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.

Best RescueTime Alternatives for Mac

Name: Chronoid
Author: Chronoid

Looking for a RescueTime alternative that's more affordable, private, or Mac-native? Here are the 10 best time tracking apps for macOS in 2025.

Why Look for RescueTime Alternatives?

Subscription Costs

RescueTime Premium costs $78-144/year. One-time purchase alternatives can save hundreds over time.

Privacy Concerns

All data is stored in the cloud. Local-first alternatives keep your data on your Mac.

Missing Features

No AI insights, Pomodoro timer, or advanced focus tools. Alternatives offer more integrated features.

1. Chronoid

BEST VALUE

The best RescueTime alternative for Mac users who value privacy and affordability

Key Features

✓Fully automatic time tracking
✓AI chat with your productivity data
✓Built-in Pomodoro timer & website blocker
✓100% local data storage (complete privacy)
✓Native macOS app with Apple Silicon optimization

Pricing

$40-80 one-time

No subscription. Pay once, use forever with lifetime updates.

Best For

Mac users who want automatic tracking, complete privacy, and AI-powered insights without recurring costs.

Download Free Trial Compare with RescueTime

2. Timing

macOS

Professional-grade automatic time tracking with advanced project budgets and invoicing features.

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Project budgets & estimates
• Invoice generation
• Local + optional cloud sync

Pricing

$79/year or $290 lifetime

Best For

Freelancers and agencies tracking billable hours

3. Toggl Track

Cross-platform

Popular manual time tracking with team features and extensive integrations.

Key Features

• Manual timer tracking
• Team collaboration
• 100+ integrations
• Mobile apps

Pricing

Free - $20/user/month

Best For

Teams needing manual tracking with client billing

4. Qbserve

macOS

Automatic time tracking focused on productivity scores and distraction analysis for Mac.

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Productivity scoring
• Local data storage
• Invoice generation

Pricing

$40 one-time

Best For

Privacy-focused Mac users on a budget

5. Timemator

macOS, iOS

Hybrid automatic and manual time tracking with powerful automation rules.

Key Features

• Auto + manual tracking
• Custom automation rules
• iOS companion app
• Export to various formats

Pricing

$5/month or $50/year

Best For

Users who want both auto and manual tracking

6. ManicTime

Windows, macOS

Detailed automatic time tracking with timeline view and local data storage.

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Timeline visualization
• Local data storage
• Offline functionality

Pricing

Free / $67 Pro

Best For

Users wanting detailed timeline with free option

7. Clockify

Cross-platform

Free time tracking with unlimited users and basic project management features.

Key Features

• Manual tracking
• Unlimited users (free)
• Project tracking
• Reports & exports

Pricing

Free - $10/user/month

Best For

Teams looking for free unlimited tracking

8. Focus Booster

Cross-platform

Pomodoro-based time tracking combining technique with time logging.

Key Features

• Pomodoro timer
• Session tracking
• Reports & analytics
• Mobile apps

Pricing

$3-5/month

Best For

Pomodoro enthusiasts who want tracking

9. ActivityWatch

Cross-platform

Open-source automatic time tracking with complete privacy and customization.

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• 100% open source
• Local data only
• Highly customizable

Pricing

Free (open source)

Best For

Tech-savvy users who value open source

10. Timely

Cross-platform

AI-powered automatic time tracking for teams with memory tracking technology.

Key Features

• AI automatic tracking
• Memory tracking
• Team features
• Project budgets

Pricing

$8-20/user/month

Best For

Teams wanting AI-powered automatic tracking

Quick Comparison Table

App	Tracking	Price	Platform	Privacy
Chronoid	Automatic	$40-80 (one-time)	macOS	Local
Timing	Automatic	$79/year or $290	macOS	Local + Cloud optional
Toggl Track	Manual	Free - $20/user/mo	All platforms	Cloud
Qbserve	Automatic	$40	macOS	Local
Timemator	Hybrid	$5/mo or $50/yr	macOS, iOS	Local
ManicTime	Automatic	Free / $67	Windows, macOS	Local
Clockify	Manual	Free - $10/user/mo	All platforms	Cloud
Focus Booster	Pomodoro	$3-5/month	All platforms	Cloud
ActivityWatch	Automatic	Free	All platforms	Local
Timely	Automatic	$8-20/user/mo	All platforms	Cloud

Try the #1 RescueTime Alternative

Chronoid offers automatic tracking, AI insights, and complete privacy at a fraction of the cost. Start your free 14-day trial today.

Download Chronoid Free