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LookAway alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave LookAway: mac only for now; Windows is only announced, and paid, while Stretchly, BreakTimer and Time Out's core are free. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces LookAway, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Time Out currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Time Out logoTime OutFree plan + paidNomacOS4 of 466.5
2Stretchly logoStretchlyOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux5 of 562.6
  1. Time Out logo

    1. Time OutTop pick

    Best for: Mac users who want a free, highly configurable break routine with scripting

    Free plan + paidmacOS

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from LookAway

    Long-running Mac break app whose core features are free, with deep rules, themes and scripting.

    Pros

    • Core break features are free to keep using
    • Rules for apps, calendar events, Focus and meetings
    • Break actions can run AppleScript, shell, Python or Automator
    • Supporter purchases are one-off, not auto-renewing

    Cons

    • Mac only
    • Current version needs macOS 26; older Macs must use the 2.9.7 release
    • The many settings take time to learn
    Visit Time Out Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Time Out a good LookAway alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free plan
    Core features always free
    Checked Oct 30, 2026dejal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Lifetime price
    $59.99
    Checked Oct 30, 2026dejal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Setapp
    Included
    Checked Oct 30, 2026dejal.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Developer
    Dejal Systems
    Checked Oct 30, 2026dejal.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Stretchly logo

    2. Stretchly

    Best for: Anyone who wants a free break reminder that works the same on Windows, Mac and Linux

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from LookAway

    Free open-source break reminder that also runs on Windows and Linux.

    Pros

    • Free and open source (BSD 2-Clause)
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with portable builds
    • Sensible Mini and Long break defaults with stretch ideas
    • Highly adjustable, including a strict mode

    Cons

    • macOS build is unsigned and needs a Gatekeeper workaround
    • Electron app uses more memory than a native utility
    • No meeting or call detection like paid Mac apps
    Visit Stretchly Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Stretchly a good LookAway alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    License
    BSD-2-Clause
    Checked Nov 1, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    macOS, Windows, Linux
    Checked Nov 1, 2026hovancik.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Default breaks
    20 s every 10 min; 5 min every 30 min
    Checked Nov 1, 2026hovancik.net(opens source in a new tab)
    macOS requirement
    macOS 12 or later
    Checked Nov 1, 2026hovancik.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Code signing
    Not signed on macOS
    Checked Nov 1, 2026hovancik.net(opens source in a new tab)

The best LookAway alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Time Out logo

Best LookAway alternative for most people

Time Out

Long-running Mac break app whose core features are free, with deep rules, themes and scripting.

Stretchly logo

Best LookAway alternative for a free option

Stretchly

Free open-source break reminder that also runs on Windows and Linux.

Time Out logo

Best LookAway alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Time Out

Long-running Mac break app whose core features are free, with deep rules, themes and scripting.

Stretchly logo

Best LookAway alternative for open source

Stretchly

Free open-source break reminder that also runs on Windows and Linux.

Time Out logo

Best LookAway alternative for Mac

Time Out

Long-running Mac break app whose core features are free, with deep rules, themes and scripting.

Stretchly logo

Best LookAway alternative for Windows

Stretchly

Free open-source break reminder that also runs on Windows and Linux.

Stretchly logo

Best LookAway alternative for Linux

Stretchly

Free open-source break reminder that also runs on Windows and Linux.

LookAway alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to LookAway?

Time Out ranks first right now. Long-running Mac break app whose core features are free, with deep rules, themes and scripting.

Is there a free alternative to LookAway?

Yes. Time Out (free plan + paid) and Stretchly (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to LookAway?

Yes: Stretchly.

Which LookAway alternatives work on Linux?

Stretchly runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from LookAway?

The complaints we hear most: mac only for now; Windows is only announced; paid, while Stretchly, BreakTimer and Time Out's core are free; standard licences include just one year of updates.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces LookAway, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.