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SelfControl

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What SelfControl is

SelfControl is a free, open-source macOS app for blocking distracting internet destinations during a set period. Users add sites to a blocklist, choose a block duration, and start the timer. It can block websites, mail servers, or other internet access. Once started, a block remains until the timer expires, even if the computer is restarted or the app is deleted. The maker offers a current download for Mac OS X 10.10 and later, along with an older version for Mac OS X 10.8 and later. SelfControl is licensed under the GNU GPL and has been translated into 12 languages. Since version 4.0, it may send anonymized system data when checking for updates and anonymized error reports after errors or crashes. Users can disable both types of collection in preferences. The privacy policy says personally identifying data is never collected; error reports use Sentry and may include app settings, but not the blocklist or identifying details. The maker credits Charlie Stigler, Steve Lambert, and other contributors.

Who it suits

SelfControl suits macOS users who want timed blocks on distracting websites or other internet destinations. It may appeal to users looking for an open-source app with a block that persists through restarts.

What it does well

  • Free and open-source under the GNU GPL.
  • Blocks websites, mail servers, or other internet access.
  • Blocks persist through restarts and app deletion.
  • Users can disable anonymized update and error reporting.

What to know first

  • Available for macOS only.
  • No mobile apps are listed.
  • Blocks remain active until the timer expires.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
SelfControlmacOS app · blocks websites, mail servers, or other internet accessFree

As selfcontrolapp.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Visit https://selfcontrolapp.com/.
  2. Choose the current Mac OS X 10.10+ download or the older Mac OS X 10.8+ version.
  3. Install and open the macOS application.
  4. Add targets to the blocklist, choose a block period and start the timer.

Verdict

SelfControl offers a focused way to put selected internet destinations out of reach for a chosen period. Its macOS-only availability and persistent blocks are central considerations before starting a session.

Questions

How much does SelfControl cost?

SelfControl is free, with a listed price of $0.

Which devices does it support?

SelfControl is for macOS. The maker offers a current download for Mac OS X 10.10+ and an older version for Mac OS X 10.8+.

What can it block?

It can block websites, mail servers or other internet access.

Is SelfControl open source?

Yes. It is licensed under the GNU GPL.

Does SelfControl collect data?

Since version 4.0, it may send anonymized system data for update checks and anonymized error reports. Both can be disabled in preferences; the policy says personal data tied to an individual is never collected.

Who maintains SelfControl?

The maker credits Charlie Stigler, Steve Lambert and other contributors.

Facts from SelfControl's own pages

Block persistence
A block remains in effect until its timer expires, even if the user restarts the computer or deletes the application. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Error reporting
Error reports use Sentry and may include SelfControl settings, but the policy says they do not include the blocklist or identifying details. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
How it works
Users set a block period, add sites to a blocklist, and start the timer. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Integrations
The privacy policy identifies Sentry as the service used for anonymized error reports. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Languages
The maker says SelfControl has been translated into 12 languages. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Maintainers
The maker credits Charlie Stigler, Steve Lambert, and other contributors. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Open source
SelfControl is open-source software licensed under the GNU GPL. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Platform support
The maker describes SelfControl as an application for macOS and offers a current download for Mac OS X 10.10+ and an older version for Mac OS X 10.8+. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Privacy controls
Users can disable both types of data collection in preferences, and the policy says personal data tied to an individual is never collected. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Privacy data
Since version 4.0, the app can send anonymized system data when checking for updates and anonymized error reports if an error or crash occurs. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
SelfControl is a free Mac application that helps users avoid distracting websites. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026
What it blocks
Users can block distracting websites, mail servers, or anything else on the Internet. · selfcontrolapp.com, 9 Oct 2026

Where SelfControl stands on Freedom251

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