Time Ledger vs ActivityWatch: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Time Ledger and ActivityWatch 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Time Ledger
Budget your time like money to gain insights and guide your path forward.
Best for you if:
- • Effortlessly track daily activities in simple time increments.
- • Analyze time spending to visualize investment and identify productivity trends.
ActivityWatch
Automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.
Best for you if:
- • Automatically tracks device usage time.
- • Open-source and privacy-focused.
| At a Glance |  Time Ledger | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Time Tracking | Time Tracking |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Time Ledger | ActivityWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 245 | 0 |
| Categories | Time Tracking | Time Tracking |
Understanding the Differences
Both Time Ledger and ActivityWatch solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Time Ledger positions itself as "budget your time like money to gain insights and guide your path forward." while ActivityWatchfocuses on "automatically track your time on devices with this open-source, privacy-first application.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Time Ledger
Time Ledger makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Time Ledger lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Time Ledger
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. ActivityWatch is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: ActivityWatch
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Time Ledger
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Time Ledger is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Time Ledger higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Time Ledger more (245 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Time Ledger Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider ActivityWatch If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Time Ledger. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Time Ledger scores higher in our analysis, but ActivityWatch might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Time Ledger or ActivityWatch better?
Based on our analysis, Time Ledger scores higher with high/100. Time Ledger isfree while ActivityWatch is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Time Ledger to ActivityWatch easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Time Ledger and ActivityWatch offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Time Ledger is completely free.ActivityWatch is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.