Both apps remind you to take breaks. Here's how they differ.
| Feature | Tired Budgie | Stretchly |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Chrome Extension | Desktop App |
| Installation | 10 seconds | Download + Install |
| Price | Free | Free (open source) |
| Cross-platform | Any Chrome browser | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Configuration | Simple | Highly customizable |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
Stretchly is a popular open-source break reminder application that runs as a desktop app. It's been around since 2016 and has a dedicated following among developers and power users.
Stretchly offers extensive customization options, including micro-breaks, regular breaks, and detailed scheduling controls. It's particularly popular in the Linux community.
Installation: Stretchly requires downloading and installing a desktop application. Tired Budgie installs directly in your browser in seconds.
Complexity: Stretchly offers many configuration options that can feel overwhelming. Tired Budgie focuses on simplicity — set it and forget it.
System Integration: As a desktop app, Stretchly can control your entire screen. Tired Budgie works within your browser, which is where most knowledge workers spend their time anyway.
Updates: Stretchly requires manual updates or additional configuration. Chrome extensions update automatically.
Choose Stretchly if you want maximum customization, prefer open-source software, or need break reminders outside the browser. Choose Tired Budgie if you want a simple solution that works instantly without configuration, and you spend most of your time in Chrome.
Simple breaks. No configuration needed.
Get Tired Budgie — Free