can i fork it?

Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Memtime · ⏳ time tracking

Memtime vs ManicTime Free

One computer gets automatic app, site and document history, tags and timesheet export; cloud sync is the billable part. Here is how ManicTime Free ($0/mo free) stacks up against Memtime ($14/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.

Free Alternative

ManicTime Free

$0.00/mo · proprietary, free

Memtime vs ManicTime Free Specification Matrix

facts verified 2026-08-11

DimensionMemtime (Paid)ManicTime Free (Replacement)
Monthly Price$14 / mo$0 / mo
1-Year Cost (1 seat)$168 / yr$0 / yr (Save $168)
1-Year Cost (5 seats)$840 / yr$0 / yr (Save $840)
1-Year Cost (10 seats)$1,680 / yr$0 / yr (Save $1,680)
Source & LicenseProprietary SaaSfree proprietary, free
Where It RunsVendor CloudLocal (on your machine)
PlatformsWeb / Cloud
desktopone-click install
GitHub Stars—★ $0 forever

Deep Dive: Switching from Memtime to ManicTime Free

Trade-offs, installation & data architecture

The Catch vs Memtime

What you trade away

It captures a rich local history, but the free desktop product has less polished project-accounting integration and cross-device workflow than Memtime's purpose-built timesheet conversion.

Installation

How to deploy ManicTime Free

Install the native Windows, macOS or Linux desktop package

Data Ownership

Where your data lives

Activity history, tags and reports stay on the computer in local SQLite databases; the Windows client uses ManicTimeCore.db and ManicTimeReports.db

Build vs Fork Verdict: KINDA (the core, yes. the polish, no)

Why fork ManicTime Free instead of vibe-coding a Memtime clone?

The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Memtime, record local app activity privately and convert selected blocks into timesheet entries. The hard boundary is calendar and project integrations, team reporting, sync, and enterprise controls, plus ubiquitous capture, coaching, and team workflow.

Memtime vs ManicTime Free FAQ

Is ManicTime Free a good free alternative to Memtime?+

Yes. ManicTime Free is a verified free replacement for Memtime. One computer gets automatic app, site and document history, tags and timesheet export; cloud sync is the billable part.

What is the catch when switching from Memtime to ManicTime Free?+

It captures a rich local history, but the free desktop product has less polished project-accounting integration and cross-device workflow than Memtime's purpose-built timesheet conversion.

How much do you save switching from Memtime to ManicTime Free?+

Memtime costs $14/mo ($168/yr) per seat, whereas ManicTime Free is $0/mo. Switching saves $168/yr for a solo user, $840/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,680/yr for a 10-person team.

How do I install or self-host ManicTime Free instead of Memtime?+

Install: Install the native Windows, macOS or Linux desktop package.

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