Can I open-source RescueTime?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. ActivityWatch (14k stars), Kimai (4k stars) are mature open-source replacements for RescueTime — self-host in one command and stop paying $12/mo.
People still pay for RescueTime because the timer is simple, but people pay for frictionless capture and a history they trust enough to invoice or change habits from. The recurring cost buys idle detection, permissions, app metadata, privacy, notifications, sync, reports, integrations, and backups, not just the visible interface.
xcross-device history, website blocking, goals, reports, and long-term behavioral dataset
xcross-device history
xteam timesheets and payroll
xbehavioral datasets
xblocking across every platform
These projects already replace it, free.
AActivityWatchAutomatic, privacy-first time tracker that logs app and browser usage locally.open source↗KKimaiProfessional time tracking with invoicing, teams, and exports.open source↗What each one is, in full: ActivityWatch · Kimai
no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
RescueTime pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| solo focus | — | $7/user | 1 user; focus sessions and productivity reports; no numeric activity-history cap published. |
| solo+ | — | $12/user | 1 user; expanded coaching and productivity features; no numeric usage cap published. |
| team focus | — | $10/user | Team reporting and focus tools; no public numeric seat minimum. |
| team+ | — | $16/user | Expanded team analytics and coaching; no public numeric seat minimum. |
free tierno free tier
billingmonthly + annual; exact monthly dollar amounts were not exposed; 14-day trial
hidden costsInvoice billing is generally limited to teams of 100+; prorated refunds are generally not offered.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Can I open-source RescueTime?
Yes. ActivityWatch replaces RescueTime today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does RescueTime cost?
RescueTime costs about $12/month (Premium, checked 2026-07-31), which is $144 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing RescueTime?
Honestly: cross-device history, website blocking, goals, reports, and long-term behavioral dataset; cross-device history; team timesheets and payroll; behavioral datasets; blocking across every platform. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to RescueTime?
Yes: ActivityWatch (Automatic, privacy-first time tracker that logs app and browser usage locally.) Kimai (Professional time tracking with invoicing, teams, and exports.)