Side by side
SelfControl vs The Focusing App
Both stand on focus tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
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.
Visit SelfControl Free trial MacWindows
The Focusing App links AI-based content decisions to defined focus sessions and keeps filtering active across the machine. It supports desktop users and managed deployments, but has no mobile app and the trial ends after seven days.
Visit The Focusing AppThe facts
| SelfControl | The Focusing App | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Individual: €9.99 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | selfcontrolapp.com | focusing.app |
| On focus tools | #16 of 19 | #19 of 19 |
SelfControl: 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.
The Focusing App: what it does well
- Blocks websites and apps at the network layer
- Filtering continues after closing and rebooting
- Offers four session types with optional controls
- Seven-day trial requires no payment card
- Provides team and school policy options
What to know first
- No phone version
- Trial filtering stops after seven days
- Individual plan costs €9.99 a month
- Teams plan is marked as a pilot
Alternatives to SelfControl Alternatives to The Focusing App The whole list