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Obsidian vs SelfControl

Obsidian and SelfControl are both Productivity tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Side-by-side comparison

AttributeObsidianSelfControl
VendorObsidianCharlie Stigler
Rating★ 4.8★ 4.6
PricingFreemiumFree
PlatformsDesktop, iOS, AndroidmacOS
Key featuresLocal Markdown, Plugins, GraphFree, Cannot undo until done, Mac-only
HeadquartersCanada / remoteOpen source
Founded20202009
Open sourceNoYes

Key differences

  • Obsidian has a higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★).
  • Obsidian is Freemium, while SelfControl is Free.
  • SelfControl is open source (its code is public), while Obsidian is proprietary.
  • Obsidian runs on Desktop, iOS, Android; SelfControl runs on macOS.

Frequently asked questions

Is Obsidian or SelfControl better?

By user rating, Obsidian scores higher (4.8★ vs 4.6★). Both are capable Productivity tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.

Which is cheaper, Obsidian or SelfControl?

Obsidian is Freemium and SelfControl is Free. Check each product page for current plan details.

Are Obsidian and SelfControl open source?

SelfControl is open source, while Obsidian is proprietary.

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