Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Session VS SelfControl

Compare Session VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Session logo Session

Complete photo session booking platform

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.
  • Session Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-22
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Session features and specs

  • End-to-End Encryption
    Session employs end-to-end encryption to ensure that messages are only readable by the sender and the receiver, enhancing privacy and security.
  • Anonymous Signup
    Users do not need to provide a phone number or email address to create an account, adding an extra layer of privacy and anonymity.
  • Decentralized Network
    Powered by a decentralized network of nodes, Session avoids central points of failure and reduces the risk of data breaches.
  • Cross-Platform Functionality
    Session is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source application, Session allows anyone to inspect its code for security vulnerabilities and contribute to its development.

Possible disadvantages of Session

  • Limited Features
    Compared to other messaging apps, Session may lack some advanced features such as video calling, custom emojis, and a wide range of integrations.
  • Performance Issues
    Due to its decentralized nature and heavy reliance on encryption, users may occasionally experience slower message delivery times and app performance.
  • Lower User Base
    With a smaller user base compared to mainstream messaging apps, users might find it challenging to convince friends and family to switch to Session.
  • UI/UX Limitations
    The user interface and experience might not be as polished or intuitive as other popular messaging apps, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve for new users.
  • Dependence on Node Network Stability
    The stability of the messaging service relies on the decentralized network of nodes, which can be less predictable than traditional server-based infrastructures.

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 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.

Session videos

Skater XL vs Session | Direct Comparison

More videos:

  • Review - Session Is The Most Realistic Skate Game | Session Gameplay And Impressions
  • Review - THE SESSION UPDATE IS FINALLY HERE! | Session

SelfControl videos

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 Session and SelfControl)
Productivity
38 38%
62% 62
Time Tracking
21 21%
79% 79
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100
Task Management
100 100%
0% 0

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.

Session mentions (0)

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

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 / 5 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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What are some alternatives?

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

Be Focused by XWaveSoft - Simple Pomodoro timer in your Mac's menu bar

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!

Magic Flow - Generate high-converting landing page copy using GPT-3

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

FocusBear.io - Build habit routines, take better breaks, and ban distractions.

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