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uBar VS SelfControl

Compare uBar VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

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

uBar logo uBar

The Dock replacement for the Mac.

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.
  • uBar Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-03
  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

uBar features and specs

  • Customization
    uBar allows for extensive customization options for the dock, including position, size, and appearance, which can enhance user experience and productivity.
  • Window Management
    Improved window management through features like app badges, window previews, and app grouping allows for better multitasking and organization.
  • Multiple Monitor Support
    uBar provides robust support for multiple monitors, including the ability to have different settings and preferences for each monitor.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts which can greatly speed up navigation and task execution for power users.
  • Performance
    uBar is generally lightweight and does not consume a significant amount of system resources, thus maintaining the overall performance of the computer.

Possible disadvantages of uBar

  • Cost
    uBar is a paid application, which might be a deterrent for users who are looking for free solutions.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a learning curve due to the extensive customization and advanced features that may not be immediately intuitive.
  • System Integration
    Occasional issues with integration into the macOS system updates, requiring updates and maintenance from the developers.
  • Limited Trial
    The trial period or free version might be too limited for some users to fully evaluate the software before making a purchase.
  • Compatibility
    Some users might experience compatibility issues with certain third-party applications or older versions of macOS, impacting overall usability.

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 uBar

Overall verdict

  • uBar is generally well-regarded for its versatility and the extensive range of options it provides to customize the user interface and improve productivity. Many users appreciate its ability to replicate a Windows-like taskbar experience on macOS, making it especially attractive to those who prefer or are transitioning from Windows systems.

Why this product is good

  • uBar is a macOS application designed to replace the default Dock, providing enhanced customization and functionality for users who desire a more powerful and efficient workflow. It offers features such as window previews, application badges, grouped window lists, and customizable themes, appealing to users who seek to optimize their screen space and improve task management.

Recommended for

    uBar is recommended for macOS users who want more control over their workspace organization and those who prefer a taskbar-based interface over the traditional macOS Dock. It's ideal for power users, multi-taskers, and anyone seeking to enhance productivity through a personalized and feature-rich docking experience.

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.

uBar videos

+ Add

Amouage "UBAR WOMAN" Fragrance Review

More videos:

  • Review - etrailer | Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar Review

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 uBar and SelfControl)

uBar

SelfControl

Window Manager
100 100%
Window Manager
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
Time Tracking
100% 100
OSX Tools
100 100%
OSX Tools
0% 0
Time Management
0 0%
Time Management
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using uBar 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 should be more popular than uBar. 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.

uBar mentions (10)

  • Is there a way to quickly restart open apps?
    Probably overkill, especially given it's a paid app, but uBar (Dock replacement) has a shortcut that restarts an app: cmd+shift+click on the app icon. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Apple Silicon Is an Inconvenient Truth
    I use uBar, you can have all windows ungrouped on the bar and it should have the title for each window. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Finally seeing the draw to Mac...
    There's always Ubar for an alt to the dock. It's Windows-esq. Https://brawersoftware.com/products/ubar. Source: over 4 years ago
  • How to make easier MacOS for my mom long time user of Windows?
    UBar could help quite a bit. It replaces the MacOS dock with a Windows-style taskbar. That along with Start, which is basically a Windows Start Menu for the Mac, and she should be good to go. Source: almost 5 years ago
  • Multiple MacOS Docks or MacOS Dock Alternatives
    Here is what Iยดve found elsewhere: uBar - Cost 30$ - I havent tested this, purely because I doubt I would be paying 30 bux for a dock, also from screenshots, it seems to be tailored to looking like a windows taskbar, which I am not looking for. Source: almost 5 years ago
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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 / 11 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
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

ActiveDock - Application Launcher, improved Dock for macOS, alternative to Apple Dock, uBar, HyperDock

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!

Tuck - Dock windows to the edge of your screen

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

LayAuto - Automated window management for Mac โœจ

FocusMe - The website blocker you can't cheat

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