Pause Alternatives

Pause is described as 'Periodically reminds you to take a break, and step away from the computer' and is an app. There are more than 50 alternatives to Pause for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and Homebrew apps. The best Pause alternative is Stretchly, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Pause are Workrave, knook, ZenBreak and Micro-Break.

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Alternatives list

  1. Stretchly icon
     170 likes

    Open source, cross-platform app for scheduling microbreaks and longer breaks while working at the computer, offering user-friendly interval and duration customization, strict mode, color schemes, sound alerts, pause, skip, restart options, and system tray access.

    77 Stretchly alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
     
  2. Workrave icon
     204 likes

    Open-source tool to prevent RSIs by promoting customizable micro-breaks, providing exercise reminders, tracking computer use, and supporting typing improvement across Windows and Linux, with community-driven development for user health and workspace ergonomics.

    74 Workrave alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
     
  3. knook icon
     3 likes

    Compact open-source macOS menu bar tool promoting screen breaks for balanced work rhythms by tracking break patterns, offering context-aware reminders, manual controls, office hours, smart pause, idle reset, and storing all settings locally for privacy.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  4. ZenBreak icon
     11 likes

    Menu bar application for Windows, macOS, and Linux designed to gently remind users to take breaks from their screen with customizable timing and appearance. Built natively for each OS, lightweight, open-source, and privacy-friendly with minimal impact on resources.

    71 ZenBreak alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  5. Micro-Break icon
     3 likes

    Menu bar application for macOS designed to unobtrusively track computer use, send customizable micro-break reminders, reduce eye strain and repetitive strain injuries, and encourage healthy screen habits for anyone spending extended time at a monitor.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  6. BreakTimer icon
     13 likes

    Desktop application for managing periodic breaks, offering customizable schedules, notifications, working hours, idle detection, and configurable colours. Free, open-source, and available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Designed to reduce RSI and eye strain effectively.

    73 BreakTimer alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Snapcraft
     
  7. DeskRest icon
     Like

    Customizable macOS wellness assistant with break reminders, posture alerts, stretch prompts, eye strain reduction, and on-screen progress tracking to support ergonomic habits, mental focus, and overall comfort for professionals, students, and office workers.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  8. LookAway icon
     6 likes

    macOS utility that schedules and enforces customizable eye-rest breaks by blurring screens, displaying timed counters, offering flexible intervals and durations, pre-break alerts, intelligent meeting-awareness, unobtrusive design, and menu bar access for user control.

    72 LookAway alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
     
  9. Time Out icon
     37 likes

    Break timer with micro-breaks for Mac OS X. It is very easy to fall into bad habits when using a computer for hours on end. You care about what you are doing, so can sometimes push yourself too far, or over-strain yourself. The human body isn't built to sit in one position fo.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  10. Standly icon
     Like

    A standing desk timer with customizable intervals.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
     
  11. TotalPause icon
     1 like

    TotalPause is a break reminder tool designed to remind you to take breaks and help you calm down and focus, enhancing productivity and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  12. Eyes Care icon
     3 likes

    Eyes Care is a desktop application built with Flutter, designed to help users maintain healthy eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule. The app reminds users to take regular breaks and rest their eyes to reduce eye strain and prevent digital eye fatigue.

    63 Eyes Care alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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