ManicTime Alternatives Reviewed - See Our Best Picks

Looking for ManicTime alternatives?

I guess the app just doesn't cut it for you anymore. That's okay.

Maybe you're tired of its interface and features or just want a little time tracking glow-up. ✨

The good news is that there's always a better way to make sense of where your hours go. There are a bunch of available time tracking tools you can turn to.

To stop you from going down the Google rabbit hole to find ManicTime competitors and alternatives, we decided to do the homework for you. After all, you don't have to lose even more hours on a Google deep dive and then in multiple free trials just to find your perfect time tracking app.

No matter if you're looking for something sleek and minimalist with just-on-point features (...cough, cough, Memtime!) or something budget-friendly with decent features, we've rounded up the best options out there.

You probably don't have any time to waste, so let's roll.

What is ManicTime?

Since you have most likely used ManicTime and are not fully satisfied with the results, I'll try to keep it short with this ManicTime introduction.

As you know, ManicTime is an automatic time tracking app that records your computer usage. It remembers which apps (websites and documents) you've used and for how long. It's available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS (for mobile).

I hope we can agree that the app presents your data in a somewhat easy-to-understand way, so you can assign logged time to your tasks. You probably enjoyed the tool's reports that provide insights into your applications and website usage, attendance, and more.

The unusual part about ManicTime starts with the security and storage of your time data. It offers users two deployment options, meaning you can choose where and how your time tracking data is stored and managed:

1. The first one is a cloud-based solution. Your data is stored on ManicTime's servers in the cloud, and you can access it from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. The tradeoff is that a third party hosts your data, so you have no option but to trust their security measures.
2. The second one is on-premise installation. Your data is stored locally on your own server or computer (which is a much better option, if I may add). This option provides more control and privacy because your data never leaves your environment, so there's minimal risk of data breaches.

Here are some of ManicTime's key features you're probably familiar with:

• It records your computer activity automatically (without manual input), noting which applications you've used.
• You can assign logged time to tasks and projects.
• There are detailed computer usage reports, including applications and websites used, attendance, etc.
• You can decide what data to track, when to track it, and what to share.
• The app takes screenshots of your work to give a visual overview of your activities.
• Multiple integrations are available (Jira, GitHub, and Asana, to name a few) so you can input your work hours into tasks imported from these tools and then sync recorded time back.
• It works offline, meaning you can track time without an Internet connection.
• ManicTime monitors active and idle time. After each period of inactivity, you get a popup prompt, asking you to specify your activities during that time so you can get a complete and exact picture of your workday.
• For mobile users, ManicTime offers location tracking, which is particularly useful for those attending meetings, working in the field, or away from the office.

ManicTime pros & cons

I know you’re probably tired of hearing about ManicTime, but bear with me, as it actually has a few pros.

It tracks your time automatically so you don’t have to use a start/stop timer.

It comes with detailed timelines and customizable reports, allowing you to analyze your overtime and productivity patterns. You can even generate invoices directly from your ManicTime timesheet, which is pretty handy.

Plus, with options for both cloud-based and on-premise installations, you get flexibility in data storage.

But there are also the cons:

• The first downside, according to ManicTime reviews on Capterra, is that the app can consume a significant amount of system resources, potentially slowing down your computer performance, especially on older systems or those with limited resources.
• Other users suggested it’s a “wrong way to manage people”. The users were worried about detailed tracking capabilities, mentioning the screenshot capture feature. They mentioned it can feel intrusive and too Big Brother-ish.
• Users weren’t pleased with the available documentation and the number of bugs the tool has; they called the documentation “chaotic” and suggested that with every new version, there are “more bugs than fixes”. 

If you have had the same experience with ManicTime, I get why you would want to switch to another time tracking solution. 🤷

6 ManicTime alternatives you have to check out

Now comes the good part.

I’ve tortured you enough with ManicTime and its features.

Here are 6 alternatives you should consider when moving from ManicTime.

#1 Memtime

🤔 Why it’s a ManicTime alternative: Memtime simplifies time tracking. There’s nothing “manic” about Memtime.

You have to forgive me for being a bit biased when it comes to Memtime. I have good reasons.

We at Memtime don’t care about anything except logging your activity accurately, down to the minute, while you work, and giving you reports on your productivity patterns and programs you use the most.

We make time tracking simple and quiet.

Our mascot is a sloth, a symbol of effortless and low-stress time tracking, just like how a sloth moves at its own pace. 🦥 The sloth’s laid-back, relaxed nature aligns with our goals to simplify the time tracking process without overcomplicating things.

With Memtime, you get automatic time tracking + no distractions.

Meaning, Memtime won’t ask you to specify your idle time.

It doesn’t have endless settings that slow down your computer’s performance.

There’s no screenshot monitoring.

Just simple automatic time tracking that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Here’s how Memtime represents your activity, within the Memory Aid:

Here’s what you can get with Memtime:

I encourage you to try Memtime for two weeks, free of charge. That’s more than enough time for you to fall in love with it and recover up to 20% more billable time without working more.

It will take you less than 10 seconds to create your Memtime account so you can download the app. Just click the button below, you won’t regret it.

#2 RescueTime

🤔 Why it’s a ManicTime alternative: RescueTime focuses more on boosting productivity by allowing you to set goals and focus time. The app helps you stay on track to make better use of your day.

RescueTime is an automatic time tracking app that is productivity-focused. It helps you identify distractions, set goals, and optimize your work habits so you can become more focused and efficient.

Here are RescueTime features worth mentioning:

• RescueTime runs in the background and automatically tracks the time spent on programs, websites, and documents.
• It categorizes activities as productive or distracting so you can see which unproductive activities are slowing you down.
• You can set daily goals and focus time, with alerts to keep you aligned with those goals.
• RescueTime provides reports on productivity patterns and creates productivity scores.

#3 Timely

🤔 Why it’s a ManicTime alternative: Similar to ManicTime, Timely focuses on automatic time 

tracking but with an emphasis on AI, productivity, and project management integrations.

Timely is an automatic time tracking app that uses AI to log your activities in the background. You can track your time, manage client projects, and optimize productivity.

Here’s why Timely is a ManicTime alternative:

• Timely automatically tracks your activities in the background with its AI-driven Memory app, so you can review your time without needing to manually categorize it.
• Timely’s AI matches tracked time to specific projects, making it easier to stay organized.
• You can integrate Timely with various project management tools to ensure you meet deadlines.

#4 Clockify

🤔 Why it’s a ManicTime alternative: Clockify offers manual, project-based time tracking and detailed reporting; it is ideal for individuals and teams that love manual time tracking.

Clockify is a time tracking app that allows users to manually track time for various projects and manage billable hours. It offers features like idle time reminders and team clock-in.

Here’s why Clockify works as a ManicTime alternative:

• You can manually start and stop the timer, giving you control over your time entries.
• The app generates detailed reports, including billable and non-billable hours, so you can stay on top of work and client projects.
• The app reminds you to track time if you’ve been idle.
•  With the Kiosk add-on, you can clock in and out on a different device using a PIN.

#5 Time Doctor

🤔 Why it’s a ManicTime alternative: Time Doctor has more team-oriented features like employee monitoring and productivity tracking, making it more suitable for businesses (and remote teams) that want to track productivity.

Time Doctor is a time tracking and productivity app for businesses, remote teams, and freelancers. You track time manually or through automated triggers for specific tasks.

Here are some of the Time Doctor features:

• It tracks time and provides productivity insights for individuals and teams.
• The app captures screenshots.
• It integrates with over 60 project management tools.
• The app can alert users when they visit unproductive websites.
• It includes payroll features to simplify payments based on hours tracked.

#6 Toggl Track

🤔 Why it’s a ManicTime alternative: Toggl Track offers automated and manual time tracking, project management integrations, and detailed productivity reports.

Toggl Track is a collection of time tracking tools designed to track time spent on various projects and clients and bill for that time.

Here are some Toggl Track features worth noting:

• It records activity in programs longer than 10 seconds.
• It allows users to track time spent on projects and do budget forecasting.
• The desktop app sends notifications about your idle time.
• There’s a Pomodoro timer.
• Four project management software integrations are available.

Wrapping up

Now, it’s up to you.

I have taken you through these 6 great ManicTime alternatives.

You've seen the options, the features, and the pricing, so now it’s up to you to decide which one fits your needs best.

If you're all about effortless, low-stress time tracking, give Memtime a go. Your time tracking will be as easy as a sloth’s nap. Plus, who doesn’t want a sloth as their time tracking buddy? 😊