Stretchly
Stretchly is an open-source break reminder app that helps you prevent repetitive strain injuries by prompting you to take regular microbreaks and longer breaks during your computer usage.
Workrave
Workrave is a free, open-source recovery tool that helps you prevent and recover from Repetitive Strain Injury by monitoring your computer usage and suggesting regular micro-breaks.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Stretchly | Workrave |
|---|---|---|
| Website | stretchly.io | workrave.org |
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2016 | 2002 |
| Headquarters | null | null |
Overview
Stretchly
Stretchly is a cross-platform break reminder tool designed to help you maintain your physical well-being while working at a computer. By default, it follows a rhythm of suggesting 15-second microbreaks every 10 minutes and longer 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes. These prompts encourage you to look away from the screen, stretch, or step away from your desk to reduce eye strain and physical fatigue.
You can fully customize the duration and frequency of these breaks to match your specific workflow or medical recommendations. The app lives in your system tray and provides unobtrusive notifications or full-screen takeovers depending on your preference. It is an ideal solution for developers, writers, and office professionals who spend long hours at a desk and need a simple, automated way to prioritize their health.
Workrave
Workrave is a dedicated wellness tool designed to help you maintain physical health while working at your computer. It acts as a digital health companion by tracking your keyboard and mouse activity to determine when you need a break. Instead of letting you work for hours uninterrupted, the software alerts you to take short micro-pauses and longer rest breaks to prevent Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome.
You can customize the frequency and duration of these breaks to match your personal comfort levels and work habits. The software even guides you through simple stretching exercises during your rest periods to keep your body active. It is a completely free, community-driven project that runs quietly in your system tray, ensuring you stay productive without sacrificing your long-term physical well-being.
Overview
Stretchly Features
- Customizable Intervals Set your own timing for microbreaks and long breaks to match your personal focus endurance and physical needs.
- Strict Mode Enable strict mode to prevent yourself from skipping breaks when you are tempted to work through your rest periods.
- Multi-Language Support Access the interface and break ideas in over 30 languages to ensure you understand every wellness prompt clearly.
- Break Ideas Receive specific suggestions for stretches and movements during your breaks so you know exactly how to stay limber.
- Do Not Disturb Pause reminders automatically when you are in full-screen mode or manually when you need uninterrupted focus for deep work.
- Audio Notifications Choose from various alert sounds to gently notify you when it is time to step away from your keyboard.
Workrave Features
- Micro-break Reminders. Take frequent 30-second pauses to relax your muscles and eyes throughout your workday based on your actual activity.
- Rest Break Scheduling. Set longer intervals for full breaks where you can step away from your desk to recharge and prevent fatigue.
- Guided Exercises. Follow on-screen animations that show you how to perform simple stretches and movements during your scheduled rest breaks.
- Daily Work Limits. Configure a maximum daily usage time to ensure you don't overwork and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Activity Monitoring. Track your keyboard and mouse usage automatically so the software only prompts breaks when you are actually working.
- Network Synchronization. Connect multiple devices over your office network to track your total work time across different workstations simultaneously.
Pricing Comparison
Stretchly Pricing
- Full feature access
- Unlimited break customization
- Cross-platform support
- No advertisements
- Community-driven updates
- Everything in Open Source, plus:
- Optional voluntary donation
- Support ongoing development
- Contribute to new features
- Help keep the app free
Workrave Pricing
- Full feature access
- Unlimited break reminders
- All guided exercises
- Network synchronization
- No advertisements
- Community support
- Support the developers
- Help maintain the project
- Optional contribution
- Same features as Free
- Community-driven updates
Pros & Cons
Stretchly
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs or ads
- Highly customizable break schedules and durations
- Lightweight app that runs quietly in the background
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
Cons
- Interface may feel basic compared to paid apps
- Requires manual installation of updates on some systems
- Full-screen breaks can be intrusive during video calls
Workrave
Pros
- Completely free with no subscription fees
- Highly customizable break and timer settings
- Helpful guided animations for desk stretches
- Low system resource usage on your computer
- Works across Windows and Linux platforms
Cons
- User interface looks dated and old-fashioned
- Initial setup requires some manual configuration
- No official mobile app for smartphone tracking