How does the AI chat work with privacy?

You have two options: use local LLMs (Ollama, LM Studio) where everything stays on your machine, or use cloud AI services with your own API keys. In both cases, we never see your conversations - the communication happens directly between your Mac and the AI service.

What exactly does Chronoid track?

Chronoid tracks the active application, window titles, and URLs/file paths when you're actively using your Mac. It detects idle time automatically and pauses tracking. All tracking is done locally using macOS Accessibility APIs.

Do I need to start/stop timers manually?

No! Chronoid runs automatically in the background. It starts tracking when you use your Mac and stops when you're idle or away. Just install it and forget about it - it works silently in your menu bar.

Can I try it before buying?

Yes! We offer a full-featured 14-day free trial with no credit card required. You get access to all features including AI categorization, custom rules, and advanced analytics during the trial period.

What happens after I buy?

After purchase, you receive a license key via email. Enter it in Chronoid to unlock the full version forever. You get lifetime updates, all current and future features, and priority support. It's a one-time purchase - no subscriptions.

How does automatic categorization work?

Chronoid uses smart rules and optional AI to categorize your time. You can set rules based on app names, window titles, domains, or keywords. The AI can suggest categories based on your activity patterns, learning from your preferences over time.

Best Automatic Time Tracking Apps for Mac

Name: Chronoid
Author: Chronoid

Stop manually tracking time. These 10 macOS apps automatically track your productivity in the background, helping you understand where your time goes.

Why Choose Automatic Time Tracking?

Zero Effort Required

No timers to start or stop. Apps run silently in the background, capturing everything automatically.

Complete Accuracy

Never forget to track time or lose data. Get accurate records of every minute you work.

Discover Patterns

Uncover productivity patterns and time drains you didn't know existed. Data-driven insights for improvement.

1. Chronoid

EDITOR'S CHOICE

The best all-in-one automatic time tracker for Mac with AI insights and focus tools

Why It's the Best

✓AI-powered insights - Chat with your data naturally
✓Complete privacy - 100% local data storage
✓All-in-one - Pomodoro timer & website blocker included
✓Best value - One-time purchase, no subscriptions
✓Native macOS - Apple Silicon optimized

Pricing & Details

$40-80 one-time

All features included. Lifetime updates. 14-day free trial.

Perfect For:

Mac users who want automatic tracking with AI insights, complete privacy, and integrated focus tools without recurring costs.

Most affordable in the long run

Download Free Trial View Pricing

Other Top Automatic Time Trackers

2. Timing

Professional automatic tracking with advanced invoicing

macOS

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Project budgets & estimates
• Professional invoicing
• Local + optional cloud

Pricing

$79/year or $290 lifetime

More expensive but feature-rich

Best For

Freelancers and agencies tracking billable hours with detailed project budgets

3. RescueTime

Cross-platform automatic tracking with productivity scoring

All Platforms

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Productivity scores
• FocusTime feature
• Cross-platform sync

Pricing

$78-144/year

Recurring subscription

Best For

Users wanting cloud sync across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices

4. Qbserve

Budget-friendly automatic tracker with productivity analysis

macOS

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Productivity scoring
• Invoice generation
• Local storage

Pricing

$40 one-time

Great budget option

Best For

Privacy-focused Mac users on a tight budget

5. Timemator

Hybrid automatic and manual tracking with iOS support

macOS, iOS

Key Features

• Auto + manual tracking
• Custom automation
• iOS companion app
• Flexible workflows

Pricing

$5/month or $50/year

Affordable subscription

Best For

Users wanting both auto and manual tracking with mobile access

6. ManicTime

Detailed automatic tracking with comprehensive timeline

Windows, macOS

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Detailed timeline view
• Local data storage
• Offline functionality

Pricing

Free / $67 Pro

Free tier available

Best For

Users wanting detailed timeline visualization with free option

7. Timely

AI-powered automatic tracking for teams

Cross-platform

Key Features

• AI automatic tracking
• Memory technology
• Team collaboration
• Project budgets

Pricing

$8-20/user/month

Team-focused pricing

Best For

Teams needing AI-powered automatic tracking with collaboration

8. ActivityWatch

Free open-source automatic time tracking

Cross-platform

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• 100% open source
• Local data only
• Highly customizable

Pricing

Free (open source)

Completely free forever

Best For

Tech-savvy users who value open source and customization

9. Klok

Visual automatic time tracking with clock interface

macOS, Windows

Key Features

• Auto + manual tracking
• Unique clock visualization
• Project tracking
• Export options

Pricing

$40 one-time

One-time purchase

Best For

Users who prefer visual timeline interfaces

10. Tyme

Beautiful automatic tracking with invoicing for Mac and iOS

macOS, iOS

Key Features

• Auto + manual tracking
• Beautiful interface
• Invoice generation
• iOS sync

Pricing

$30 one-time

Very affordable

Best For

Users wanting beautiful design with iOS companion

Quick Comparison Table

App	Price	Platform	Privacy	Key Feature
Chronoid	$40-80 once	macOS	100% Local	AI insights + focus tools
Timing	$79/yr	macOS	Local	Pro invoicing
RescueTime	$78-144/yr	All	Cloud	Cross-platform
Qbserve	$40 once	macOS	Local	Budget-friendly
Timemator	$50/yr	macOS, iOS	Local	Hybrid tracking
ActivityWatch	Free	All	Local	Open source

How to Choose the Right App

Consider These Factors

1.Privacy needs: Local storage vs cloud sync
2.Budget: One-time purchase vs subscription
3.Features: Basic tracking vs invoicing/budgets
4.Platform: Mac-only vs cross-platform
5.Use case: Personal productivity vs client billing

Our Recommendation

For most Mac users focused on personal productivity, Chronoid offers the best combination of:

✓Automatic tracking with zero effort
✓AI-powered insights for improvement
✓Complete privacy with local storage
✓Built-in focus tools included
✓Best long-term value

Try Chronoid Free

Start tracking your time automatically

Try Chronoid free for 14 days. No credit card required. Experience automatic time tracking with AI insights and focus tools built right in.

Download Free Trial