SelfControl vs Shortwave
SelfControl and Shortwave 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
| Attribute | SelfControl | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Charlie Stigler | Shortwave |
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Free | Freemium |
| Platforms | macOS | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Key features | Free, Cannot undo until done, Mac-only | AI summaries and drafts in Gmail, Bundles and shortcuts, Gmail-native, not a new mail stack |
| Headquarters | Open source | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2009 | 2020 |
| Open source | Yes | No |
Key differences
- SelfControl has a higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.5★).
- SelfControl is Free, while Shortwave is Freemium.
- SelfControl is open source (its code is public), while Shortwave is proprietary.
- SelfControl runs on macOS; Shortwave runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is SelfControl or Shortwave better?
By user rating, SelfControl scores higher (4.6★ vs 4.5★). Both are capable Productivity tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, SelfControl or Shortwave?
SelfControl is Free and Shortwave is Freemium. Check each product page for current plan details.
Are SelfControl and Shortwave open source?
SelfControl is open source, while Shortwave is proprietary.