Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

stretchly VS SelfControl

Compare stretchly VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

stretchly logo stretchly

break time reminder app

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.
  • stretchly Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-07
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

stretchly features and specs

  • Open Source
    Stretchly is open source, meaning the code is freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance. This ensures transparency and allows for community contributions which can lead to continuous improvements and rapid bug fixes.
  • Cross-Platform
    The application supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their computing environment.
  • Highly Customizable
    Users can customize the break intervals, notification messages, and settings to match their personal preferences and work schedules, allowing for a highly tailored user experience.
  • Simple Interface
    Stretchly features a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and use even for individuals who are not tech-savvy.
  • Regular Reminders
    It provides regular break reminders to help reduce eye strain, improve posture, and increase productivity by encouraging users to take short breaks from their screen.

Possible disadvantages of stretchly

  • Intrusive Alerts
    While the reminders are beneficial, they can sometimes be seen as intrusive, breaking the user's concentration and workflow, especially during critical tasks.
  • Limited Integration
    Stretchly does not integrate with other productivity tools or calendar applications, which could help synchronize work schedules and breaks more efficiently.
  • Basic Features
    Compared to other professional productivity tools, Stretchly's features might seem basic and lack advanced functionalities such as detailed analytics on screen time and break patterns.
  • Self-Discipline Required
    The effectiveness of the app heavily relies on the user's self-discipline to adhere to the break reminders. Without this discipline, the app might not bring about the desired productivity improvements.
  • Potential for Over-customization
    While customization can be a strength, it can also be a drawback if users spend too much time tweaking settings instead of focusing on their work, potentially leading to reduced productivity.

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 stretchly

Overall verdict

  • Stretchly is a good tool for individuals who need frequent reminders to take breaks while working on a computer. Its user-friendly interface and flexibility make it a popular choice among productivity enthusiasts and wellness advocates.

Why this product is good

  • Stretchly is an open-source app designed to remind users to take regular breaks, promoting better productivity and health. It is lightweight, customizable, and offers a range of break schedules and notification options. The app helps prevent burnout and strain by encouraging users to step away from their screens, thus enhancing overall well-being.

Recommended for

  • Office workers who spend long hours at a desk
  • Freelancers who need to self-manage their breaks
  • Individuals trying to improve their work-life balance
  • Anyone looking to reduce eye strain and physical fatigue from prolonged computer use

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.

stretchly videos

Keep Moving with Stretchly

More videos:

  • Review - Stretchly, the Tech Doctor (Bengali)

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 stretchly and SelfControl)
Time Tracking
32 32%
68% 68
Health And Fitness
100 100%
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100
iPhone
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using stretchly and SelfControl. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl should be more popular than stretchly. 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.

stretchly mentions (21)

  • Show HN: LookAway – My first native macOS app to combat digital eye strain
    Nice job, I think below software are good for windows user too. https://hovancik.net/stretchly/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • LPT request: how to protect your eyesight if you have to use a screen for 12-14 hours a day?
    A similar piece of software (which I use and can recommend) is Stretchly. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Buy a good monitor if you care about your eyes!
    Stretchly is a free open-source cross-platform app that automatically forces you to take breaks, get a glass of water, stand up, look into the distance, move your head, etc. I use it every day and it’s awesome. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Game Developers: How Are You Staying Healthy While Sitting for Long Hours?
    Break time reminder apps like stretchly or workrave. Source: over 3 years ago
  • How to take care of your Health as a Developer
    Take breaks every 20-30 mins. You can use any app to remind you of breaks. I personally used Strechly when I was on Windows, it is a great app for this purpose. On Linux, I use Safe Eyes, same concept, just some UI changes, and more features. - Source: dev.to / almost 4 years ago
View more

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 / 6 months ago
  • Kiki – The accountability monster for people who are easily distracted
    Happy to see it still exists, and free https://selfcontrolapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 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 / about 1 year 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
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

Workrave - Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

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!

Iris - The fastest web framework for Go in (THIS) earth

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

StretchMinder - Work break timer with guided movement & breathing exercises

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat