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Head-to-head · Activity Tracking

DeskTime vs Insightful

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score DeskTime #3 in Activity Tracking 8.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit DeskTime
Insightful #4 in Activity Tracking 8.8/10 7-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Insightful

DeskTime leads on 1 check, Insightful on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDeskTime · 8.9/10
  • Lowest starting priceDeskTime · $6.42/user/mo
  • Free trialboth

DeskTime scores higher on our rubric for activity tracking: 8.9 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

DeskTime is cheaper to start at $6.42/user/mo against $8/user/mo.

DeskTime is the better fit for teams tracking work across projects and devices. Insightful is the better fit for organizations needing workforce analytics and approvals.

  • DeskTime fits best

    Teams tracking work across projects and devices

  • Insightful fits best

    Organizations needing workforce analytics and approvals

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature DeskTime 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Insightful 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.8
Ranking #3 in Activity Tracking #4 in Activity Tracking
Best for Teams tracking work across projects and devices Organizations needing workforce analytics and approvals
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $6.42/user/mo (best) $8/seat/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days 7 days
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 7 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs Email, Docs
Compliance GDPR, ISO 27001, 2FA SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, SSO/SAML
Integrations 9,000+ integrations 50+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DeskTime 0/3 · Insightful 0/3
Activity reports Not checked yet Not checked yet
App & website tracking Not checked yet Not checked yet
Idle detection Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Screenshots Not checked yet Not checked yet
Activity history Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Automatically tracks desktop time, apps, websites, and document titles.
  • Combines project and task tracking with attendance and shift scheduling.
  • Offers web, desktop, and mobile access plus project and calendar integrations.
  • Generates timesheets for review, approval and export.
  • Tracks attendance, project time and billable hours.
  • Offers cloud or on-premises deployment and payroll integrations.
Cons
  • There is no free plan.
  • Screenshot capture is included with Premium, not Pro.
  • DeskTime does not track GPS location.
  • No mobile apps are listed.
  • On-premises access requires at least 250 employee licenses.
  • Annual plans start at $8 per seat per month.
Our verdict

DeskTime is a time-tracking and workforce analytics service for businesses coordinating in-office, remote, and hybrid teams. Its desktop app automatically records work time and active apps and websites, while browser and mobile tools…

Read the review →

Insightful brings employee time tracking and workforce analytics together for organizations managing office, remote and hybrid teams. It suits managers who need visibility into attendance, time allocation and capacity, along with a process…

Read the review →
  1. DeskTimeActivity Tracking 8.914-day trial
  2. InsightfulActivity Tracking 8.87-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • DeskTime — where it wins

    • Automatically tracks desktop time, apps, websites, and document titles.
    • Combines project and task tracking with attendance and shift scheduling.
    • Offers web, desktop, and mobile access plus project and calendar integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan.
    • Screenshot capture is included with Premium, not Pro.
    • DeskTime does not track GPS location.

  • Insightful — where it wins

    • Generates timesheets for review, approval and export.
    • Tracks attendance, project time and billable hours.
    • Offers cloud or on-premises deployment and payroll integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • No mobile apps are listed.
    • On-premises access requires at least 250 employee licenses.
    • Annual plans start at $8 per seat per month.

More comparisons

All activity tracking comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update