Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SelfControl VS Writeathon

Compare SelfControl VS Writeathon 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.

Writeathon logo Writeathon

A minimal writing tool
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19
  • Writeathon Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-24

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.

Writeathon features and specs

  • Structured Environment
    Writeathon provides a well-structured environment that can help writers focus and organize their tasks effectively, leading to increased productivity.
  • Community Support
    The platform fosters a community of writers, offering support and encouragement which can be motivating and enriching for users.
  • Goal Setting Features
    Writeathon allows users to set and track writing goals, helping writers maintain a clear focus and momentum in their projects.
  • Variety of Writing Events
    The platform hosts various writing events and challenges, providing opportunities for writers to engage and improve their skills in a fun and competitive environment.

Possible disadvantages of Writeathon

  • Language Limitation
    The primary language of the platform is Chinese, which might limit usability for non-Chinese speakers who are interested in participating.
  • Internet Dependency
    Users must have a reliable internet connection to access and participate in Writeathon's features, which might not be convenient for everyone.
  • Potential Distractions
    While community features are beneficial, they can also become a source of distraction, leading writers away from their primary focus.
  • Limited Platform Reach
    As a niche platform, Writeathon may not have the same reach or recognition as larger writing platforms, which might restrict networking opportunities with a broader audience.

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

Writeathon videos

The Race to 20,000 Words | One 24 Hour Writeathon to Win NaNoWriMo

More videos:

  • Review - ANNOUNCING THE 24-HOUR (RE)WRITEATHON & how I'm prepping since it's less than 24 hours away, AHHHH!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SelfControl and Writeathon)
Time Tracking
100 100%
0% 0
Writing Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Time Management
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
87 87%
13% 13

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 / 7 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 / 12 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

Writeathon mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Writeathon yet. Tracking of Writeathon recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SelfControl and Writeathon, 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!

iA Writer - Minimal Design, Maximum Focus

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

Breveto - The writing app you'll fall in love with.

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

Telescope - Telescope is an open-source app that lets you easily set up your own online community.