Best break reminder apps for Windows (2026)
Five ways to get regular break reminders on a Windows PC, compared honestly. We make one of them (BreakReminder), so we have kept the comparison factual and said where the others are the better choice.
Quick comparison
| App | Price | Platforms | Best for | Break content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stretchly | Free, open source (optional paid supporter features) | Windows, Mac, Linux | A free, highly customisable timer | Microbreak and break screens with short text tips |
| Workrave | Free, open source | Windows, Linux | RSI prevention with detailed limits and stats | Micro-breaks, rest breaks, animated exercises |
| EyeLeo | Free | Windows (last updated 2014) | Eye breaks | Short eye exercises |
| BreakReminder | $9 one-time, 7-day free trial | Windows 10 & 11 | People who want to be shown what to do | 1–2 minute guided stretch videos with captions |
| Windows Focus sessions | Free, built in | Windows 11 | Occasional deep-work blocks | A notification only |
1. Stretchly
Stretchly is the best-known free option. It sits in the tray and, by default, shows a 20-second microbreak every 10 minutes and a 5-minute break every 30 minutes. Almost everything is adjustable: intervals, durations, a strict mode that stops you ending breaks early, sounds and colour themes. It is open source and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Choose it if you want a free, flexible timer and are happy to decide what to do in each break yourself.
2. Workrave
Workrave is a long-running free, open-source app aimed at preventing repetitive strain injury. It combines short micro-breaks, longer rest breaks and optional animated exercises, and keeps statistics on your computer use. It runs on Windows and Linux.
Choose it if RSI prevention is your main goal and you like detailed control. The interface looks dated next to newer apps.
3. EyeLeo
EyeLeo is a small free Windows app focused on eyes: short breaks with eye exercises, plus optional longer breaks. It is simple and light, but its last release was in 2014, so expect rough edges on modern Windows.
Choose it if you mainly want eye breaks and don't mind older software. For eyes alone, our free 20-20-20 timer also works in a browser tab.
4. BreakReminder (ours)
BreakReminder takes a different approach: instead of a countdown screen, each break plays a 1–2 minute follow-along stretch video for your neck, shoulders, back, wrists or eyes, with on-screen captions. You set the interval (1 to 240 minutes) and break length, skip when you're busy, and it runs from the system tray. It works offline and is on the Microsoft Store.
It isn't free: after a 7-day trial it costs $9 once, with no subscription. It is Windows only.
Choose it if you know you should stretch but never know what to do, or a plain timer is too easy to ignore.
5. Focus sessions (built into Windows 11)
The Clock app's Focus sessions can split a work block into focus periods with 5-minute breaks. It is free and already installed, but you have to start each session, and breaks are only a notification. See Does Windows 11 have a break reminder? for setup steps.
How to choose
- Want free and flexible: Stretchly.
- Focused on RSI with detailed stats: Workrave.
- Want guided stretches so breaks actually happen: BreakReminder.
- Only need occasional deep-work timers: Focus sessions.
Questions
What is the best free break reminder app for Windows?
Stretchly is the most popular free option. It is open source, runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, and lets you customise break intervals and durations.
Is there a break reminder app with stretching exercises?
Yes. Workrave includes animated exercises, and BreakReminder plays a 1–2 minute guided stretch video with captions at each break.
Do break reminder apps work offline?
Most do. Stretchly, Workrave, EyeLeo and BreakReminder all run on your PC without needing an internet connection for reminders.
Are break reminder apps worth it?
If you regularly sit for hours without moving, an app that interrupts you at a set interval is one of the simplest ways to build a break habit. The best one is the one you won't switch off.
Sources: AlternativeTo: Stretchly · AlternativeTo: Workrave · Softpedia: EyeLeo · Digital Citizen: Focus sessions in Windows Clock