Hikage vs Roots

Hikage is a macOS app that records app and website activity locally so users can review a usage timeline. It tracks app switches in the background and estimates screen time using keyboard and mouse activity, playback status, and sleep state. Statistics include daily and monthly views, per-app figures, sunburst and treemap displays, and an app-stream view. A relationship graph combines app switch counts with each app’s share of switches. Users can create categories and subcategories, merge or exclude items, and customize statistics layouts. For supported browsers, Hikage normally saves the hostname, browser identity, time, and private-browsing status rather than full URLs. It does not record typed text, keystrokes, pointer coordinates, clipboard contents, window titles, screen images, or media titles. With permission, it can generate calendar event candidates from activity records and add them to Apple Calendar. The free plan includes local recording, export, iCloud Backup, and daily and per-app statistics. A one-time Personal Perpetual License costs 9.00 USD and includes all features, future updates, and activation on two Macs. It is intended for personal activity review, not attendance, billing, medical, safety, or evidence use.

Roots is an iPhone screen-time app for setting phone boundaries and making more time for offline activities. It assigns a daily Balance Score based on phone use and visualizes progress over time. Users can block apps and websites with limits, scheduled downtime, or the stricter Monk Mode. Weekly reports and Digital Dopamine comparisons provide additional screen-time insights. Users can set goals for screen time and phone pickups, build streaks, and earn rewards. The Free plan includes a Balance Score, Scroll Replacements, Screen Time Insights, and two blockings. Roots Plus adds unlimited blockings and features including Monk Mode, Digital Dopamine, Block now, Locked Editing, uninstall protection, App Groups, Streak Rewards, and Pauses. Plus costs $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year. A 7-day free trial is offered, and customers can request a full refund within 30 days of their first payment. Roots says it uses Apple's iOS Screen Time API, keeping app usage and browsing data on the device and out of the maker's view. The app is for iOS; the maker labels its Android app as coming soon.