
ManicTime
Automatic time tracking with local data, timesheets and an optional on-premises server.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About ManicTime
ManicTime records computer usage automatically, which apps and documents were open, websites visited and when you were away, and shows it as a timeline so you can tag blocks of time to projects and clients. Tags turn into timesheets, billing and reports, and rules or integrations can suggest tags from your project management tools. Data lives on your computer by default, and teams can sync to ManicTime Cloud or run ManicTime Server on their own infrastructure, which appeals to companies with strict data policies. A REST API, direct database access and an MCP server connect it to other systems. Desktop trackers run on Windows, Mac and Linux, with a 30-day free trial; it is sold as licences and subscriptions for individuals and teams. The interface is dense and more technical than newer trackers, and the tag-based model takes getting used to, but it is one of the few automatic trackers with a mature self-hosted option.
Best for: Teams that want automatic tracking but must keep time data on their own servers.
Pros and cons
What works
- Automatic tracking with data stored locally
- On-premises server option for teams
- REST API and direct database access
Why people leave
- Dense, technical interface
- Tag-based workflow has a learning curve
- No free plan beyond the trial
Top ManicTime alternatives
See all 5- 1
ActivityWatch66.5Free, open-source automatic tracker with local data, for individuals.
- 2
Memtime62.6Automatic tracking with offline data and connections to many project tools.
- 3
Timely59.6Cloud-based automatic tracking with AI-drafted timesheets.
- 4
DeskTime57.2Easier automatic tracking for companies, cloud-hosted.
- 5
Kimai55.3Open-source, self-hosted timesheets if you don't need automatic capture.
Why people left ManicTime
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ManicTime: common questions
Is ManicTime free?
No, ManicTime is a paid product.
Is ManicTime open source?
No, ManicTime is not open source. Open-source alternatives include ActivityWatch and Kimai.
What platforms does ManicTime run on?
ManicTime is available for Windows, macOS, Linux and Self-hosted.
What are the best alternatives to ManicTime?
The highest-ranked ManicTime alternatives right now are ActivityWatch, Memtime and Timely. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.