HazeOver vs SelfControl

HazeOver

• Large or multiple displays, where the active window is easy to lose
• Cutting glare from bright background windows, especially in Dark Mode
• Cleaner screenshots and screen recordings with the background dimmed
• Mac users who automate their setup with Shortcuts or Focus modes

SelfControl

• Mac users who want a free blocker they cannot switch off mid-block
• Blocking a fixed list of sites for a set number of hours
• People who prefer open-source software they can inspect or modify

HazeOver

• Mac only: the current version needs macOS Ventura 13 or later, with older builds offered for earlier systems.
• It only dims background windows; it does not block apps or websites or time work sessions.
• There is no free plan, and the site does not say how long the free trial lasts.
• When every window of the current app is closed or minimized, the whole screen dims until you switch to another app.

SelfControl

• macOS only: the project's FAQ says there are no plans for Windows, Linux or iOS versions.
• A running block cannot be ended early, and the app has no built-in scheduling or recurring blocks.
• Blocks do not work properly over a VPN, and Firefox has to be quit and restarted after each block starts.
• It is maintained by volunteers, almost entirely one person, and the FAQ warns that support replies can take months.

HazeOver

Automatic window dimming

HazeOver highlights the frontmost window or app as you switch and fades everything behind it. The desktop is revealed automatically when you use it.

Adjustable intensity and color

Dimming runs from a light shade to a fully opaque background, with a custom color and a fade lasting up to 5 seconds. Scrolling over the menu bar icon changes the intensity.

Multiple display modes

It can highlight the front window on each connected screen or dim the displays without keyboard focus, and dimming can be turned off for a specific display.

Light and Dark appearance settings

Separate dimming settings are saved for the Light and Dark system appearance, so dimming can switch on, or change strength, along with Dark Mode.

Shortcuts, Focus filters and AppleScript

Dimming state and settings can be automated with the Shortcuts app, Focus filters that revert when a Focus mode ends, and AppleScript. A Raycast extension adds quick commands.

Quick toggles

A keyboard shortcut or a double-click on the menu bar icon turns dimming on or off, and holding the Fn key pauses it while you drag between apps.

SelfControl

Blocks that cannot be undone

Set a duration, add sites to the blocklist and click Start. The block holds until the timer expires, even after a restart or deleting the app.

Blocklist or allowlist

Block the domains you list, or switch to an allowlist that permits only its entries. Entries can also name mail servers or specific ports.

Saved lists

A list can be saved as a file from the File menu and opened again later or on another Mac, where it replaces the current list.

Command-line interface

SelfControl can be run from the Terminal, which lets advanced users write scripts that start blocks.

Blocks longer than 24 hours

Longer blocks are possible but hidden by default; the project wiki explains how to enable them and advises testing a list with a short block first.

HazeOver

• HazeOver$4.99

  one-time purchase

  A license from the vendor's store at $4.99 USD, or the app on the US Mac App Store at the same price. Optional tips of $5, $7 or $15 can be added at checkout.

SelfControl

• SelfControl$0

  The complete Mac app: timed blocks, blocklists or allowlists, saved lists and a command-line interface.

HazeOver

• Education

  Student discount

  The buy page says HazeOver is available with a student discount and links to Student App Centre for it. The page does not state the amount.

• Other savings

  Also available through Setapp

  The buy page says HazeOver is available to Setapp subscribers, and the download page lists a Setapp Subscription option next to the Mac App Store and direct download.

SelfControl

No public discounts listed.