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.

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


Screen Time

Screen Time

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.

Categories:
screen-time usage-tracking parental-controls

Screen Time Features

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

Pricing

  • Free

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