ActivityWatch vs StayFree
ActivityWatch
activitywatch.net
StayFree
stayfreeapps.comSide by side
| Figure | ActivityWatch | StayFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4.17/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Screen Time Management Apps | 8.6 (#3) | 7.6 (#21) |
| Purpose | ActivityWatch automatically tracks how users spend time on their devices, including applications and websites. | StayFree tracks device usage, blocks apps and websites, and helps users stay productive. |
| Support | The project offers community discussion through its forum and Discord server, and says development is volunteer-built and may slow at times. | The maker lists [email protected] and a Discord community for support. |
Plans
ActivityWatch
- Personal$5 a month
- Business$20 a month
- Personal yearly$50 a year
- Believer$450, paid once
In their own words
ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
StayFree
StayFree tracks device usage and provides controls for limiting apps and websites. Its blocking options include instant blocks, scheduled blocks, daily limits, and session limits. Focus Mode can make selected websites inaccessible on a schedule or when activated manually, while social media controls can hide distracting sections without blocking a whole site. When a website limit is reached, StayFree can block further use, send a notification, or show a dismissible popup. Usage statistics and graphs can cover connected devices; a six-digit pairing code links mobile, PC, and smartwatch usage data. The browser extension includes options to export or import usage data and settings, delete history, and reset settings. PIN Protection can require a PIN to access and change significant extension settings. StayFree is free, with the listed plan at free for cross-device screen time tracking and usage control. Listed platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Wear OS. Support is offered by email and through a Discord community.