Moveful vs Stretchly: which break reminder suits you?
Stretchly is a free, open-source break reminder for Mac, Windows and Linux: 20-second mini breaks every 10 minutes and 5-minute long breaks every 30, each with a short text idea for what to do. Moveful takes a different approach: one guided 2–3 minute break every 30 minutes of active time, with a 3D figure that demonstrates each move.
| Moveful | Stretchly | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, any browser (Linux, Chromebook) | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Price | Free for personal use, no account | Free |
| Shows you what to do | A 3D guide demonstrates every move, with timers, cues and 30 exercise guides | A short text idea during each break |
| Breaks | 2–3 minute guided break every 30 min of active time (15–60 min) | 20 s mini break every 10 min; 5 min long break every 30 min (defaults) |
| Time away from the computer | Mac and Windows: counts only active time; 3 min away counts as a break. Browser: the same in Chrome and Edge, a plain timer elsewhere | Pauses after 5 min of inactivity |
| Calls and meetings | Holds a break for up to 20 min. Mac: while the camera or mic is in use, during calls, presentations and fullscreen, and (opt-in) calendar meetings. Windows: camera, mic and fullscreen | Respects Do Not Disturb; optional fullscreen breaks |
| Open source | No | Yes (BSD-2-Clause) |
Choose Stretchly if…
- You want an open-source app, or a native Linux app.
- You like frequent, very short micro-breaks, or want to tune every timing.
- You'd rather have a text prompt than a demonstration.
Choose Moveful if…
- You want to be shown the moves: a 3D guide demonstrates each one, with the working area highlighted and a timer for every hold.
- You'd like one proper 2–3 minute break instead of many interruptions.
- You want breaks that fit a sit-stand desk, a strength or mobility focus, and a health check that leaves out unsuitable moves.
Where Moveful is weaker
- It's new. The Mac app is signed and notarised by Apple and the Windows download is signed by Sohus Ltd, but Windows may still ask once before opening a new version.
- It isn't open source, and there's no phone app (the web version works in a phone browser).
- Its breaks are a fixed 2–3 minutes; there are no 20-second micro-breaks.