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SpeedBump VS SelfControl

Compare SpeedBump VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Tempreon
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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

SpeedBump logo SpeedBump

The intentionally annoying app to break doomscrolling

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.
Not present
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

SpeedBump features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

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 SpeedBump

Overall verdict

  • SpeedBump is a helpful digital wellness tool that adds intentional friction to app usage, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to reduce mindless scrolling and build healthier screen habits.

Why this product is good

  • It introduces deliberate pauses or 'speed bumps' before opening distracting apps, encouraging more mindful usage
  • Helps break automatic habits like reflexively opening social media
  • Lightweight and easy to set up without requiring complex configuration
  • Focuses on gentle behavioral nudges rather than harsh blocking, which many users find more sustainable
  • Supports building long-term awareness of screen time and digital habits

Recommended for

  • People struggling with social media addiction or compulsive phone checking
  • Users who want to reduce screen time without fully blocking apps
  • Students and professionals seeking better focus and fewer distractions
  • Anyone interested in digital wellness and mindful technology use
  • Those who have found strict app blockers too rigid and want a gentler alternative

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.

SpeedBump videos

+ Add

THE REUSCH SPEEDBUMP #shorts

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 SpeedBump and SelfControl)

SpeedBump

SelfControl

Productivity
12 12%
Productivity
88% 88
Time Tracking
7 7%
Time Tracking
93% 93
Time Management
9 9%
Time Management
91% 91
Project Management
100 100%
Project Management
0% 0

User comments

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

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than SpeedBump. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 1 mention of SpeedBump. 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.

SpeedBump mentions (1)

  • Ask HN: What are you working on? (April 2025)
    I've been building an intentionally annoying app against doomscrolling [1]. I've recently started with marketing, but oh boy is that out of my comfort zone! I never thought that as an engineer I'd be doing TikToks. And here I am. It's fun to crack the algorithm little by little, but also frustrating because it's like a black box. So far, I've discovered that going to the point works best. For example, I was... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago

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 / 6 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
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What are some alternatives?

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

clearspace - make your phone less addicting

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!

DopaScore - Track your Digital Tension, way more than screen time.

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

BePresent - Duolingo for reducing screen time

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

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