Side by side
| Time Out | Pati & Hav | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac only (version 4 needs macOS 26; older versions run on macOS 10.15+) | Mac and Windows |
| Price | Free core app; optional supporter purchases (3 months to lifetime), Premium in the App Store edition, also on Setapp | Free with three pets; optional one-time packs, no subscription |
| Break types | Normal and micro breaks, plus custom breaks such as lunch | One work/break rhythm that you set, from 10 seconds up |
| Skipping | Postpone, skip or end early, with limits you can set | Snooze once by 5 minutes; Esc or Space three times to leave early |
| Stepping away | Time away counts as a natural break | Timer keeps a steady rhythm; pause for 30 min, 1 hour or until tomorrow |
| Calls & meetings | Rules for apps, calendar events, Focus modes and fullscreen; scripts detect FaceTime, Teams and Zoom | Meeting shield: waits for calls and presentations, starts 30 seconds after |
| During a break | A break screen with themes | A cat or a dog lies on your keyboard; play, pet for hearts, read a tiny tip |
| Extras | Statistics, AppleScript/shell/Automator actions | Play lock, live desktop, postcards, Shortcuts/Siri, 11 languages |
Time Out details from its official website and Mac App Store listing (checked November 2026). BreakPet is not affiliated with Time Out.
Choose Time Out if…
- you want micro breaks and long breaks in one schedule,
- you like fine control: rules per app, calendar or Focus mode, scripts, statistics,
- you only use a Mac.
Choose Pati or Hav if…
- you also use Windows, or switch between both,
- you want something that works well with almost no setup,
- you'd like the break to be a small moment of play instead of a screen to wait out,
- you prefer one-time purchases over a subscription.
Pati · The Break Cat
Hav · The Break Dog
Questions
Is Pati a full replacement for Time Out?
Not feature for feature. Time Out has more scheduling and automation options. Pati and Hav focus on one simple rhythm and making the break itself pleasant.
Can I try Pati or Hav for free?
Yes. Both apps are free with three pets and the special-day guests, with all timer and break features included.
More guides
The 20-20-20 ruleSet it up in under a minuteBreak reminder for MacMenu bar, Shortcuts, Touch IDBreak reminder for WindowsSystem tray, Windows HelloBest break reminder apps (2026)Seven apps, compared fairlyA desktop pet with a jobA cat or dog that gets you upStretchly alternativeAn honest comparisonBreakTimer alternativeBreakTimer vs. Pati and HavCat break timerPati, the cat on your keyboard