Software Alternatives & Startups

Ubuntu Touch VS SelfControl

Compare Ubuntu Touch VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Ubuntu Touch

Read more about Ubuntu Touch. Our free and open source mobile OS is made and maintained by UBports! We care about your freedom and privacy.

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 Ubuntu Touch. It has been mentioned 79 times since March 2021.

social mentions
32 vs 79
Mobile OS popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
100 vs 171

Base details

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

Ubuntu Touch
SelfControl
Website ubuntu-touch.io selfcontrolapp.com
Pricing —
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Ubuntu Touch 5 features
SelfControl 4 features
  • Open Source
    Ubuntu Touch is an open-source project, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and improve. This can lead to enhanced security and flexibility.
  • Privacy-focused
    Ubuntu Touch places a strong emphasis on privacy and does not track user data. This can be appealing for users who are concerned about data privacy and security.
  • No Bloatware
    Unlike many other mobile operating systems, Ubuntu Touch does not come pre-loaded with unnecessary applications, providing a cleaner, more efficient user experience.
  • Convergence
    Ubuntu Touch aims for seamless convergence between devices, allowing for a more unified experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
  • Community Support
    The operating system is backed by a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its development, provide support, and create a variety of applications.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited App Availability
    The app ecosystem for Ubuntu Touch is significantly smaller than that of Android or iOS, which may limit the choice and availability of popular applications.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Ubuntu Touch is only compatible with a limited number of devices. This can make it difficult for users to find supported hardware.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report that Ubuntu Touch may not be as smooth or performant as other operating systems, especially on older or lower-end devices.
  • Learning Curve
    Users who are accustomed to Android or iOS might find Ubuntu Touch's user interface and functionalities different and potentially challenging to adapt to initially.
  • Limited Commercial Support
    There is limited commercial support for Ubuntu Touch. Users primarily rely on community support, which might not be sufficient for all needs, especially in a business environment.
  • 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.

Ubuntu Touch
SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Ubuntu Touch is a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and privacy-conscious users who are comfortable with Linux-based systems and appreciate open-source software. It is not as polished or app-rich as mainstream mobile operating systems like iOS or Android due to its smaller market share and developer base. Therefore, while it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those reliant on mainstream app ecosystems, it provides a viable, privacy-focused alternative for users willing to embrace its unique attributes.

Why this product is good

  • Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system based on Ubuntu Linux, developed by UBports. It is designed to be open-source, privacy-focused, and offers a unique convergence feature that allows users to connect their devices to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to use it as a desktop computer. It is particularly appealing to users who value data privacy, software transparency, and who support open-source ecosystems. Ubuntu Touch also allows users to escape the iOS and Android duopoly, offering an alternative that aligns with open-source principles. Additionally, the OS is known for its customizable user interface, the ability to run Linux applications, and its supportive community.

Recommended for

  • Tech enthusiasts who are experienced with Linux
  • Privacy-conscious users seeking an alternative to Android and iOS
  • Supporters of open-source software and communities
  • Users interested in a convergence feature to transform their mobile device into a desktop experience
  • Developers and hobbyists seeking a platform for experimentation

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.

Ubuntu Touch 3 videos + Add
SelfControl 2 videos + Add

REVIEW: Ubuntu Touch Smartphone OS!

More videos

  • - Ubuntu Touch OS - Community Requested Overview
  • - Ubuntu Touch OS Review || Amazing Feautures || MultiTasking || Latest Version 2020 || Must Watch..

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
Ubuntu Touch
SelfControl
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

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

Ubuntu Touch no reviews yet
SelfControl no reviews yet

View more

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.

Ubuntu Touch 32 mentions
SelfControl 79 mentions

View more

View more

Alternatives to Ubuntu Touch and SelfControl

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