ActivityWatch vs Clockify: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ActivityWatch and Clockify comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Clockify is our overall pick for time tracking workflows. Pick ActivityWatch if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ActivityWatch
Automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Automatically tracks device usage time.
- • Open-source and privacy-focused.
Clockify
Free time tracking for teams and freelancers
Best for you if:
- • Clockify is a free time tracking app for teams and freelancers to log hours on projects
- • It provides timesheets, reporting, and invoicing with unlimited users on the free tier
| At a Glance |  ActivityWatch |  Clockify |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Time Tracking | Time Tracking |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Choose ActivityWatch or Clockify?
Choose ActivityWatch if
Automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.
- Automatically tracks time without manual input
- Open-source, allowing for transparency and community contributions
- Privacy-focused, keeping data local to your device
- You want a fully free tool (Clockify requires payment)
Choose Clockify if
Free time tracking for teams and freelancers
- Generous free tier
- Unlimited users free
- Good integrations
| Feature | ActivityWatch | Clockify |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 9,198 reviews |
| Categories | Time TrackingProductivity | Time TrackingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
ActivityWatch
Automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.
Strengths
- +Automatically tracks time without manual input
- +Open-source, allowing for transparency and community contributions
- +Privacy-focused, keeping data local to your device
- +Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- +Helps identify and improve screen habits
Key features
Clockify
Free time tracking for teams and freelancers
Strengths
- +Generous free tier
- +Unlimited users free
- +Good integrations
Weaknesses
- -Limited features on free
- -UI can be clunky
Key features
Pricing: ActivityWatch vs Clockify
| Plan | ActivityWatch | Clockify |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $3.99 /seat/month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $5.49 /seat/month Standard |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $7.99 /seat/month Pro |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $11.99 /seat/month Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ActivityWatch pricing and Clockify pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ActivityWatch is free. Clockify is freemium.
Go with: ActivityWatch
Want the highest-rated option?
Clockify is rated 4.7/5. ActivityWatch has no ratings yet.
Go with: Clockify
Value user reviews?
ActivityWatch: no ratings yet. Clockify: 9,198 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Clockify
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ActivityWatch is free. Clockify is freemium. Go with ActivityWatch if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are time tracking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Clockify is rated 4.7/5; ActivityWatch has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Clockify
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ActivityWatch
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Clockify is our pick. That said, ActivityWatch is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ActivityWatch or Clockify better?
Clockify is rated in our evaluation. ActivityWatch is free and Clockify is freemium.
What are ActivityWatch and Clockify used for?
ActivityWatch: Automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.. Clockify: Free time tracking for teams and freelancers.
What does ActivityWatch cost vs Clockify?
ActivityWatch is completely free. Clockify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.