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.

Feature	ActivityWatch	RescueTime
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Productivity	Productivity

Product Overview

ActivityWatch

Description: 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.

RescueTime

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

ActivityWatch Features

• 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

RescueTime Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

ActivityWatch

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

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

Pricing Comparison

ActivityWatch

• Open Source
• Free

RescueTime

• Freemium
• Subscription-Based