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ActivityWatch vs SMBAct

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

ActivityWatch icon
ActivityWatch
SMBAct icon
SMBAct

ActivityWatch vs SMBAct: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

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.

SMBAct: SMBAct is an open-source network analyzer and packet inspection tool for SMB protocol. It allows capturing, monitoring and analysis of SMB sessions to detect suspicious activities, security threats and data leaks.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature ActivityWatch SMBAct
Sugggest Score
Category Productivity Security & Privacy
Pricing Open Source Open Source

Product Overview

ActivityWatch
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.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

SMBAct
SMBAct

Description: SMBAct is an open-source network analyzer and packet inspection tool for SMB protocol. It allows capturing, monitoring and analysis of SMB sessions to detect suspicious activities, security threats and data leaks.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

ActivityWatch
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
SMBAct
SMBAct Features
  • Network traffic analyzer for SMB protocol
  • Captures, monitors and analyzes SMB sessions
  • Detects security threats, data leaks and suspicious activities
  • Open source tool

Pros & Cons Analysis

ActivityWatch
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
SMBAct
SMBAct

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Allows deep inspection of SMB traffic
  • Helps identify security issues and data leaks
  • Customizable and extensible

Cons

  • Requires technical expertise to use effectively
  • No official support offered
  • May have limitations in scalability and performance

Pricing Comparison

ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch
  • Open Source
SMBAct
SMBAct
  • Open Source

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