ActivityWatch
Free · localOpen sourceAutomated, privacy-first time and application tracking with local data storage and web dashboard.
Free and open source (MPL-2.0).
Time tracking
Automated, privacy-first time and application tracking with local data storage and web dashboard.
Alternative to
RescueTime ↗
Toggl Track ↗
Timely ↗
Paid workflow replaced
Automated local application and window time tracking with personal dashboard without RescueTime, Toggl Track, or Timely cloud subscriptions. All data remains stored locally.
Before you switch
Desktop application; requires background permissions. No cloud team dashboard or billing/invoicing features.
What it does well
- Automatic window and application activity tracking running locally on your computer.
- Complete data privacy with local storage, REST API, and web dashboard.
Hands-on check · 17 Oct 2026
Linux x86_64, 17 October 2026: ran aw-server-rust and window/afk watchers v0.14.1 under X11. Created local buckets, recorded active window titles and durations accurately, and verified event queries via REST API.
Official source ↗