Software Alternatives & Startups

Toast VS SelfControl

Compare Toast VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Toast

Built to make restaurants better. Toast gives your restaurant the technology you need to succeed in today's fast-paced environment.

Toast Landing page
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.

SelfControl Landing page
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 Toast. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
11 vs 79
Payments Processing popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 236

Base details

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

Toast
SelfControl
Website pos.toasttab.com selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing
Open source
Company Startup from the United States Β· 1,000 - 1,999 employees Β· 2011 β€”
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Toast 5 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Toast offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, which simplifies the training process for staff and minimizes operational errors.
  • Comprehensive Features
    The platform includes a wide range of features such as table management, online ordering, and inventory tracking, providing a complete solution for restaurant operations.
  • Integrated Payment Processing
    Toast includes its own payment processing, making transactions seamless and secure, and offering transparent pricing without the need for third-party processors.
  • Cloud-Based System
    Being cloud-based, Toast allows real-time access to data from any device with an internet connection, facilitating remote management and decision-making.
  • Regular Updates and Support
    Toast regularly updates its software to include new features and improvements, and it offers robust customer support to assist users with any issues.

Possible disadvantages

  • High Initial Cost
    The upfront cost of setting up Toast can be significant, which may be a barrier for small or budget-conscious restaurants.
  • Long-Term Contracts
    Toast often requires long-term contracts, which can limit flexibility and pose a risk if the system doesn't meet the restaurant's needs over time.
  • Dependency on Internet
    As a cloud-based system, Toast relies on a stable internet connection. Any disruption can affect the functionality and accessibility of the system.
  • Limited Customization
    Some users may find that the customization options in Toast are limited compared to other POS systems, which could restrict tailored experiences for specific restaurant needs.
  • Potential Overwhelming Features
    The wide array of features might be overwhelming for smaller operations that don’t need extensive functionalities, potentially making the system complex to navigate.
  • 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.

Toast
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Toast is considered a strong POS solution for restaurants of various sizes due to its robust capabilities, industry focus, and ease of use. However, whether it is the best choice depends on the specific needs and budget of the restaurant.

Why this product is good

  • Toast is a popular point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants and the foodservice industry. It is praised for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive feature set, and industry-specific solutions that help streamline restaurant operations. Toast offers features such as menu management, inventory tracking, online ordering, delivery integration, and real-time analytics. Its cloud-based system allows for easy updates and remote access, making it a reliable choice for restaurant owners looking to improve efficiency and customer service.

Recommended for

    Toast is particularly recommended for small to medium-sized restaurants, quick-service restaurants, cafes, and bars that are looking for a comprehensive POS system with built-in features for managing different aspects of restaurant operations. It is also suitable for restaurant owners who value a cloud-based system with the flexibility to grow with their business.

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.

Toast 3 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

Eating Toast For The First Time. A REVIEW 🍞 (A Spoof)

More videos

  • Review - Greg Doucette's Anabolic French Toast | Review
  • Review - JANJI JIWA JUAL ROTI BAKAR ? SUKSES / GAGAL TOTAL ? - REVIEW JIWA TOAST - Makanan Kekinian

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

More videos

  • Review - 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
Toast
SelfControl
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
POS
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Toast 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.

Toast no reviews yet
SelfControl no reviews yet

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

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

Toast 11 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions
  • Problems with Grubhub?
    Toast is the point of sale system that many restaurants use - it integrates a lots of aspects of the restaurant https://pos.toasttab.com/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • What is the best CRM for a small business?
    Hey! I'm not as familiar with the restaurant space but I've heard good things about Toast. You may need to use their point-of-sale system to get the full benefits, but they do have a CRM, ERP tools, and some marketing capabilities built... Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Waitstaff, do you prefer separate checks for parties of 10-15 or waiting for them to figure out how to split the check?
    For others who are confused: Toast is a point-of-sale (POS) app used by restaurants to charge customers. Source: almost 4 years ago

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Alternatives to Toast and SelfControl

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