Best break reminder apps for Windows: eye breaks, stretch timers and brain breaks
Break reminder apps for Windows compared: Brain Break, Stretchly, Workrave, EyeLeo and Windows Focus sessions, with what each does, cost and who it suits.
November 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Long stretches at a screen are tiring in two ways: your eyes and body stiffen, and your attention fades. A break reminder app nudges you to stop every so often. They differ in how pushy they are, what you do during the break, and whether they get in the way of meetings and presentations. Here are the main Windows options and who each suits. Full disclosure: we make Brain Break, one of them.
Break reminder apps compared
| App | What it does | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain Break (ours) | A 2-minute brain game every 30, 60 or 90 minutes, in your work hours | $2.99 one-time, 7-day trial | Breaks that rest your mind, not just your eyes |
| Stretchly | Short and long break reminders on a schedule | Free, open source | Simple, cross-platform break timers |
| Workrave | Micro-breaks, rest breaks and a daily limit, with exercises | Free, open source | Anyone managing RSI or long typing sessions |
| EyeLeo | Short eye exercises and longer breaks | Free | Eye strain from screen work |
| Windows Clock: Focus sessions | A focus timer built into Windows 11 | Free, built in | Pomodoro-style focus blocks |
What to look for
- Gentle or strict: some apps dim the screen until you take the break; others only notify. Strict suits people who always click "skip".
- Quiet when it matters: a reminder during a screen share is embarrassing. Look for automatic silence in full screen, presentations and Do not disturb.
- Your hours only: a schedule so it doesn't nag in the evening or at weekends.
- What the break is: eye exercises, stretches, a walk, or a short game that switches your attention.
- Snooze and skip that don't feel like a fight.
- Offline and private: a break timer has no reason to need an account.
Which one to pick
If your eyes are the problem, EyeLeo's eye exercises are a good fit. If you type all day and worry about RSI, Workrave's micro-breaks and daily limit are built for that. For a free, simple timer on any operating system, Stretchly. If you just want focus blocks, Windows 11's own Focus sessions in the Clock app cost nothing.
Brain Break is for a different kind of break: two minutes that switch your attention to something light and get you back to work refreshed. It sits in the notification area, invites you with one gentle notification, stays silent while you present or use full screen, and has 28 quick games from Mind Skills Arcade, with focus streaks to keep the habit going.
Brain Break isn't affiliated with any other app named here; check each project's site for current features.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good free break reminder for Windows?
Stretchly and Workrave are free and open source; EyeLeo is free and focuses on eye breaks; Windows 11 also has Focus sessions in the Clock app.
How often should I take a screen break?
Many people use short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. A common eye-care habit is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Will a break reminder interrupt my presentation?
Good ones stay quiet in full screen, while presenting and in Do not disturb. Brain Break does all three.
What does Brain Break cost?
$2.99 once from the Microsoft Store, with a 7-day free trial. No ads and no account.
