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Kyte vs SelfControl
SelfControl is a beloved free, open-source Mac blocker: set a timer, block your list, and you cannot undo it until time runs out, even by restarting. Kyte is a modern focus tool that keeps that spirit but adds URL-level blocking, scheduling, and a Chrome extension.
The verdict
Choose SelfControl if you want a free, no-frills nuclear timer and nothing more. Choose Kyte if you want URL-level allowlisting, recurring schedules, app blocking, and a browser extension.
SelfControl is great, and intentionally minimal
SelfControl does one thing well: a timer you cannot cancel. It is free and open source, and for many people that is enough. But it blocks only whole domains, has no recurring schedules, does not block apps, and has no browser extension.
Kyte keeps the same 'you cannot talk yourself out of it' locked-session idea, then adds the pieces SelfControl leaves out: allow a single page instead of a whole domain, set recurring daily schedules, block apps as well as sites, and manage in-browser blocking via the free Chrome extension.
Common questions
Is SelfControl free?
Yes, SelfControl is free and open source. Kyte's Chrome extension is also free; its Mac app is a one-time purchase that adds URL-level blocking, scheduling, and app blocking.
Can SelfControl allow one page on a blocked site?
No. SelfControl blocks whole domains. Kyte's URL-level allowlisting lets you allow a single page while the rest of the site stays blocked.