Skip to content
cask.news
← Browse all apps

Focus vs SelfControl

Side-by-side comparison for macOS

Focus

8.0
Productivity

Website and application blocker

SelfControl

7.0
Productivity

Block your own access to distracting websites

Metric Focus SelfControl
Category Productivity Productivity
AI Score 8.0 7.0
30-day Installs 20 72
90-day Installs 68 225
365-day Installs 297 931
Version 2.4.1 4.0.2
Auto-updates No Yes
Deprecated No No
GitHub Stars 2.3K 4.3K
GitHub Forks 130 432
Open Issues 108 301
License GPL-3.0 GPL-3.0
Language Jai Objective-C
Last GitHub Commit 1mo ago 4mo ago
First Seen Aug 9, 2023 Nov 9, 2013

Reviews

Focus

Focus is a website and application blocker designed to help users stay productive by blocking distracting sites and apps. It offers a clean, minimalist interface and allows for custom block lists, making it ideal for those looking to improve focus without ads or trackers.

Blocks websites and applications to help users stay focused.

Pros

  • + Clean and minimalist interface
  • + Customizable block lists
  • + No ads or trackers
  • + Active development and support
  • + MacOS compatibility

Cons

  • - No auto-update feature
  • - Low recent installs

SelfControl

SelfControl is a unique app designed to block access to distracting websites, ensuring you stay focused by preventing any undos or restart bypasses. It's ideal for individuals struggling with online distractions, offering a timer-based solution that can't be circumvented.

Blocks access to specific websites for a set period, preventing any workarounds even after a system restart.

Pros

  • + Effectively blocks distracting websites with no easy bypass.
  • + Strong GitHub presence with active contributions.
  • + Free and open-source, promoting transparency and community involvement.

Cons

  • - Open issues regarding time bypassing and compatibility with older macOS versions.
  • - Potential vulnerabilities in core functionality.