ActivityWatch vs Screen Time

Struggling to choose between ActivityWatch and Screen Time? 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, Screen Time is a Os & Utilities product tagged with screen-time, usage-tracking, parental-controls.

Its standout features include Activity Report - Tracks how much time is spent in each app, website, etc., App Limits - Set time limits for app categories or specific apps, Downtime - Schedule time when apps/websites cannot be used, Content & Privacy Restrictions - Block or limit access to certain apps, features, websites, Communication Limits - Limit communication with specific people during downtime, and it shines with pros like Helps manage screen time and set healthy limits, Can restrict use during certain times or lock device, Detailed activity reports provide insight into usage, Can limit access to certain apps or features, Free and built into iOS devices.

Feature	ActivityWatch	Screen Time
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Productivity	Os & Utilities

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.

Screen Time

Description: Screen Time is an app by Apple that allows users to monitor and limit screen time on iPhones and iPads. It tracks app usage, sets time limits for apps, and provides detailed reports on how devices are used.

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

Screen Time Features

• Activity Report - Tracks how much time is spent in each app, website, etc.
• App Limits - Set time limits for app categories or specific apps
• Downtime - Schedule time when apps/websites cannot be used
• Content & Privacy Restrictions - Block or limit access to certain apps, features, websites
• Communication Limits - Limit communication with specific people during downtime

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

Screen Time

Pros

• Helps manage screen time and set healthy limits
• Can restrict use during certain times or lock device
• Detailed activity reports provide insight into usage
• Can limit access to certain apps or features
• Free and built into iOS devices

Cons

• Can be bypassed or tricked by tech savvy users
• Requires discipline and commitment from users
• Some limitations compared to third party apps
• Kids may try to circumvent restrictions
• Only available on iOS devices

Pricing Comparison

ActivityWatch

• Open Source
• Free

Screen Time

• Free