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Serene VS SelfControl

Compare Serene VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

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Serene logo Serene

The macOS app to get your focus back

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.
  • Serene Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-08-28
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Serene features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    Serene offers a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easy for users to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Focus on Deep Work
    The app encourages deep work by allowing users to set focus sessions and breaks, helping improve productivity and concentration.
  • Task Prioritization Features
    Serene allows users to prioritize tasks efficiently, which aids in managing workload and ensures the most important tasks are completed first.
  • Time Management Tools
    The app provides robust time management tools, including countdown timers and productivity tracking, to help users stay on schedule.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Serene integrates with various other tools and platforms, providing a seamless experience across different productivity systems.

Possible disadvantages of Serene

  • Limited Feature Set
    Compared to some other productivity apps, Serene may offer fewer features, potentially lacking advanced functionalities needed by some users.
  • Subscription Costs
    Serene operates on a subscription model, which could represent a recurring cost that might not be ideal for all users, especially those looking for free solutions.
  • Lack of Mobile App
    As of now, there might be limited support for mobile devices, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer managing tasks on-the-go.
  • Learning Curve for Beginners
    While designed to be user-friendly, some beginners might find it challenging to fully utilize all features at the initial stage.
  • Notification Management
    Users may experience issues with managing notifications effectively, which can be distracting rather than helpful.

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.

Analysis of Serene

Overall verdict

  • Serene is generally considered a good choice for those looking to enhance their focus and productivity. Its user-friendly interface and effective features serve well for individuals seeking to improve their work habits. However, its effectiveness can vary based on personal work preferences and requirements.

Why this product is good

  • Serene is a productivity tool designed to help individuals and teams focus on their tasks by minimizing distractions and promoting effective work habits. It offers features like session timers, task prioritization, and a focus music player. These tools can be beneficial in maintaining concentration and improving overall productivity.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who struggle with managing distractions.
  • Freelancers and remote workers seeking structure in their work routines.
  • Anyone looking to prioritize tasks effectively and enhance focus during work sessions.
  • Small teams looking for a shared productivity tool to coordinate focus efforts.

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.

Serene videos

+ Add

Lytton Sleep Serene l A New Favorite l Mattress Review

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SelfControl videos

+ Add

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

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Serene and SelfControl)

Serene

SelfControl

Productivity
26 26%
Productivity
74% 74
Time Tracking
17 17%
Time Tracking
83% 83
Office & Productivity
100 100%
Office & Productivity
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
Time Management
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Serene. While we know about 75 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 1 mention of Serene. 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.

Serene mentions (1)

SelfControl mentions (75)

  • 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 1 year ago
  • App to prevent distractions at work
    It is SelfControl. It is open-source and free. You select the website you want to block and the time. The moment you click the button no matter what you do, you can forget about accessing those websites until the time is over; there is no cancel button. Restarted mac won't work, you can delete the app no luck. Source: over 1 year ago
  • App to prevent distractions at work
    The SelfControl app lets you specify web sites that will be blocked. When you run the app, you specify a countdown timer, during which time those apps will be inaccessible. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Finals season
    - https://selfcontrolapp.com/ this is free app. block off all social media and time wasters .. Only for mac. if there is nothing to be distracted... IMO I eventually be bored and I was able to get into the zone... Not right away... But I told my self... Today I study... And I stay in the study room. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for the right app
    Apps I have tried and are not enough: - https://heyfocus.com/ - https://freedom.to/ - https://selfcontrolapp.com/ - https://www.forestapp.cc/ - https://www.rescuetime.com/. Source: over 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

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

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

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!

Stay Focused - More suitable with Google Chrome, this service enables you ensure you do not waste precious time on updating Facebook status or chatting with people.

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

Noiz.io - Summarize YouTube videos with AI

WasteNoTime - WasteNoTime is a browser extension that helps you stay focused by automatically blocking unproductive websites.

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