ActivityWatch vs RescueTime

Struggling to choose between ActivityWatch and RescueTime? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

ActivityWatch is a Productivity solution with tags like time-tracking, productivity, open-source.

It boasts features such as Tracks time spent in applications and websites, Provides timeline visualization of computer usage, Open source and cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Stores data locally by default to protect privacy, Web extension and desktop app available, Customizable using Python scripts and REST API, Can ignore/exclude apps and websites and pros including Free and open source, Simple graphical timeline, Lightweight resource usage, Protects privacy by default, Cross-platform support.

On the other hand, RescueTime is a Productivity product tagged with time-tracking, productivity, habits.

Its standout features include Tracks time spent on applications and websites, Provides productivity scores based on how time is spent, Sets goals and schedules to improve productivity, Generates detailed reports on time usage, and it shines with pros like Helps identify distracting and unproductive activities, Motivates you to focus on important tasks, Integrates with many applications and services, Available as free and paid versions.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

ActivityWatch

ActivityWatch

ActivityWatch is an open-source automated time tracker that monitors what you do on your computer. It helps analyze and visualize how you spend your time so you can become more productive.

Categories:
time-tracking productivity open-source

ActivityWatch Features

  1. Tracks time spent in applications and websites
  2. Provides timeline visualization of computer usage
  3. Open source and cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
  4. Stores data locally by default to protect privacy
  5. Web extension and desktop app available
  6. Customizable using Python scripts and REST API
  7. Can ignore/exclude apps and websites

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Free and open source

Simple graphical timeline

Lightweight resource usage

Protects privacy by default

Cross-platform support

Cons

Limited analytics and data visualization

Requires technical knowledge to customize

No mobile app

Not as full-featured as commercial competitors


RescueTime

RescueTime

RescueTime is a time management and productivity software that tracks how you spend time on your devices. It gives insights into your daily habits so you can focus on meaningful work.

Categories:
time-tracking productivity habits

RescueTime Features

  1. Tracks time spent on applications and websites
  2. Provides productivity scores based on how time is spent
  3. Sets goals and schedules to improve productivity
  4. Generates detailed reports on time usage

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Helps identify distracting and unproductive activities

Motivates you to focus on important tasks

Integrates with many applications and services

Available as free and paid versions

Cons

Can feel invasive or distracting initially

Requires discipline to act on insights

Mobile app lacks some features of desktop app

Paid version is relatively expensive