Software Alternatives & Startups

Steam Deck VS SelfControl

Compare Steam Deck VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Steam Deck

Steam Deck is a portable gaming PC with a custom Steam Deck APU built in partnership with AMD its optimized for handheld gaming and can run AAA titles.

Rating
0 reviews
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
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

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
0 vs 79
Games popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
17 vs 237

Base details

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

Steam Deck
SelfControl
Website steamdeck.com selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Steam Deck 5 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • Portability
    The Steam Deck is designed to be portable, allowing users to play PC games on the go, which offers flexibility compared to traditional gaming setups.
  • Steam Library Access
    It provides access to the extensive Steam library, enabling users to play their existing PC games on the device without needing to repurchase them.
  • Performance
    The Steam Deck is equipped with custom AMD APU, offering respectable performance for a handheld device, capable of running a wide range of modern games.
  • Versatility
    Users can install other game stores and applications since the Steam Deck runs a version of Linux, providing a PC-like experience.
  • Expandable Storage
    The device supports microSD cards, allowing users to expand storage space beyond the built-in capacity, making it easier to manage a larger library of games.

Possible disadvantages

  • Battery Life
    Due to its powerful hardware, the Steam Deck can have a relatively short battery life, particularly when running demanding games, which limits long-duration gaming sessions without charging.
  • Size and Weight
    As a handheld device, it might feel bulky and heavy for some users, which can make it less comfortable for extended gaming sessions on the go.
  • Limited Native Support
    Despite its compatibility, not all PC games run natively on Linux, which could lead to compatibility issues or require the use of compatibility layers such as Proton.
  • Price
    The Steam Deck's price might be prohibitive for some consumers, especially when compared to other handheld gaming consoles on the market.
  • Controller Layout
    Its unique controller layout, which combines trackpads and thumbsticks, might not be comfortable or intuitive for all players, leading to a learning curve.
  • 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.

Analysis

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

Steam Deck
SelfControl

No analysis of Steam Deck yet.

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.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Steam Deck 3 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

Steam Deck Final Review

More videos

  • - Steam Deck - Before You Buy
  • - The Steam Deck is Incomplete

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

More videos

  • - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

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
Steam Deck
SelfControl
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
PC
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Steam Deck and SelfControl. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

Steam Deck 0 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions

Tracking Steam Deck since Nov 2021.

View more

Alternatives to Steam Deck and SelfControl

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