Skip to content

Google Reader vs SelfControl

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Google Reader icon
Google Reader
SelfControl icon
SelfControl

Google Reader vs SelfControl: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Google Reader: Google Reader was a popular RSS/Atom feed aggregator developed by Google. It allowed users to subscribe to feeds and view updates from blogs, news sites, and other web content in one interface. Google Reader shut down in 2013.

SelfControl: SelfControl is a free Mac app that helps you avoid distracting websites by blocking access to them for a set period of time. It can help you stay focused and productive when you need to get work done.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Google Reader SelfControl
Sugggest Score 31 —
User Rating ⭐ 4.1/5 (26) —
Category News & Books Productivity
Pricing Free Open Source
Ease of Use 5.0/5 —
Features Rating 4.3/5 —
Value for Money 4.9/5 —
Customer Support 1.8/5 —

Product Overview

Google Reader
Google Reader

Description: Google Reader was a popular RSS/Atom feed aggregator developed by Google. It allowed users to subscribe to feeds and view updates from blogs, news sites, and other web content in one interface. Google Reader shut down in 2013.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

SelfControl
SelfControl

Description: SelfControl is a free Mac app that helps you avoid distracting websites by blocking access to them for a set period of time. It can help you stay focused and productive when you need to get work done.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Google Reader
Google Reader Features
  • Ability to subscribe to RSS and Atom feeds
  • Aggregated feeds into a single interface
  • Offline reading mode
  • Sharing of feeds and articles
  • Tagging and starring articles
  • Mobile apps
SelfControl
SelfControl Features
  • Block access to distracting websites
  • Set time periods for blocking (from 5 minutes to 1 day)
  • Customizable blacklists and whitelists
  • Block application usage
  • Schedule website blocking in advance

Pros & Cons Analysis

Google Reader
Google Reader

Pros

  • Convenient way to view updates from many sites
  • Helped users discover new content
  • Supported open standards like RSS and Atom
  • Fast and responsive interface
  • Cross-platform - worked on desktop and mobile

Cons

  • Discontinued in 2013
  • Lack of major updates in later years
  • No full-text search within feeds
  • No automatic tagging based on content
SelfControl
SelfControl

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Effective at blocking distractions
  • Available for Mac only

Cons

  • Lacks advanced configuration options
  • Easy to uninstall or work around blocks
  • Mac only, no Windows or mobile support

Pricing Comparison

Google Reader
Google Reader
  • Free
SelfControl
SelfControl
  • Open Source

⭐ User Ratings

Google Reader
4.1/5

26 reviews

SelfControl

No reviews yet

Related Comparisons

Learn More About Each Product

Google Reader
Google Reader
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
SelfControl
SelfControl
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs

Google Reader Alternatives
SelfControl Alternatives
Browse More Software