Software Alternatives & Startups

Strava VS SelfControl

Compare Strava VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Strava

The #1 app for runners and cyclists

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 should be more popular than Strava. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
21 vs 79
Health And Fitness popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 171

Base details

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

Strava
SelfControl
Website strava.com selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing —
Open source
Company Startup from the United States · 250 - 499 employees · 2009 —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Strava 5 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • Community Engagement
    Strava offers a strong community aspect where users can join clubs, partake in challenges, and interact with friends, fostering motivation and camaraderie.
  • Detailed Analytics
    The platform provides in-depth analytics and statistics about your workouts, including pace, distance, elevation, and heart rate, which can help users track progress effectively.
  • Route Discovery
    Strava enables users to discover new routes and explore different paths through its route-building and heatmap features, enhancing the outdoor exercise experience.
  • Third-Party Integrations
    It offers seamless integration with various devices and apps such as Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple Health, allowing for easy data synchronization across platforms.
  • Segment Competition
    Strava features segments on routes where users can compete for the fastest time, which adds a competitive element and can be highly motivating.

Possible disadvantages

  • Privacy Concerns
    Strava has faced issues regarding user privacy, as detailed workout data can sometimes inadvertently reveal sensitive information about users’ habits and locations.
  • Subscription Cost
    Many of Strava’s more advanced features and analytics require a paid subscription, which can be a deterrent for some users who prefer free services.
  • Overemphasis on Performance
    The platform’s competitive nature and extensive data tracking can sometimes place too much focus on performance metrics, potentially leading to stress or burnout.
  • Cluttered Interface
    Some users feel that the Strava app interface can be cluttered and overwhelming, making it harder to navigate and find specific features or information.
  • Battery Drain
    Using Strava to track long workouts can be taxing on a smartphone’s battery life, which might be a concern for users engaging in extended outdoor activities.
  • 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.

Strava
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Strava is considered a beneficial tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are seeking to track their performance and engage with a like-minded community. With its robust features and user-friendly design, it is well-suited to both casual exercisers and serious athletes.

Why this product is good

  • Strava is widely regarded as a good platform for several reasons. It offers an intuitive interface for tracking and analyzing a wide range of physical activities, primarily running and cycling. The platform provides detailed metrics and analytics that help users understand their performance and progress over time. Strava also has a strong community aspect, allowing users to connect with friends, join clubs, participate in challenges, and share their activities with a global community. Additionally, the ability to create and find new routes further enhances its utility for athletes looking to explore new training grounds.

Recommended for

  • Runners who want to track their distances, pace, and performance over time.
  • Cyclists looking to analyze their rides and connect with other cyclists.
  • Fitness enthusiasts who appreciate social engagement and community challenges.
  • Individuals interested in discovering new routes and challenges.
  • Athletes who want to integrate their training data with other fitness apps or devices.

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.

Strava 3 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

Getting Started with Strava - Top 5 Features

More videos

  • - What Is Strava Summit? The Top Features Explained
  • - Beginners Guide - What Is STRAVA And How To Use It? Basic Features.

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
Strava
SelfControl
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Strava no reviews yet
SelfControl no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

Strava 21 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions
  • F45 Broke My Beloved Strava Integration So I Wrote My Own
    I've been going to F45 for over a year now, and it has completely changed my workout routine. I go almost every day, and I love it. I also love data and tracking my progression, so when they announced a Strava integration in 2024, I was... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • What is up with my estimated best efforts?
    Just go to strava.com (it can't be done from the app), go to the run, and click "correct distance". Source: over 3 years ago
  • Uploaded activity does not show up on my "My Activities" list
    I downloaded the data for this one ride from Garmin Connect and uploaded it to Strava via the "Upload Activity" page on strava.com. The upload seemed to go just fine, but the ride STILL doesn't show up on my Strava dashboard. Source: over 3 years ago

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Alternatives to Strava and SelfControl

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