# ActivityWatch: Free Open Source Alternative to Code Time, RescueTime, StayFree

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/activitywatch
Last updated: 2026-11-07

ActivityWatch (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Code Time, RescueTime, StayFree, WakaTime. Free open-source time tracker that automatically monitors your device usage. Cross-platform support with local data storage for complete privacy.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: ActivityWatch
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://activitywatch.net
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/activitywatch/activitywatch
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 19.5k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/activitywatch/activitywatch or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with ActivityWatch saves up to $140/mo ($1,680/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Code Time](https://caniforkit.com/code-time) | [analytics](https://caniforkit.com/category/analytics) | $35/mo | [Compare Code Time vs ActivityWatch](https://caniforkit.com/vs/code-time-vs-activitywatch) |
| [RescueTime](https://caniforkit.com/rescuetime) | [analytics](https://caniforkit.com/category/analytics) | $35/mo | [Compare RescueTime vs ActivityWatch](https://caniforkit.com/vs/rescuetime-vs-activitywatch) |
| [StayFree](https://caniforkit.com/stayfree) | [analytics](https://caniforkit.com/category/analytics) | $35/mo | [Compare StayFree vs ActivityWatch](https://caniforkit.com/vs/stayfree-vs-activitywatch) |
| [WakaTime](https://caniforkit.com/wakatime) | [analytics](https://caniforkit.com/category/analytics) | $35/mo | [Compare WakaTime vs ActivityWatch](https://caniforkit.com/vs/wakatime-vs-activitywatch) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is ActivityWatch free and open source?
ActivityWatch is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Free open-source time tracker that automatically monitors your device usage. Cross-platform support with local data storage for complete privacy.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using ActivityWatch?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)