# SelfControl

> Free Mac app that blocks distracting sites until a timer ends

SelfControl is a free, open-source Mac app that blocks your own access to chosen websites, mail servers or other internet addresses for a set period. Once a block starts it cannot be stopped: it stays in force until the timer runs out, even if you restart the computer or delete the app. It is a volunteer project licensed under the GNU GPL.

- **Category:** Focus Apps
- **Made by:** Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert
- **Website:** https://selfcontrolapp.com
- **Runs on:** macOS
- **Facts last checked:** Oct 5, 2026

## Pricing

SelfControl is free to use.

- **Pricing model:** Free
- **Free plan:** Free and open-source software under the GNU GPL. The site lists no paid version.
- **Free trial:** None listed.

| Plan | Price | What you get |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SelfControl | $0 | The complete Mac app: timed blocks, blocklists or allowlists, saved lists and a command-line interface. |

Read from https://selfcontrolapp.com/ on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with SelfControl before buying.

## Key features

- **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.

## Good for

- 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

## Worth knowing

- 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.

**Tags:** Site & app blocker, Open source

## Alternatives

- [Cold Turkey Blocker](https://toolgpa.com/tools/cold-turkey): Website and app blocker for Windows and Mac with strict locks. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/cold-turkey-vs-selfcontrol)
- [Freedom](https://toolgpa.com/tools/freedom): Website and app blocker that runs across computers and phones. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/freedom-vs-selfcontrol)
- [Focus](https://toolgpa.com/tools/focus-app): Mac app that blocks distracting websites and apps on a schedule. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/focus-app-vs-selfcontrol)
- [LeechBlock NG](https://toolgpa.com/tools/leechblock-ng): Free browser extension that blocks time-wasting sites on a schedule. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/leechblock-ng-vs-selfcontrol)

## Sources

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026:

- https://selfcontrolapp.com/
- https://github.com/SelfControlApp/selfcontrol
- https://github.com/SelfControlApp/selfcontrol/wiki/FAQ

Page: https://toolgpa.com/tools/selfcontrol
Listed by ToolGPA (toolgpa.com).