Software Alternatives & Startups

Scratch VS HazeOver

Compare Scratch VS HazeOver and see what are their differences

Scratch

Scratch is the programming language & online community where young people create stories, games, & animations.

Scratch Landing page
Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
HazeOver

Focus on one app by dimming all the background windows

HazeOver Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Paid Free trial $4.99 / One-off
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Scratch seems to be a lot more popular than HazeOver. While we know about 579 links to Scratch, we've tracked only 22 mentions of HazeOver.

social mentions
579 vs 22
Kids Education popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Scratch
HazeOver
Website scratch.mit.edu hazeover.com
Pricing
Open source
Paid Free trial $4.99 / One-off Official pricing
Platforms
Mac MacOS
Company 2007 Startup from the United States
Listed in

About Scratch and HazeOver

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

Scratch
HazeOver

No description of Scratch yet.

Too many windows to manage? Large display? Or getting lost in multiple monitors? HazeOver is for you! Turn distractions down and focus on your current task. HazeOver automatically highlights the front window by dimming background windows. • Help yourself focus on one thing at a time....

Read more about HazeOver

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Scratch 6 features
HazeOver 5 features
  • Engaging Interface
    Scratch offers a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for kids and beginners to learn programming concepts.
  • Community Support
    The platform has a large and active community where users can share projects, get feedback, and collaborate with others, fostering a sense of community and support.
  • Educational Value
    Scratch is designed with a strong pedagogical foundation, helping users to develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity.
  • Drag-and-Drop Programming
    The block-based coding in Scratch eliminates syntax errors and simplifies the process of learning programming logic, making it ideal for beginners.
  • Free to Use
    Scratch is completely free to use, which makes it accessible to a wide audience without any financial barriers.
  • Portable
    Being web-based, Scratch can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, providing ease of access and flexibility.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Capabilities
    Scratch is mainly designed for beginners and might not offer the depth or complexities needed for more advanced programming projects.
  • Performance Issues
    Larger projects can sometimes become slow or unresponsive, particularly on less powerful devices.
  • Simplified Programming
    The drag-and-drop nature of Scratch, while educational, might limit exposure to the syntax and intricacies of written programming languages.
  • Internet Dependency
    Scratch primarily requires an internet connection, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Age Focus
    The platform is highly targeted towards younger audiences, which might not be appealing or suitable for older learners or adults seeking beginner resources.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any online community, there are potential privacy and security risks, especially for younger users, which require careful monitoring and guidance.
  • Focus Enhancement
    HazeOver dims background windows, allowing you to concentrate better on the task at hand without being distracted by other open applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is easy to use, with straightforward controls for adjusting the dimming intensity and other settings.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize the dimming effect to suit their preferences, including choosing the dimness level and applying different settings for different times of day.
  • System Resource Efficiency
    HazeOver runs efficiently in the background without using significant system resources, ensuring it doesn’t slow down your computer.
  • Compatibility
    The app works well with macOS features, supporting multiple monitors and virtual desktops.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited to macOS
    HazeOver is only available for macOS, making it inaccessible to Windows and Linux users.
  • Paid Software
    HazeOver is not free; users need to purchase a license after a trial period, which might be a deterrent for some.
  • Limited Functionality
    While useful for focusing, the app offers limited additional features beyond dimming inactive windows.
  • Potential Overhead
    Although generally light on resources, some users with lower-spec machines may notice a slight performance impact.
  • Adaptability Issues
    Some users have reported that HazeOver may not adapt perfectly to all applications, causing minor inconsistencies in the dimming effect.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Scratch
HazeOver

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Scratch is generally considered good for its intended purpose. It serves as an excellent introduction to programming for young learners and is praised for its simplicity, ease of use, and educational value.

Why this product is good

  • Scratch is a visual programming language designed primarily for children and beginners to learn the basics of coding and computational thinking. It promotes creativity, logic, and problem-solving skills in a user-friendly environment. Scratch provides a platform for users to create interactive stories, games, and animations, which can be shared within an active online community, fostering collaboration and feedback.

Recommended for

  • Children aged 8-16 who are interested in learning programming
  • Educators and parents seeking to introduce coding concepts
  • Beginners in programming who prefer a visual approach
  • Anyone looking to explore digital creativity through interactive media

Overall verdict

  • Overall, HazeOver receives positive reviews for its simplicity, user-friendly interface, and effectiveness in enhancing focus and productivity. Users appreciate the ability to adjust dimming intensity and customize settings to suit their preferences.

Why this product is good

  • HazeOver is designed to reduce visual clutter on your desktop by dimming background windows, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. It is particularly useful for improving productivity and reducing distractions in a busy digital environment.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who frequently multitask on their computer.
  • Users seeking to minimize distractions for improved concentration.
  • People who work with multiple windows or multiple displays.
  • Those who prefer a minimalist digital workspace.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Scratch 3 videos + Add
HazeOver 4 videos + Add

Scratch 3.0 Review: My Thoughts About Scratch 3.0

More videos

  • Review - Numark PT01 Scratch Review
  • Review - Meguiar's scratch X 2.0 review

HazeOver: Distraction Dimmer™ for macOS Tahoe

More videos

  • Review - Review: HazeOver: dim background apps and get rid of distractions
  • Review - SCOM0922 - Tip - HazeOver - Preview
  • Review - HazeOver Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Scratch
HazeOver
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
Mac
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Scratch and HazeOver. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Scratch 5.0 · 1 review
HazeOver no reviews yet

View more

  • Best 6 Mac Window Managers
    mackeeper.com · Sep 2023

    Until Apple brings better window management to Macs, these third-party tools are the best way to improve organization and productivity. Most of them let you snap windows into position by dragging them to the edge of...

  • What productivity tools are most useful
    clariti.app · Feb 2021

    If you are multi-tasker and have the habit of toggling between multiple windows to get thingsdone. Thank heavens, HazeOver removes all the distractions by automatically highlighting thewindow that you are currently...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Scratch 579 mentions
HazeOver 22 mentions

View more

  • Alan.app – Add a Border to macOS Active Window
    In a similar vein, but different concept - https://hazeover.com/ - dimming inactive windows. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Alan.app – Add a Border to macOS Active Window
    Instead of adding a border to the active window, I use an app that fades out the background windows: https://hazeover.com. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Alan.app – Add a Border to macOS Active Window
    I run a tool that I like much better both in terms of not being distracting on-screen and reducing the light blasting my eyes: https://hazeover.com I'm not affiliated, but I love it and recommended it to friends. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago

View more

Alternatives to Scratch and HazeOver

When comparing Scratch and HazeOver, you can also consider the following products.