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.

Chronoid vs Toggl Track

Name: Chronoid
Author: Chronoid

Automatic vs manual time tracking: which approach is better for Mac users? Compare two popular time tracking solutions for productivity in 2025.

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Chronoid	Toggl Track
Tracking Method	Fully Automatic	Manual (with timeline)
Pricing	$40-80 one-time	Free-$20/user/month
Data Storage	100% Local	Cloud-based
AI Chat with Data	✓ Yes	✗ No
Pomodoro Timer	✓ Built-in	~ Via integrations
Website Blocker	✓ Built-in	✗ No
Team Collaboration	~ Basic	✓ Advanced
Project Management	~ Basic	✓ Advanced
Cross-platform	macOS only	All platforms + mobile
Browser Extension	✗ Not needed	✓ Yes

The Fundamental Difference

Chronoid: Automatic Tracking

Set it and forget it. Chronoid runs silently in the background, automatically tracking everything you do without any manual input.

✓Zero manual timers
✓Never forget to start/stop
✓Complete activity history
✓Idle detection built-in

Toggl: Manual Tracking

Start and stop timers for each task. Great for billable hours and client projects, but requires discipline and remembering.

~Must start/stop timers
~Easy to forget tracking
✓Timeline view (desktop)
✓Precise task control

Pricing Comparison

Chronoid

$40 - $80

One-time purchase

✓Pay once, use forever
✓All features included
✓No recurring costs
✓Lifetime updates
✓14-day free trial

Cost over 3 years: $40-80 total

Toggl Track

$0 - $20/mo

Per user, monthly

✓Free plan available
~$10/user/mo (Starter)
~$20/user/mo (Premium)
✓Team features in paid plans
✓Cross-platform sync

Cost over 3 years: $360-720 per user

For individual users, Chronoid saves $280-640 over 3 years compared to Toggl paid plans

Why Choose Chronoid?

Truly Automatic

No timers to start or stop. Chronoid tracks everything automatically, so you never forget to log your time or lose productivity data.

Complete Privacy

100% local storage. Your data never touches the cloud or third-party servers. Perfect for security-conscious professionals.

Built-in Focus Tools

Pomodoro timer and website blocker included. Stay focused without juggling multiple productivity apps or subscriptions.

Works Offline

Full functionality without internet. Perfect for remote work, travel, or security-focused environments.

One-time Purchase

Pay once and own it forever with lifetime updates. No per-user pricing or monthly fees.

Zero Maintenance

No need to remember to track, no browser extensions to install, no manual categorization. It just works silently in the background.

When Toggl Track Might Be Better

Toggl Track is a better choice if you:

•Need to track billable hours for specific clients with precise start/stop times
•Work across multiple devices and platforms (Windows, Linux, iOS, Android)
•Require advanced team collaboration and project management features
•Want browser extensions to track time directly from web apps
•Prefer manual control over what gets tracked and when
•Need a free plan to start with basic features

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Toggl to Chronoid?

Yes! The transition is straightforward. Chronoid starts tracking automatically from day one. While you can't import Toggl data, you'll quickly build a complete picture of your productivity without manual timers.

Is automatic tracking more accurate than manual?

For personal productivity insights, yes. Automatic tracking captures everything without gaps from forgotten timers. For billable client work requiring precise task boundaries, manual tracking like Toggl offers more control.

Does Chronoid work across multiple devices?

Chronoid is macOS-only, tracking locally on each Mac. If you need cross-platform tracking across Windows, Linux, or mobile devices, Toggl's cloud-based approach would be better.

Can I use Chronoid for client billing?

Chronoid tracks all your work automatically, which is great for understanding time spent. However, if you need detailed invoicing, project budgets, and client-specific reporting, Toggl's specialized features are more suitable.

What about Toggl's free plan?

Toggl offers a free plan with basic tracking. However, Chronoid's one-time $40-80 purchase includes all features (AI chat, focus tools, unlimited tracking) with no ongoing costs or feature limitations.

How does privacy compare?

Chronoid stores all data locally on your Mac with no cloud sync. Toggl stores data in the cloud for cross-device access. Choose Chronoid if privacy is a top priority, or Toggl if you need cloud accessibility.

Experience automatic time tracking

Try Chronoid free for 14 days. No credit card required. Track your time effortlessly without manual timers.

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