What it does
ActivityWatch is a cross-platform application that automatically tracks time spent on devices, including active applications and window titles. Its official page describes category summaries, browser extensions and editor watchers, with tracked data stored locally rather than uploaded to a cloud service.
ActivityWatch provides a local-first record of computer activity for time-use and productivity analysis. It automatically records active applications and window titles, and browser extensions or editor watchers can add more context. The project is free and open source under MPL-2.0, with no feature gates, usage limits, or ads according to its site; it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
It is a privacy-oriented personal tracker rather than a hosted workforce timesheet or billing service. Users may need to configure watchers for the sources they care about. No installation or watcher was tested.
Strengths
- Free and open-source software with no feature gates or usage limits, according to the project site.
- The vendor says activity data stays locally on the device.
- Cross-platform app and optional browser/editor watchers provide additional activity context.
Watch out for
- More detailed tracking may require configuring extensions or watchers.
- It is a local personal activity tracker, not a managed employee attendance or payroll system.
Best for
- Individuals who want to understand computer use without uploading data to a service
- Privacy-conscious users looking for an open-source activity timeline
Sources
- ActivityWatch - Open-source time tracker (Oct 25, 2026)