SelfControl review
A focused, free blocker for Mac users who need sessions that stay locked.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
SelfControl pros and cons
- 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
SelfControl fact sheet, pricing and score →
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