare Excel workbooks, identifying differences in cell values, formulas, formatting, and structure that generic file comparison tools would miss.
  • Time-Saving for Auditors and Analysts
    Automates the tedious manual process of comparing large spreadsheets, which can save significant time for financial analysts, auditors, and anyone who regularly works with version-controlled Excel files.
  • Detects Formula Changes
    Beyond just value differences, it can highlight changes in formulas, which is crucial for catching errors or unauthorized modifications in complex financial models.
  • Web-Based Accessibility
    Being a web-based tool, it can potentially be accessed from any device with a browser without requiring complex software installation, making it convenient for quick comparisons.
  • Reduces Human Error
    By automating the diff process, it reduces the risk of human error that comes with manually scanning through rows and columns to spot changes.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Brand Recognition
    As a niche tool, WorkbookDiff may not have the widespread adoption or community support that more established software solutions have, making it harder to find reviews, tutorials, or peer recommendations.
  • Potential File Size Limitations
    Web-based tools often impose restrictions on file size or complexity, which could be a limitation for users working with very large or highly complex workbooks with thousands of formulas.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    Uploading sensitive financial or business spreadsheets to a third-party web service may raise data security and privacy concerns for organizations with strict compliance requirements.
  • Dependent on Internet Connectivity
    Since it is a web-based service, users need a stable internet connection to use the tool, unlike desktop-based comparison software that can work offline.
  • Possible Learning Curve for Complex Reports
    Interpreting the diff results for very large or intricately linked workbooks might require some learning curve to fully understand the scope and impact of the changes identified.

Analysis

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

SelfControl
WD
WorkbookDiff

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 WorkbookDiff yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SelfControl 2 videos + Add
WD
WorkbookDiff 1 video + Add

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Compare Two XLSX Files Locally | WorkbookDiff Demo

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
WD
WorkbookDiff
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 WorkbookDiff. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

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

SelfControl 79 mentions
WD
WorkbookDiff 0 mentions

View more

Tracking WorkbookDiff since Jul 2026.

Alternatives to SelfControl and WorkbookDiff

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