Project Hamster review
A focused, local Linux tracker for recording activities without paid tiers.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Project Hamster pros and cons
- 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
Project Hamster fact sheet, pricing and score →
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