Can I open-source Timely?
KINDA · partial or early alternativesKinda. Kimai and ActivityWatch cover the core of Timely, but they're early or partial — expect gaps like automatic memory timeline, model tuning, cross-device clients, team reporting, and privacy operations and cross-device history.
People still pay for Timely 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.
xautomatic memory timeline, model tuning, cross-device clients, team reporting, and privacy operations
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
Timely pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| starter | $11/user | $9/user | 20 projects; maximum 5 users. |
| premium | $20/user | $16/user | Unlimited projects; maximum 50 users. |
| unlimited | $28/user | $22/user | Unlimited projects and users. |
| enterprise | custom | — | Custom seats, security, onboarding, and support. |
free tierno free tier
billingmonthly + annual (about -20%); trial; Enterprise custom
hidden costsTasks is a separate add-on starting at $5/person/month.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Can I open-source Timely?
Kinda. ActivityWatch covers the core of Timely, but there are real gaps: automatic memory timeline, model tuning, cross-device clients, team reporting, and privacy operations, cross-device history. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Timely cost?
Timely costs about $11/month (Starter, checked 2026-07-31), which is $132 per year.
What do I lose by replacing Timely?
Honestly: automatic memory timeline, model tuning, cross-device clients, team reporting, and privacy operations; 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 Timely?
Yes: ActivityWatch (Automatic, privacy-first time tracker that logs app and browser usage locally.) Kimai (Professional time tracking with invoicing, teams, and exports.)