The SelfControl Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about SelfControl in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
SelfControl
The Insider’s Guide
Free Mac app that blocks distracting sites until a timer ends
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among focus apps, read from SelfControl’s own pages.
Made by Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert · checked Oct 5, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from SelfControl’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on SelfControl’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 5, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.8
GPA, above 41 of the 65 other focus apps we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about SelfControl, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No store rating on record, but the whole app is three steps: set a duration, add your sites, click Start.
- 1
Best for a free Mac blocker you can't switch off mid-block
SelfControl is a free, open-source Mac app that blocks the sites you list until a timer runs out, and restarting the Mac or deleting the app won't lift the block.
- 2
It is free
SelfControl has no paid plan at all. Free and open-source software under the GNU GPL. The site lists no paid version.
- 3
It runs on macOS
macOS.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
A 2.8 GPA, above 41 of 65
That is against the other focus apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
SelfControl is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
SelfControl at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS
- Made by
- Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert
- Category
- Focus Apps
- Our grade
- 2.8 GPA, good
The report card
Best for a free Mac blocker you can't switch off mid-block
SelfControl is a free, open-source Mac app that blocks the sites you list until a timer runs out, and restarting the Mac or deleting the app won't lift the block. It's Mac only with no plans for anything else, there's no scheduling, a block can't be ended early, it misbehaves over a VPN, and support replies can take months.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free and open source under the GNU GPL, with no paid version, where Mac blockers like Focus ask $49 once. It's a volunteer project. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The complete app is free: timed blocks, blocklists or allowlists, saved lists and a command-line interface. There is nothing to upgrade to. |
| Features | C | Blocks that hold until the timer ends, even after a restart or deleting the app, with a blocklist or allowlist that can name mail servers and ports. That one job, done fully. The gaps are its own FAQ's: no scheduling or recurring blocks, and blocks don't work properly over a VPN. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but the whole app is three steps: set a duration, add your sites, click Start. Two warnings: Firefox has to be quit and restarted after a block begins, and the FAQ says support replies can take months. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | macOS and nothing else. The project's FAQ says there are no plans for Windows, Linux or iOS versions, so it's one operating system, with nothing it connects to. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who SelfControl is for
- Fits if you want a free Mac blocker you can't switch off halfway through
- Works for people who need the same few sites gone for a set number of hours
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're not on a Mac, as there are no plans for any other version
- Not for you if you want blocks on a schedule, since it has no scheduling or recurring blocks
- Too light for anyone who works over a VPN, because blocks don't work properly on one
- Watch out: Firefox has to be quit and restarted after each block starts
- Watch out: it's kept up by volunteers, almost entirely one person, and the FAQ says support replies can take months
Good to know
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
SelfControl is free to use.
The complete app is free: timed blocks, blocklists or allowlists, saved lists and a command-line interface.
SelfControl
$0
The complete Mac app: timed blocks, blocklists or allowlists, saved lists and a command-line interface.
The free plan
Free and open-source software under the GNU GPL. The site lists no paid version.
Read from selfcontrolapp.com on Oct 5, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: macOS
Free Mac app that blocks distracting sites until a timer ends. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, site & app blocker.
The gaps are its own FAQ's: no scheduling or recurring blocks, and blocks don't work properly over a VPN.
- 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.
Where it runs
- macOS
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
SelfControl is made by Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
41/65
Other focus apps it is graded above
SelfControl's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 41 of the 65 other focus apps we grade, and level with 9.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 53 of 65) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
SelfControl has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 66 focus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. SelfControl’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 40 of 65
- AFree plan and trialAbove 53 of 65
- CFeaturesAbove 3 of 65
- BEase of useAbove 17 of 65
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 65
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 56 focus apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. SelfControl is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
SelfControl is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
What you could not
- Blocking that reaches every browser and app and is hard to switch off.
- A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. SelfControl’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom, Focus and LeechBlock NG
The 4 tools SelfControl is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Cold Turkey Blocker
Free plan · from $45 one-time
Website and app blocker for Windows and Mac with strict locks.
- Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a Windows app.
- Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a browser extension.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.2GPA
Freedom
Free plan · from $3.33/mo
Website and app blocker that runs across computers and phones.
- Only Freedom lists Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Only Freedom lists a browser extension.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
Focus
Free trial · from $49 one-time
Mac app that blocks distracting websites and apps on a schedule.
- SelfControl has a free plan. Focus does not, though it has a free trial.
- SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
- Focus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
LeechBlock NG
Free
Free browser extension that blocks time-wasting sites on a schedule.
- Only SelfControl lists a macOS app.
- Only LeechBlock NG lists a browser extension.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is SelfControl free?
Yes. SelfControl is free to use.
How much does SelfControl cost?
SelfControl lists one plan. SelfControl: $0.
What platforms does SelfControl work on?
SelfControl is available on macOS.
Does SelfControl have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. SelfControl is listed for macOS.
Does SelfControl have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. SelfControl is listed for macOS.
Is SelfControl open source?
Yes. SelfControl is open source, according to its own site.
Who makes SelfControl?
SelfControl is made by Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert.
What are the alternatives to SelfControl?
The closest alternatives to SelfControl in our directory are Cold Turkey Blocker, Freedom, Focus and LeechBlock NG.
How does SelfControl compare with other focus apps?
SelfControl's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 41 of the 65 other focus apps we grade, and level with 9.
Is SelfControl good value for money?
ToolGPA grades SelfControl A for value for money. SelfControl has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of SelfControl?
SelfControl is free, so making your own would save you nothing. What you could not make: Blocking that reaches every browser and app and is hard to switch off.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from SelfControl’s own pages on Oct 5, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from SelfControl's own pages on 5 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-02-11.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert. Prices change, so check selfcontrolapp.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- SelfControl, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/selfcontrol
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "SelfControl: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 5, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/selfcontrol
Know someone choosing between focus apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/selfcontrol/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded focus apps after SelfControl, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Focus Apps Insider's GuideEvery one of the 66 focus apps we grade, compared
- ScreenZen Insider's GuideFree app that delays and blocks distracting apps and sites3.6 GPA
- Flora Insider's GuideFree focus timer that grows trees, alone or with friends3.2 GPA
- Flow Insider's GuideMinimal Pomodoro timer for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what SelfControl’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. SelfControl is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Charlie Stigler and Steve Lambert. Prices and plans change: check selfcontrolapp.com before you buy.