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Head-to-head · Activity Tracking

DeskTime vs RescueTime

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score DeskTime #3 in Activity Tracking 8.9/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit DeskTime
RescueTime #6 in Activity Tracking 8.6/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit RescueTime

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

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDeskTime · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly RescueTime
  • Free trialboth

DeskTime scores higher on our rubric for activity tracking: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

RescueTime offers free plan; DeskTime doesn't.

DeskTime is the better fit for teams tracking work across projects and devices. RescueTime is the better fit for individuals and teams tracking productive time.

  • DeskTime fits best

    Teams tracking work across projects and devices

  • RescueTime fits best

    Individuals and teams tracking productive time

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Side by side

Feature DeskTime 8.9/10 Visit ↗ RescueTime 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #3 in Activity Tracking #6 in Activity Tracking
Best for Teams tracking work across projects and devices Individuals and teams tracking productive time
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $6.42/user/mo $84/yr
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial 14 days 14 days
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 14 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs Email, Phone, Community, Docs
Compliance GDPR, ISO 27001, 2FA PCI DSS, SSO/SAML, 2FA
Integrations 9,000+ integrations 8 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features DeskTime 0/3 · RescueTime 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 activity across applications and websites.
  • Adds project, client, task, and billable-time tracking on timesheet plans.
  • Offers focus tools, reports, and data exports across supported platforms.
Cons
  • There is no free plan.
  • Screenshot capture is included with Premium, not Pro.
  • DeskTime does not track GPS location.
  • Project and billable tracking require Solo+ or Team+ plans.
  • Timesheets and team approvals are not included in the base Solo plan.
  • Published prices are annual, which may not suit buyers seeking monthly billing.
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 →

RescueTime is a time-tracking and productivity application for individuals, freelancers, professionals, and teams. It automatically records time spent in applications and websites, then pairs activity reports with focus tools. For work…

Read the review →
  1. DeskTimeActivity Tracking 8.914-day trial
  2. RescueTimeActivity Tracking 8.6Free plan · 14-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.

  • RescueTime — where it wins

    • Automatically tracks activity across applications and websites.
    • Adds project, client, task, and billable-time tracking on timesheet plans.
    • Offers focus tools, reports, and data exports across supported platforms.

    Where it doesn't

    • Project and billable tracking require Solo+ or Team+ plans.
    • Timesheets and team approvals are not included in the base Solo plan.
    • Published prices are annual, which may not suit buyers seeking monthly billing.
  • DeskTime8.9/10 · 14-day trial

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

    Visit DeskTimeFull verdict →
  • RescueTime8.6/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    Automatic activity tracking with focus tools and project timesheets across individual and team plans.

    Visit RescueTimeFull 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