SelfControl
A free, open-source Mac app that blocks distracting websites until a timer runs out.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 3
- Approved reviews
- 0
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About SelfControl
SelfControl is a macOS app for blocking yourself from distracting sites. You add domains to a blocklist (or set an allowlist), choose how long the block lasts, and press Start. Until the timer ends, those sites, mail servers or anything else on the list stay unreachable, even if you restart the Mac or delete the app, which is the whole point: there is no off switch to reach for in a weak moment. It works at the system level, so the block applies to every browser and app. SelfControl is free and open source under the GNU GPL, with its code on GitHub, and it has been around for well over a decade. It is Mac only and does one thing; there are no schedules, app blocking, phone apps or syncing across devices, which paid tools like Freedom and Cold Turkey offer.
Best for: Mac users who want a free, no-escape website block for focused work sessions.
Pros and cons
What works
- Completely free and open source
- Blocks can't be undone by restarting or deleting the app
- System-wide, so it covers every browser and internet app
Why people leave
- Mac only, with no Windows, phone or browser versions
- No scheduled or recurring blocks; each block is started by hand
- Blocks websites and servers, not desktop apps
Top SelfControl alternatives
See all 3- 1
Cold Turkey Blocker66.5Adds app blocking, schedules and stricter locks, and runs on Windows as well as Mac.
- 2
Freedom62.6Syncs blocks across Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android and Chromebook, with scheduled sessions.
- 3
LeechBlock NG59.6Free open-source browser extension with time limits and schedules, on any OS with Firefox or Chrome.
Why people left SelfControl
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SelfControl: common questions
Is SelfControl free?
Yes. SelfControl is free, open-source software.
Is SelfControl open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at SelfControlApp/selfcontrol.
What platforms does SelfControl run on?
SelfControl is available for macOS.
What are the best alternatives to SelfControl?
The highest-ranked SelfControl alternatives right now are Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom and LeechBlock NG. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.