All 5 recommendations
Est. prices as of Mar 3, 2026
#1 · f.lux · Crowd Favorite
f.lux
Free (Donate option)
The OG that actually understands your sleep cycle
- ✓ Automatically adjusts based on sunrise/sunset in your location
- ✓ Seamless transition—you won't notice it working until you turn it off
- ✓ Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
- ✗ Limited customization compared to competitors
- ✗ Can take a few minutes to notice the effect in winter months
#2 · Iris Tech · Premium Pick
Iris
$69 (one-time) / $7/month
Aggressive blue light reduction with scientifically-backed wellness tracking
- ✓ GPU-based filtering reduces strain more effectively than software filters
- ✓ Detailed analytics on your coding habits and eye strain patterns
- ✓ Works on multiple monitors with per-monitor settings
- ✗ Subscription model is pricey for what amounts to a filter
- ✗ Interface feels bloated for casual users
#3 · Microsoft · Best Value
Windows Night Light (Built-in)
Free
Surprisingly competent native tool hiding in your settings
- ✓ Zero installation, zero bloatware
- ✓ Integrates with Windows 10/11 perfectly
- ✓ Scheduled start/stop times included
- ✗ Less granular control than dedicated apps
- ✗ Can't adjust color temperature as precisely as f.lux
#4 · Jon Morlanden · Hidden Gem
Redshift
Free
The Linux coder's answer to f.lux
- ✓ Perfect for Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux distributions
- ✓ Lightweight with minimal CPU impact
- ✓ Highly configurable command-line interface
- ✗ Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- ✗ Linux/X11 only—no Windows or macOS support
#5 · Various (Warby Parker, Felix Gray, etc.)
EyeComfort Glasses + Software Bundle
$95-$200 (glasses) + $0-50 (software)
The hardware solution that makes software filters feel like training wheels
- ✓ Physical blue light filtering works regardless of software glitches
- ✓ Reduces overall eye strain beyond what software alone achieves
- ✓ Works on your phone, tablet, and second monitor
- ✗ Initial investment is substantial
- ✗ Placebo effect is strong—genuine impact harder to quantify than software
- ✗ Requires remembering to actually wear the glasses