In today's digital age, staring at screens for hours is the norm. But it takes a toll on our eyes, posture, and overall well-being. Thankfully, dedicated Mac apps can remind us to step away and recharge. Two popular choices are Pause and LookAway. Let's compare them to see which break reminder fits you best.
Quick Overview
- Pause: A simple, free app focused on customizable work/break timers and activity suggestions.
- LookAway: A feature-rich app emphasizing eye strain reduction, posture reminders, and smart workflow integration.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Pause | LookAway |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | General break reminder | Eye strain reduction, posture, focus |
| Custom Work/Break Time | ✓ | ✓ |
| Notification Styles | ✓ (Manual start, Auto countdown) | ✓ (Heads up, Floating countdown) |
| Skip/Delay Break | ✓ (Implied via Flow mode) | ✓ (+1 min, +5 min, Skip) |
| "Flow" Mode (Disable) | ✓ | ✓ (Auto-pause features) |
| Activity Suggestions | ✓ (Custom text) | ✓ (Posture & Blink reminders) |
| Automatic Pausing | ✗ | ✓ (Meetings, Video, Games, etc.) |
| Siri Shortcuts Support | ✓ | ✓ (Shortcuts, Focus Filters) |
| Custom Sounds | ✓ | ✓ (Built-in & Custom) |
| Custom Backgrounds | ✗ | ✓ (Images, Wallpapers, Gradients) |
| Custom Messages | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scripting/Automations | ✓ (Via Shortcuts) | ✓ (AppleScript/Shortcuts on break) |
| Localization | Spanish | Not explicitly mentioned |
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| macOS Requirement | macOS 11.0+ (Big Sur) | macOS 13.0+ (Ventura) |
Detailed App Analysis
Pause
Pause offers a straightforward approach to break reminders.
Pros:
- Completely free.
- Simple and easy to configure work/break durations.
- Allows custom activity suggestions for breaks.
- Includes a "Flow" mode to manually pause reminders.
- Supports Siri Shortcuts for automation.
- Minimal system requirements (macOS Big Sur+).
Cons:
- Fewer customization options compared to LookAway (no custom backgrounds/messages).
- Lacks smart features like automatic pausing during specific activities.
- Limited localization (Spanish only, currently).
Best For:
Users seeking a simple, no-cost break reminder app with basic customization and Shortcut support. Get Pause on the Mac App Store
LookAway
LookAway aims to be a smarter, more integrated break system.
Pros:
- Smart automatic pausing during meetings, calls, video playback, and fullscreen gaming.
- Specific reminders for posture and blinking.
- Highly customizable breaks (sounds, backgrounds, messages).
- Multiple notification options, including a floating countdown.
- Integrates with macOS features like Focus Filters and Shortcuts.
- Offers automation triggers (run scripts/Shortcuts at break start/end).
- Polished user interface.
Cons:
- Requires a purchase (pricing details on their website).
- Higher system requirement (macOS Ventura+).
Best For:
Users looking for an intelligent break reminder that adapts to their workflow, offers specific wellness prompts (eyes, posture), and provides deep customization.
Pricing Breakdown
Pause
- Free: The app is completely free to use.
- Available on the Mac App Store.
- Developer Website: https://harshil.net/pause
LookAway
- Paid: Requires a purchase (check website for current pricing options - likely one-time or subscription).
- Available directly from the developer's website. Can also be installed via Homebrew (
brew install --cask lookaway).
How to Choose
-
Choose Pause if you:
- Want a completely free solution.
- Need basic, customizable work/break timers.
- Appreciate simplicity and minimal setup.
- Use macOS Big Sur or newer.
-
Go with LookAway if you:
- Want reminders to automatically pause when you're busy (meetings, videos).
- Need specific posture and blink reminders.
- Value high customization for the break screen (backgrounds, sounds, messages).
- Utilize Focus Filters and want deeper automation.
- Are willing to pay for advanced features.
- Use macOS Ventura or newer.
Final Verdict
Both Pause and LookAway effectively remind you to take breaks, reducing fatigue and promoting healthier work habits. Pause is an excellent choice for its simplicity and zero cost. LookAway offers a more sophisticated, automated, and customizable experience for those willing to invest in a paid app.
Consider your budget and how much intelligence you want from your break reminder. If you just need a nudge, Pause is perfect. If you want a tool that actively works around your schedule and offers more wellness features, LookAway is a compelling option.
P.S. Want to get these apps at the best price? Subscribe to the apps.deals newsletter to stay updated on deals and discounts for Mac apps!
Note: Features and pricing mentioned are current as of April 2025 and may be subject to change. Always verify current offerings on the official websites. Lastly, the post may contain affiliate links that will give us a small commission without any extra cost to you.