How does the AI chat work with privacy?

You have two options: use local LLMs (Ollama, LM Studio) where everything stays on your machine, or use cloud AI services with your own API keys. In both cases, we never see your conversations - the communication happens directly between your Mac and the AI service.

What exactly does Chronoid track?

Chronoid tracks the active application, window titles, and URLs/file paths when you're actively using your Mac. It detects idle time automatically and pauses tracking. All tracking is done locally using macOS Accessibility APIs.

Do I need to start/stop timers manually?

No! Chronoid runs automatically in the background. It starts tracking when you use your Mac and stops when you're idle or away. Just install it and forget about it - it works silently in your menu bar.

Can I try it before buying?

Yes! We offer a full-featured 14-day free trial with no credit card required. You get access to all features including AI categorization, custom rules, and advanced analytics during the trial period.

What happens after I buy?

After purchase, you receive a license key via email. Enter it in Chronoid to unlock the full version forever. You get lifetime updates, all current and future features, and priority support. It's a one-time purchase - no subscriptions.

How does automatic categorization work?

Chronoid uses smart rules and optional AI to categorize your time. You can set rules based on app names, window titles, domains, or keywords. The AI can suggest categories based on your activity patterns, learning from your preferences over time.

Chronoid vs RescueTime

Name: Chronoid
Author: Chronoid

An honest comparison of two popular macOS time tracking solutions. See which tool is right for your productivity needs in 2025.

Try Chronoid Free

Quick Comparison

Feature	Chronoid	RescueTime
Pricing Model	One-time purchase ($40-80)	Subscription ($78-144/year)
Automatic Tracking	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Data Storage	100% Local	Cloud-based
AI Chat with Data	✓ Yes	✗ No
Pomodoro Timer	✓ Built-in	✗ No
Website Blocker	✓ Built-in	✓ FocusTime
macOS Native	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Offline Mode	✓ Full functionality	~ Limited
Cross-platform	macOS only	Windows, Mac, Linux, Mobile
Free Trial	14 days, full features	Free plan available

Pricing Comparison

Chronoid

$40 - $80

One-time purchase

✓Pay once, use forever
✓All features included
✓Lifetime updates
✓1-3 devices per license
✓14-day free trial

Cost over 3 years: $40-80 (one payment)

RescueTime

$6.50 - $12/mo

Annual subscription

~$78-144 per year
✓Premium features in paid plan
✓Cross-platform support
✓Unlimited devices
✓Free plan available

Cost over 3 years: $234-432 (recurring)

Chronoid saves you $194-352 over 3 years compared to RescueTime Premium

Why Choose Chronoid?

100% Local Privacy

Your data never leaves your Mac. No cloud uploads, no third-party servers. Complete privacy and GDPR compliance by design.

One-time Purchase

No recurring subscriptions. Pay once and own it forever with lifetime updates. Save hundreds over time compared to subscription models.

AI Chat with Your Data

Ask questions about your productivity patterns. "When am I most productive?" "What distracted me this week?" Get instant insights.

All-in-One Solution

Time tracking, Pomodoro timer, and website blocker in one app. No need for separate productivity tools or subscriptions.

Native macOS Performance

Built specifically for macOS with Apple Silicon optimization. Minimal battery impact and seamless integration with macOS features.

Works Completely Offline

Full functionality without internet. Perfect for security-conscious users and those who work in offline environments.

When RescueTime Might Be Better

RescueTime is a solid choice if you:

•Need cross-platform tracking across Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices
•Want cloud sync and access to data from any device
•Prefer a free tier to test before committing to paid features
•Are comfortable with cloud-based data storage
•Need detailed reports and analytics across multiple platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from RescueTime to Chronoid?

Yes! While you can't import RescueTime data directly, Chronoid starts tracking immediately after installation. Most users find the transition smooth, with Chronoid automatically categorizing their apps and activities from day one.

Does Chronoid work offline like RescueTime?

Yes, and better. Chronoid works 100% offline with full functionality. RescueTime requires periodic cloud syncing, while Chronoid stores everything locally on your Mac. You never need an internet connection.

How accurate is automatic tracking compared to RescueTime?

Both Chronoid and RescueTime use similar macOS Accessibility APIs for tracking, so accuracy is comparable. Chronoid's AI categorization can actually be more accurate with local context, and you can refine categories with custom rules.

Is the one-time price really cheaper than RescueTime?

Yes, significantly. RescueTime Premium costs $78-144 per year. After just one year, you've already spent more than Chronoid's highest tier ($80 one-time). Over 3 years, you save $194-352 with Chronoid.

Does Chronoid have mobile apps like RescueTime?

No, Chronoid is macOS-only and focuses on providing the best possible desktop experience. If you need mobile tracking, RescueTime or a cross-platform tool would be better suited for your needs.

What about the FocusTime feature in RescueTime?

Chronoid includes a built-in website blocker similar to RescueTime's FocusTime, plus a Pomodoro timer for structured focus sessions. Both features are included at no extra cost in all Chronoid plans.

Ready to try Chronoid?

Start your 14-day free trial. No credit card required. Experience automatic time tracking with complete privacy and powerful productivity tools.

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