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Alternatives · Time Tracking

ManicTime alternatives

ManicTime compared with 6 alternatives: ActivityWatch, RescueTime, Timing, Memtime, DeskTime and 1 more.

ManicTime has a free plan. Paid plans start at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly). 3 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.

6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
ManicTimeThis toolFree plan · from $7/moYesmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
ActivityWatchFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Browser extension
RescueTimeFree plan · from $7/moYesWeb, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
TimingFree trial · from $9/moTrial onlyWeb, macOS
MemtimeFree trial · from $14/moTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux
DeskTimeFree trial · from $6.42/moTrial onlyWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
TimeScribeFreeFreemacOS, Windows

How each one differs from ManicTime

  1. ActivityWatch

    Free, open-source automatic time tracker that keeps data local

    • ActivityWatch is free. ManicTime starts at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly).
    • Only ActivityWatch lists a browser extension.
    • Only ManicTime lists an iOS app.
    • ActivityWatch is open source, according to its own site.
    • ManicTime is self-hostable, according to its own site.

    Suits: People who want automatic tracking with all data kept on their own device

  2. RescueTime

    Automatic time tracking with distraction blocking and timesheets

    • RescueTime starts at $7 per month, billed annually ($84). ManicTime starts at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly).
    • Only RescueTime lists a web app.
    • Only RescueTime lists a browser extension.
    • Only ManicTime lists a Linux app.
    • ManicTime is self-hostable, according to its own site.

    Suits: People who want to see where computer time goes without running timers

  3. Timing

    Automatic time tracking for Mac with no timers to start

    • Timing starts at $9 per month, billed annually ($11 billed monthly). ManicTime starts at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly).
    • ManicTime has a free plan. Timing does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Timing lists a web app.
    • Only ManicTime lists Windows, Linux, iOS and Android apps.
    • ManicTime is self-hostable, according to its own site.

    Suits: Mac users who want time recorded without starting timers

  4. Memtime

    Automatic desktop time tracker that keeps activity data offline

    • Memtime starts at $14 per user / month, billed annually ($12 on a 2-year term). ManicTime starts at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly).
    • ManicTime has a free plan. Memtime does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Memtime lists a web app.
    • Only ManicTime lists iOS and Android apps.
    • ManicTime is self-hostable, according to its own site.

    Suits: Lawyers and consultants who bill in short time increments

  5. DeskTime

    Automatic time tracking and productivity monitoring for teams

    • DeskTime starts at $6.42 per user / month, billed annually ($7 billed monthly). ManicTime starts at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly).
    • ManicTime has a free plan. DeskTime does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only DeskTime lists a web app.
    • ManicTime is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • ManicTime can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Employers who want hours and productivity recorded automatically

  6. TimeScribe

    Free, open-source local time tracker for macOS and Windows

    • TimeScribe is free. ManicTime starts at $7 per month, billed yearly ($9 billed monthly).
    • Only ManicTime lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
    • TimeScribe is open source, according to its own site.
    • ManicTime is self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • ManicTime can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Individuals who have to record working hours, breaks and overtime

Limits worth knowing in ManicTime

  • The free version is for Windows only and leaves out auto-tagging, timesheets, advanced search and server sync.
  • Cloud plans cap devices at 3 per user on Standard and 5 on Ultimate; cloud screenshots need Ultimate.
  • A license covers one year of upgrades; newer versions need a renewal, and a cloud subscription stops working when it lapses.
  • The Azure DevOps and Basecamp integrations are listed for the Windows client only.
ManicTime pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to ManicTime?

The alternatives to ManicTime in this directory are ActivityWatch, RescueTime, Timing, Memtime, DeskTime and TimeScribe. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with ManicTime.

Is there a free alternative to ManicTime?

Yes. ActivityWatch and TimeScribe are free to use. RescueTime has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Is there an open-source alternative to ManicTime?

ActivityWatch and TimeScribe are described as open source on their own sites.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.