f.lux vs HazeOver

f.lux

• People who use a computer in the evening and want a warmer screen
• Users who want the change scheduled automatically from location and wake time
• Companies that need a centrally installed build for Windows PCs

HazeOver

• Large or multiple displays, where the active window is easy to lose
• Cutting glare from bright background windows, especially in Dark Mode
• Cleaner screenshots and screen recordings with the background dimmed
• Mac users who automate their setup with Shortcuts or Focus modes

f.lux

• The Corporate Edition is for Windows only and in English only, at $24 per device for the first 10 devices and $12 for each one after.
• The vendor treats company-recommended or IT-managed use as commercial use that needs the paid corporate license.
• It is not designed for advanced color work; the vendor suggests disabling it while using apps such as Photoshop.
• Mobile support is limited: the iOS version needs a jailbroken device and the Android build needs a rooted phone.

HazeOver

• Mac only: the current version needs macOS Ventura 13 or later, with older builds offered for earlier systems.
• It only dims background windows; it does not block apps or websites or time work sessions.
• There is no free plan, and the site does not say how long the free trial lasts.
• When every window of the current app is closed or minimized, the whole screen dims until you switch to another app.

f.lux

Automatic color temperature

Shifts the display's color temperature with the time of day: 6500K in daytime by default and warmer after sunset, timed from your location.

Bedtime tied to your wake time

A Bedtime setting removes as much alerting light as possible before sleep and moves with the wake time you set. Options cover sleeping in on weekends and an earlier bedtime for teens.

Presets and custom colors

Presets include Recommended colors, Classic f.lux and Working late, and Custom colors lets you pick a color temperature for each part of the day.

Darkroom and Movie mode

Darkroom removes all blue and green light and inverts colors. Movie mode lasts 2.5 hours and keeps colors and shadow detail with a warmer tone.

Disable when color matters

Can be turned off for an hour, until sunrise, or whenever a chosen app is active, which the vendor suggests for color-critical work.

Philips Hue control

The Windows version can drive Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance lights so that room lighting follows the same schedule as the screen.

HazeOver

Automatic window dimming

HazeOver highlights the frontmost window or app as you switch and fades everything behind it. The desktop is revealed automatically when you use it.

Adjustable intensity and color

Dimming runs from a light shade to a fully opaque background, with a custom color and a fade lasting up to 5 seconds. Scrolling over the menu bar icon changes the intensity.

Multiple display modes

It can highlight the front window on each connected screen or dim the displays without keyboard focus, and dimming can be turned off for a specific display.

Light and Dark appearance settings

Separate dimming settings are saved for the Light and Dark system appearance, so dimming can switch on, or change strength, along with Dark Mode.

Shortcuts, Focus filters and AppleScript

Dimming state and settings can be automated with the Shortcuts app, Focus filters that revert when a Focus mode ends, and AppleScript. A Raycast extension adds quick commands.

Quick toggles

A keyboard shortcut or a double-click on the menu bar icon turns dimming on or off, and holding the Fn key pauses it while you drag between apps.

f.lux

• Personal$0

  The standard app for macOS, Windows and Linux, free for personal use and supported by voluntary contributions.

• Corporate Edition$24

  per device, one-time; $12 per device after the first 10

  Windows-only build for companies: automated installs, automatic updates and home automation disabled, and one year of updates included.

HazeOver

• HazeOver$4.99

  one-time purchase

  A license from the vendor's store at $4.99 USD, or the app on the US Mac App Store at the same price. Optional tips of $5, $7 or $15 can be added at checkout.

f.lux

• Other savings

  Volume quotes from 500 seats

  The corporate page says there are no discounts below 500 seats; for larger quantities the vendor quotes discounted rates and accepts purchase orders.

HazeOver

• Education

  Student discount

  The buy page says HazeOver is available with a student discount and links to Student App Centre for it. The page does not state the amount.

• Other savings

  Also available through Setapp

  The buy page says HazeOver is available to Setapp subscribers, and the download page lists a Setapp Subscription option next to the Mac App Store and direct download.