Side by side
ActivityWatch vs Focusly
Both stand on screen time management apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+4
ActivityWatch offers local, extensible time tracking without premium tiers, ads, or usage limits. Wayland support, estimated accuracy, and an evolving API are important limitations to consider.
Visit ActivityWatch Free plan Open source ExtensionMacWindows
Focusly combines time tracking, focus sessions, and blocking with local storage and offline desktop use. The Chrome extension has a desktop-app dependency, and Windows website blocking changes the system hosts file.
Visit FocuslyThe facts
| ActivityWatch | Focusly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Extension, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Personal yearly: $50 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | ActivityWatch | Not published |
| Website | activitywatch.net | focusly.so |
| On screen time management apps | #2 of 36 | #1 of 36 |
ActivityWatch: what it does well
- Free with no usage limits
- Tracks applications and websites
- Stores data locally
- Export, delete, and backup controls
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
What to know first
- Wayland active-window watcher is disabled
- Statistics are estimates
- API may change
- Volunteer development may slow
Focusly: what it does well
- Tracks application and supported website time.
- Includes 25-minute sessions and streak tracking.
- Stores history and sessions in a local SQLite file.
- Desktop app works offline.
- Full source is available under the MIT license.
What to know first
- Chrome extension requires the desktop app to run.
- Extension needs network access.
- Website blocking on Windows uses the system hosts file.
Alternatives to ActivityWatch Alternatives to Focusly The whole list