Cold Turkey vs SelfControl for Blocking Porn (2026): Which Is Better?
Cold Turkey and SelfControl are the two strictest website blockers on the computer. Both lock a block until its time is up. Cold Turkey is the better of the two for porn: it runs on Windows and Mac, blocks apps as well as sites, and can lock for longer. Neither was built for porn, though, and neither runs on a phone. For blocking porn on your computer and your phone, QuitPorn beats both.
Cold Turkey vs SelfControl at a Glance
 Cold Turkey |  SelfControl |  QuitPorn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computers | Windows, Mac | Mac only | Windows, Mac |
| Phones | No | No | iPhone, iPad, Android |
| Porn blocked from the start | No, you build the list | No, you build the list | Yes |
| Longest lock | As long as you set | Short blocks, a day by default | Up to 365 days |
| Can be ended early | Not during a locked block | Not until the timer ends | No |
| Price | Free, Pro is a one-time payment | Free | $15 a month, $78 for six months, $120 a year |
Cold Turkey: Stronger, and on Windows Too
Cold Turkey blocks sites and apps on Windows and Mac. A locked block can't be ended until its time is up, and Frozen Turkey can lock the whole computer. Its weak spots for porn: you build the list yourself, it relies on browser extensions, and the phone stays open. See QuitPorn vs Cold Turkey.
SelfControl: Free and Simple, Mac Only
SelfControl is a free, open source Mac app. You add sites, set a timer and press start. Restarting or deleting the app doesn't end the block. Its weak spots: Mac only, short blocks by default, and you start a new one every time, including on the day you don't want to.
Which Is Better for Porn?
Between the two, Cold Turkey. It covers Windows as well as Mac, blocks apps, and locks for longer. But both share the same gaps for porn: no ready porn list, and no phone. Most porn is watched on a phone.
Why QuitPorn Beats Both
QuitPorn blocks porn from the start, on every browser and app, on your computer and your phone. You choose a lock from 1 day up to 365 days, and nobody can end it early, including our support team. One account covers up to 5 devices. See the best porn blocker for Mac and the best porn blocker for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cold Turkey better than SelfControl?
For most people, yes. Cold Turkey runs on Windows and Mac and blocks apps too. SelfControl is free and Mac only.
Can Cold Turkey or SelfControl block porn?
Only the sites you add yourself. Neither has a ready porn list, and neither runs on phones.
What is the best alternative to Cold Turkey and SelfControl for porn?
QuitPorn. It blocks porn from the start on your phone and computer, and nobody can end the lock early. See Cold Turkey alternatives.
Choose your lock length and set up in under 5 minutes.
This is general information, not medical advice. For help with your own situation, talk to a doctor or therapist.
