# Hackatime: Free Open Source Alternative to Code Time, WakaTime

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

Hackatime (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Code Time, WakaTime. Free, open-source coding time tracker compatible with VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, vim, emacs and more. No limits, no paywalls - your data stays yours forever.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Hackatime
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://hackatime.hackclub.com/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/hackclub/hackatime
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 216
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/hackclub/hackatime or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Code Time.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Hackatime saves up to $70/mo ($840/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 Hackatime](https://caniforkit.com/vs/code-time-vs-hackatime) |
| [WakaTime](https://caniforkit.com/wakatime) | [analytics](https://caniforkit.com/category/analytics) | $35/mo | [Compare WakaTime vs Hackatime](https://caniforkit.com/vs/wakatime-vs-hackatime) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Hackatime free and open source?
Hackatime is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Free, open-source coding time tracker compatible with VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, vim, emacs and more. No limits, no paywalls - your data stays yours forever.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Hackatime?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Code Time.

## 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)