ActivityWatch vs Toggl Track: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ActivityWatch and Toggl Track 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: Toggl Track 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.
Toggl Track
Effortless time tracking across projects, clients, and teams
Best for you if:
- • Toggl Track is a time tracking app for teams and freelancers
- • It provides simple time tracking with reporting and integrations
| At a Glance |  ActivityWatch |  Toggl Track |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Time Tracking | Time Tracking |
Rating | - | - |
Choose ActivityWatch or Toggl Track?
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 (Toggl Track requires payment)
Choose Toggl Track if
Effortless time tracking across projects, clients, and teams
- Easy to use
- Great free tier
- Cross-platform
| Feature | ActivityWatch | Toggl Track |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| 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
Toggl Track
Effortless time tracking across projects, clients, and teams
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Great free tier
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Basic reporting free
- -Limited project management
Key features
Pricing: ActivityWatch vs Toggl Track
| Plan | ActivityWatch | Toggl Track |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $9/user Starter |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $18/user Premium |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ActivityWatch pricing and Toggl Track pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ActivityWatch is free. Toggl Track is freemium.
Go with: ActivityWatch
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
ActivityWatch is free. Toggl Track 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?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Toggl Track
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ActivityWatch
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Toggl Track is our pick. That said, ActivityWatch is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ActivityWatch or Toggl Track better?
Toggl Track is rated in our evaluation. ActivityWatch is free and Toggl Track is freemium.
What are ActivityWatch and Toggl Track used for?
ActivityWatch: Automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.. Toggl Track: Effortless time tracking across projects, clients, and teams.
What does ActivityWatch cost vs Toggl Track?
ActivityWatch is completely free. Toggl Track is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.