SelfControl
SelfControl: A focused, free blocker for Mac users who need sessions that stay locked. Ranked #21 of 29 in Distraction Blocking Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users needing persistent website blocking.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac users needing persistent website blocking
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Block targetsWebsites
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Blocks websites, mail servers, and other internet destinations
- Sessions persist after restarting or deleting the application
- Supports allowlists, saved blocklists, and command-line operation
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS
- No mobile apps
- Scheduling features are not verified
Our verdict on SelfControl
SelfControl is a free, open-source macOS application for people who want to restrict access to distracting websites, mail servers, and other internet destinations. Users create a blocklist, choose a blocking duration, and start a session. Its narrow focus suits Mac users who want a direct way to make selected online destinations unavailable during a defined period rather than a broader productivity suite.
SelfControl has a free pricing model with no paid tiers described. The published product details include user-defined blocking duration, allowlists, blocklists, and the ability to save and reopen blocklists. The project is distributed under the GNU GPL and maintained as a volunteer effort. Command-line operation adds another way to run the blocker for users who prefer working outside the main application interface.
The defining feature is its locked-session behavior. A block cannot be stopped early through the app, and it continues after restarting the computer or deleting the application; the timer must expire. That makes SelfControl a fit for users who want deliberate restrictions rather than a blocker that can be easily paused. The trade-off is platform scope: it is limited to macOS, with no mobile apps. Users who need cross-device blocking or verified scheduling should choose a different type of distraction-blocking software, while Mac users seeking persistent website restrictions may find SelfControl’s focused approach appropriate.
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SelfControl pricing
SelfControl fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Block targets | Websites |
| Scheduled blocking | Not verified |
| Recurring schedules | Not verified |
| Locked sessions | Yes |
| Browser extensions | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | None |
| Devices included | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | selfcontrolapp.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to SelfControl
- FreedomA cross-device blocker with scheduling, Locked Mode, and a useful free tier.9.4
- Digital Habits: BlockerBroad desktop and mobile blocking with schedules, focus spaces, and no user-data collection.9.3
- one secA cross-platform blocker with configurable interventions, schedules, strict sessions, and tracking.9.2
See all SelfControl alternatives →
Also Ranked In
SelfControl is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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