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DeskRest vs LookAway

The Two Leading Break Reminder Apps Compared

Updated September 29, 2025

Feature Comparison

FeatureDeskRestLookAway

Custom Exercises

Personalized exercises for your specific needs

Yes - Unlimited custom exercises with descriptions and guidance

Yes - Unlimited custom exercises with descriptions and guidance

Posture Reminders

Yes - Advanced posture monitoring with fully customizable flash alerts

Yes - Dedicated posture reminders with various settings

Intelligent Detection

Meetings, videos

Yes - Automatic detection of meetings or videos

Yes - Automatic detection of meetings, videos, calendar events, gaming, screen recording

Break Configuration

Detailed break settings like short and long breaks, sound and backgrounds

Yes - packed with advanced features that reveal themselves naturally once you dive in.

Yes - Granular break control (every setting adjustable)

Statistics & Analytics

Track your break habits and progress

Yes - Detailed statistics with streak tracking and performance insights

No - Work in Progress

Clock Out / End-of-Day

Enforce work-life boundaries

Yes - Complete screen locking system for work-life balance

No - Work in Progress

Shortcuts Integration

Run Shortcuts

Yes - Run shortcuts during breaks

Yes - Run AppleScript and Automator workflows on breaks

Native macOS App

Yes - Optimized Swift app

Yes - Optimized Swift app

Focus Mode Integration

Yes

Yes

Cursor Break Reminder

Yes - Non-intrusive countdown right at cursor

Yes - Non-intrusive countdown right at cursor

Working Hours

Yes

Yes

Mobile App

iPhone companion with phone blocking

No - Work in Progress

Yes - iPhone app that blocks phone during breaks

Invest Once, Benefit Forever

Both DeskRest and LookAway are excellent break reminder apps that help you maintain healthy work habits. However, when it comes to long-term value, DeskRest's pricing model offers a compelling advantage.

DeskRest provides a lifetime purchase option that gives you permanent access to the app with all future updates included. This means you pay once and own the software forever—no recurring fees, no subscription fatigue, just straightforward ownership.

For professionals who spend years working at their desks, this represents significant savings over time. A one-time investment protects your health and productivity indefinitely, without the need to manage ongoing subscriptions or worry about price increases down the line.

Why lifetime pricing matters:

• Predictable costs: Know exactly what you're paying upfront

• Long-term savings: No monthly or annual fees accumulating over years

• Peace of mind: Your workplace wellness tool remains accessible regardless of future circumstances

• Commitment to users: We're invested in continuously improving the app for our lifetime customers

Both apps offer free trials so you can experience their features firsthand. Whether you choose DeskRest or LookAway, the most important decision is committing to better workplace health habits.

Try DeskRest free for 7 days and discover why so many users choose the lifetime option for their long-term wellness journey.