ActivityWatch vs WakaTime : Which is Better?

ActivityWatch icon

ActivityWatch

ActivityWatch is a free opensource app that automatically tracks how you spend time on your devices such as phones and laptops. Developed by Erik Bjäreholt, Johan Bjäreholt and contributors

License: Open Source

Apps available for Mac Windows Linux Android Chrome

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WakaTime icon

WakaTime

WakaTime is an open-source text editor plugins for metrics about your programming.

License: Freemium

Categories: Office & Productivity

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux Komodo IDE Xcode

ActivityWatch VS WakaTime

WakaTime is a more polished tool tailored for developers with extensive integrations and a focus on software development, whereas ActivityWatch is an open-source alternative with a broader focus on time tracking across various applications, emphasizing user privacy and customizable self-hosting options.

ActivityWatch

Pros:

  • Open source and free to use
  • Focus on user privacy
  • Customizable and self-hosted options
  • Detailed time tracking across applications
  • User-friendly interface
  • Supports task management
  • Offers a focus mode to minimize distractions
  • Offline tracking capabilities
  • Community driven support
  • Custom tags for better organization

Cons:

  • No mobile app available
  • Requires setup for self-hosting
  • Less polished UI compared to WakaTime
  • Limited integrations with IDEs
  • Focus mode might not be intuitive
  • Learning curve for some users
  • Real-time tracking can be less precise
  • Not tailored specifically for developers
  • Community support may vary
  • Performance can be affected by self-hosting

WakaTime

Pros:

  • Comprehensive dashboard
  • Good integrations with IDEs
  • Supports team collaboration
  • Detailed analytics and reporting
  • User-friendly interface
  • API access for developers
  • Real-time tracking of coding activity
  • Customizable reports for users
  • Gamification features to increase productivity
  • Focus on software development

Cons:

  • Limited mobile support
  • Not open source
  • Less community-driven
  • Pricing for premium features
  • No Pomodoro timer
  • Less focus on non-coding activities
  • Limited task management features
  • Gamification not suitable for all
  • No focus mode
  • Requires internet access for some features

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