Project Hamster
Project Hamster: A focused, local Linux tracker for recording activities without paid tiers. Ranked #74 of 77 in Time Tracking Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting a simple free tracker.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users wanting a simple free tracker
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Desktop appYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with local database storage
- Activity categories, descriptions, tags, and day-view review
- CLI access, tab completion, notifications, and GNOME extension
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only availability limits cross-platform use
- No mobile apps or integrations
- No project management or export features
Our verdict on Project Hamster
Project Hamster is an open-source desktop time-tracking application for individuals who want to record time spent on selected activities in a Linux environment. Its GTK-based desktop app provides a day view for reviewing tracked work, while activity categories, descriptions, and tags help organize entries. Tracking data is stored in a local database, making the product a focused option for personal time records rather than a broader work-management system.
The feature set suits users who prefer desktop-native workflows. Desktop notifications can support regular tracking, and the command-line interface adds activity lookup and tab completion for terminal-based use. A GNOME Shell extension extends access from the desktop environment, while distribution packages, source installation, and Flatpak provide Linux-oriented installation paths. These choices make Project Hamster particularly relevant to GNOME users and others comfortable managing a local Linux application.
Project Hamster stays narrow by design. It does not provide project management, exports, mobile apps, or integrations, and its local database model is oriented toward individual tracking rather than connected team workflows. Users who need a free, open-source tracker with categories, tags, notifications, CLI tooling, and GNOME integration should find the scope fitting. Those who need mobile access, integrations, export workflows, or project-management features should choose a broader time-tracking product instead.
Your product? Our editors can test Project Hamster in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Project Hamster pricing
Project Hamster fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Project tracking | Not verified |
| Billable time | Not verified |
| Timesheet approvals | Not verified |
| Mobile apps | Not verified |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Offline tracking | Not verified |
| Data export | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | projecthamster.wordpress.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Project Hamster
- Toggl TrackA mature time tracker with strong reporting, approvals, estimates, and integrations.9.2
- RescueTimeA broad automatic tracker for productivity, billable work, focus, and team timesheets.9.0
- Deltek RepliconA broad enterprise time-tracking suite for compliance-heavy project organizations.8.9
See all Project Hamster alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Project Hamster for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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