Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Timely · ⏳ time tracking
Timely vs Clockify Free
Five users get timers and a private auto-tracker; reports stop at 31-day windows and CSV export is paid. Here is how Clockify Free ($0/mo free) stacks up against Timely ($11/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Timely vs Clockify Free Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-11
| Dimension | Timely (Paid) | Clockify Free (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $11 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $132 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $132) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $660 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $660) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,320 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,320) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | free proprietary, free |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Hosted (their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopmobilewebextensionthey host it |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ $0 forever |
Deep Dive: Switching from Timely to Clockify Free
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It records timers and a local activity trail, but it does not match Timely's automatic Memory timeline and AI-assisted conversion of observed work into suggested project entries.
How to deploy Clockify Free
Hosted signup; install the Windows/macOS/Linux desktop app for automatic activity tracking
What it takes to run
An account is required, and automatic tracking needs the desktop app plus operating-system activity permissions
Where your data lives
Saved time entries, projects and reports live in Clockify's cloud; raw auto-tracker app and website activity stays in a local desktop database and is uploaded only when converted into a time entry
Why fork Clockify Free instead of vibe-coding a Timely clone?
A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Timely, record opt-in app names locally and turn them into suggested time entries. The hard boundary is automatic memory timeline, model tuning, cross-device clients, team reporting, and privacy operations, plus ubiquitous capture, coaching, and team workflow.
Timely vs Clockify Free FAQ
Is Clockify Free a good free alternative to Timely?+
Yes. Clockify Free is a verified free replacement for Timely. Five users get timers and a private auto-tracker; reports stop at 31-day windows and CSV export is paid.
What is the catch when switching from Timely to Clockify Free?+
It records timers and a local activity trail, but it does not match Timely's automatic Memory timeline and AI-assisted conversion of observed work into suggested project entries.
How much do you save switching from Timely to Clockify Free?+
Timely costs $11/mo ($132/yr) per seat, whereas Clockify Free is $0/mo. Switching saves $132/yr for a solo user, $660/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,320/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Clockify Free instead of Timely?+
Install: Hosted signup; install the Windows/macOS/Linux desktop app for automatic activity tracking. Setup: An account is required, and automatic tracking needs the desktop app plus operating-system activity permissions
