Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Time Out VS Iris

Compare Time Out VS Iris and see what are their differences

Time Out logo Time Out

Break timer with micro-breaks for Mac OS X.

Iris logo Iris

The fastest web framework for Go in (THIS) earth
  • Time Out Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-02
  • Iris Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-31

Time Out features and specs

  • Customizability
    Time Out allows users to customize the duration and frequency of breaks, making it easy to tailor the app to individual work habits and preferences.
  • Micro and Regular Breaks
    The app offers two types of breaks – micro and regular. Micro breaks are short and frequent, while regular breaks are longer and less frequent, promoting both short rests and extended relaxation.
  • Gentle Reminders
    Time Out provides gentle, non-intrusive reminders to take breaks, which can help improve productivity without being too disruptive.
  • Health Benefits
    Regular breaks prompted by Time Out can help reduce strain from prolonged computer use, potentially preventing issues like eye strain, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries.
  • Free Version
    Time Out offers a free version with adequate features for most users, making it accessible without mandatory financial commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Time Out

  • Learning Curve
    New users might find the initial setup and customization options somewhat challenging, leading to a learning curve.
  • Limited Free Features
    The free version, while useful, comes with limitations in features and customizations, pushing some users towards the paid version for full functionality.
  • Potential Disruption
    Though the reminders are gentle, some users may still find the break prompts disruptive to their workflow, especially during periods of high focus.
  • System Performance
    On older or less powerful systems, Time Out may consume system resources, potentially impacting performance.
  • macOS Exclusive
    Time Out is currently available only on macOS, which excludes Windows and Linux users from utilizing the app.

Iris features and specs

  • Blue Light Filtering
    Iris software filters out harmful blue light from screens, which can help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality.
  • Brightness Control
    Iris allows users to control screen brightness levels, which can help create a more comfortable viewing experience in varying lighting conditions.
  • Multiple Modes
    The software offers various modes including Health, Sleep, and Reading, each optimized for different activities, adding convenience and versatility.
  • Automatic Adjustments
    Iris can automatically adjust your screen settings based on the time of day, reducing the need for manual changes and improving user experience.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Iris supports multiple operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Minimalistic Interface
    The application features a user-friendly and minimalistic interface that makes it easy to navigate and customize settings.

Possible disadvantages of Iris

  • Cost
    While Iris offers a free version, its full range of features is locked behind a paywall, which may not appeal to all users.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported experiencing slowdowns and performance issues on older hardware when using Iris.
  • Complex Configuration
    Advanced settings can be overwhelming for non-technical users, requiring a learning curve to fully understand and utilize all features.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version of Iris is somewhat limited in functionality, pushing users toward purchasing a subscription for full access.
  • Compatibility Issues
    In some cases, users have reported compatibility issues with certain applications or operating system updates.
  • No Mobile Version
    Iris currently does not offer a mobile version, limiting its usability to desktop and laptop computers only.

Analysis of Time Out

Overall verdict

  • Time Out is a good software choice for individuals looking to improve their focus and overall health during work by incorporating regular breaks into their routine. Its user-friendly interface and flexibility make it suitable for a wide range of users.

Why this product is good

  • Time Out by Dejal is a well-regarded break reminder tool designed to help users manage their work-life balance by encouraging regular breaks. It is appreciated for its customization options, allowing users to set different types of breaks and durations to suit their work habits, which can improve productivity and prevent burnout.

Recommended for

    Time Out is recommended for office workers, remote workers, freelancers, and anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer and wants to maintain their health and productivity.

Analysis of Iris

Overall verdict

  • Iris is considered a good choice for individuals seeking to minimize eye strain and protect their vision. Its effectiveness, coupled with an easy-to-use interface and a variety of adjustable features, makes it a popular option among users who spend extensive time in front of digital screens.

Why this product is good

  • Iris (iristech.co) offers software solutions that focus on reducing eye strain and improving sleep quality by controlling the blue light emitted from screens. Their tools are designed to adjust brightness without PWM, offer flexible scheduling options, and provide health-oriented eye protection features. Many users appreciate its customizable settings and ease of use, which can lead to increased productivity and reduced discomfort during long hours of screen time.

Recommended for

    Iris is recommended for professionals, students, gamers, and anyone who experiences extended screen exposure. It is particularly useful for those who suffer from digital eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns due to screen use, or those simply looking to enhance their visual comfort.

Time Out videos

The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out LP Comparison What Version Is The Best

More videos:

  • Review - The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out vinyl review | Vinyl Rewind
  • Review - Time Out review

Iris videos

Something Is WRONG With The IRIS SKin?! Iris Pack Review & Gameplay (Is The Iris Pack Worth $4.99?)

More videos:

  • Review - THE IRIS PACK is Here! Before You Buy! Combos + Gameplay! (Fortnite Battle Royale)
  • Review - Best Chapter 2 Combos | Iris | Fortntie Skin Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Time Out and Iris)
Time Tracking
46 46%
54% 54
Health And Fitness
0 0%
100% 100
Office & Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Time Out and Iris. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Time Out should be more popular than Iris. It has been mentiond 7 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Time Out mentions (7)

  • Review: Glove80 Ergonomic Keyboard
    It's also my experience that break reminders prevent wrist pain. For macOS, I recommend Time Out. Actively maintained, with all the options you'd want. https://dejal.com/timeout/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Time Out (a free break reminder application)
    Time Out is free, but you can donate for extra options, which I personally do. This is one of these succesful macOS apps that just keeps being updated every year or so. I don't have any affiliation with the maker, I'm just a happy user. Download it here: https://dejal.com/timeout/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Latest Time Out version (2.9.2) doesn't show break screen
    A workaround in the meantime is to switch to the direct edition of the app. But hopefully the fix will be available soon. Source: about 2 years ago
  • [Request] Looking for a pomodoro app, an alternative to Session
    Not sure if it will fit your needs since it is not a pomodoro app but you can try TimeOut https://dejal.com/timeout/ as well. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Time Out 2.9b1 released
    I'm pleased to introduce the first beta of an update to my popular break reminder tool for macOS, Time Out. Version 2.9b1 includes several much-requested enhancements:. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Iris mentions (1)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Time Out and Iris, you can also consider the following products

stretchly - break time reminder app

Workrave - Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

focus booster - focus booster is a simple timer application following the 'Pomodoro technique' for time...

Eye Break - eyeBreak is a tiny app designed to sit in the Windows tray and provide a non-ignorable message...

Tomato Timer - TomatoTimer is a flexible and easy to use online Pomodoro Technique Timer

CareUEyes - CareUEyes is an eye protection software for windows that comes with blue light filter, screen dimmer, and break reminder