ManicTime vs ActivityWatch Comparison
Compare features to find which solution is best for your needs.

ManicTime
ManicTime is a powerful, automatic time tracking software that resides on your machine. It quietly records your computer activities, including application usage, website visits, and document interactions, providing detailed insights into how you spend your time without manual input. This data is invaluable for analyzing productivity, managing projects, and generating accurate time reports. by ManicTime

ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch is a free and open-source, privacy-focused time-tracking application that automatically monitors how you spend time on your devices, offering detailed insights into your digital activities with local storage and offline functionality. by Erik Bjäreholt, Johan Bjäreholt and contributors
Summary
ManicTime and ActivityWatch are both powerful solutions in their space. ManicTime offers manictime is a powerful, automatic time tracking software that resides on your machine. it quietly records your computer activities, including application usage, website visits, and document interactions, providing detailed insights into how you spend your time without manual input. this data is invaluable for analyzing productivity, managing projects, and generating accurate time reports., while ActivityWatch provides activitywatch is a free and open-source, privacy-focused time-tracking application that automatically monitors how you spend time on your devices, offering detailed insights into your digital activities with local storage and offline functionality.. Compare their features and pricing to find the best match for your needs.
Pros & Cons Comparison

ManicTime
Pros
- Automatic time recording eliminates manual effort and increases accuracy.
- Local data storage enhances privacy.
- Visual timeline provides a clear overview of daily activity.
- Powerful tagging system allows for detailed categorization and reporting.
- Comprehensive reports are easily generated and exportable.
- Portable version is available.
Cons
- Does not automatically track non-computer activities (meetings, calls, surveys etc.).
- Requires manual tagging for detailed project/task categorization (though automatic tagging helps).
- Server version is required for team synchronization and advanced features.

ActivityWatch
Pros
- Strong emphasis on user privacy with local data storage.
- Automated and non-intrusive time tracking in the background.
- Works completely offline.
- Provides detailed statistics and reports on digital usage.
- Open-source and free to use.
Cons
- May require some technical understanding for advanced configuration.
- Granular tracking within specific applications can be limited without custom watchers.
- Not a full-featured project management or billing software.