Tool dossier

ActivityWatch

Free open-source time tracker that automatically monitors your device usage. Cross-platform support with local data storage for complete privacy.

3 sources 17,148 stars Self-hosted MPL-2.0

Product snapshot

How the interface presents itself

ActivityWatch interface screenshot

Positioning

What this project is really offering

The goal here is to separate raw catalog facts from the sharper product shape users care about before they commit time.

About

ActivityWatch automatically tracks how you spend time on your devices while keeping your data completely private. This open-source alternative to RescueTime and ManicTime stores all information locally on your device, ensuring your activity data never leaves your control. Key features include: Perfect for monitoring productivity, tracking project time, managing screen habits, or gaining insights into your digital behavior. The tool helps you understand work-life balance, identify behavioral trends, and measure time spent on different activities without compromising your privacy. Built by volunteers and maintained by the Bjäreholt brothers, ActivityWatch serves researchers, developers, and anyone seeking "self-knowledge through numbers." The active community contributes plugins, extensions, and improvements to make this the most comprehensive privacy-focused time tracker available.

Highlights

The capabilities most worth remembering

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Automatic tracking

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Browser extensions

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Editor plugins

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Category breakdown

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Cross-platform support

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Automatic Tracking

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Privacy-First

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Cross-Platform

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Extensible

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Detailed Insights

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Open Source

Evidence

What backs up the editorial summary