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ActivityWatch vs Things

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

ActivityWatch icon
ActivityWatch
Things icon
Things

ActivityWatch vs Things: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature ActivityWatch Things
Sugggest Score — —
Category Productivity Productivity
Pricing 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

Things
Things

Description: Things is a task management app for Mac and iOS that helps users organize projects and to-do lists. It has a simple, clean interface and features like tags, reminders, and deep Apple integration.

Type: software

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
Things
Things Features
  • Task management
  • Project organization
  • To-do lists
  • Tags
  • Reminders
  • Deep Apple integration

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
Things
Things
Pros
  • Simple, clean interface
  • Powerful organization features
  • Seamless syncing between Mac, iPhone, iPad
  • Strong Apple integration
Cons
  • No web app
  • Can be pricey for extensive features
  • iOS-focused features may not appeal to non-Apple users

Pricing Comparison

ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch
  • Open Source
Things
Things
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Things
Things
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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