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Head-to-head · Activity Tracking

DeskTime vs ManicTime

  • 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
ManicTime #7 in Activity Tracking 8.5/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit ManicTime

DeskTime leads on 1 check, ManicTime on 1, and 0 are 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 planonly ManicTime
  • Free trialboth

DeskTime scores higher on our rubric for activity tracking: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

ManicTime offers free plan; DeskTime doesn't. DeskTime is cheaper to start at $6.42/user/mo against $7/user/mo.

DeskTime is the better fit for teams tracking work across projects and devices. ManicTime is the better fit for individuals and teams needing flexible activity records.

  • DeskTime fits best

    Teams tracking work across projects and devices

  • ManicTime fits best

    Individuals and teams needing flexible activity records

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 ↗ ManicTime 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.5
Ranking #3 in Activity Tracking #7 in Activity Tracking
Best for Teams tracking work across projects and devices Individuals and teams needing flexible activity records
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $6.42/user/mo (best) $7/user/mo
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 14 days 30 days
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs Docs
Integrations 9,000+ integrations 12 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features DeskTime 0/3 · ManicTime 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.
  • Automatically tracks apps, websites, documents, idle time, and timelines
  • Turns tracked time into timesheets, invoices, and work-time reports
  • Offers cloud or on-premises deployment and clients across major platforms
Cons
  • There is no free plan.
  • Screenshot capture is included with Premium, not Pro.
  • DeskTime does not track GPS location.
  • Standard limits use to 3 devices
  • Cloud screenshots are listed only with Ultimate
  • Documentation is the listed support channel
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 →

ManicTime records application, website, document, idle-time, and other activity in the background, then lets people assign that time to projects, clients, and tasks. It is aimed at individual professionals, freelancers, teams, managers,…

Read the review →
  1. DeskTimeActivity Tracking 8.914-day trial
  2. ManicTimeActivity Tracking 8.5Free plan · 30-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.

  • ManicTime — where it wins

    • Automatically tracks apps, websites, documents, idle time, and timelines
    • Turns tracked time into timesheets, invoices, and work-time reports
    • Offers cloud or on-premises deployment and clients across major platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • Standard limits use to 3 devices
    • Cloud screenshots are listed only with Ultimate
    • Documentation is the listed support channel
  • DeskTime8.9/10 · 14-day trial

    DeskTime tracks desktop activity, projects, attendance, and shifts across devices.

    Visit DeskTimeFull verdict →
  • ManicTime8.5/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Captures work activity automatically, then turns it into project records, timesheets, and invoices.

    Visit ManicTimeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All activity tracking comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update