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 Clockify

Name: Chronoid
Author: Chronoid

Automatic local tracking vs manual cloud-based time tracking: which approach works better for your workflow? Compare two popular time tracking solutions for Mac users in 2025.

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Chronoid	Clockify
Tracking Method	Fully Automatic	Manual
Pricing	$40-80 one-time	Free-$12/user/month
Data Storage	100% Local	Cloud-based
AI Features	Yes	No
Pomodoro Timer	Built-in	Basic
Website Blocker	Yes	No
Team Features	~ Basic	Advanced
Cross-platform	macOS only	All platforms

The Fundamental Difference

Chronoid: Automatic Local Tracking

Set it and forget it. Chronoid runs silently in the background, automatically tracking everything you do locally on your Mac without any manual input or cloud uploads.

+Zero manual timers needed
+Never forget to start/stop
+Complete privacy - data stays on your Mac
+Works offline, no internet required

Clockify: Manual Cloud Tracking

Start and stop timers manually for each task. Data syncs to the cloud for access across devices, but requires remembering to track and internet connectivity.

~Must start/stop timers manually
~Easy to forget tracking
+Cloud sync across all devices
+Generous free plan available

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.

AI-Powered Insights

Chat with your productivity data using AI. Get personalized insights and recommendations that Clockify simply cannot offer.

Built-in Website Blocker

Block distracting websites while you work. Clockify lacks this feature, requiring you to use separate apps.

One-time Purchase

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

Advanced Pomodoro Timer

Full-featured Pomodoro timer built-in with customizable intervals. Clockify's Pomodoro is basic in comparison.

When Clockify Might Be Better

Clockify is a better choice if you:

*Need a completely free solution with no upfront cost and unlimited tracking
*Work across multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, iOS, Android) and need cloud sync
*Manage a team and need advanced scheduling, approval workflows, and invoicing
*Prefer manual control over exactly what gets tracked and assigned to projects
*Need detailed client invoicing and billing features built into the app

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clockify really free? What's the catch?

Clockify does offer a generous free plan with unlimited tracking and users. However, advanced features like time off tracking, scheduling, and detailed reports require paid plans ($4-12/user/month). Chronoid's one-time payment includes all features with no ongoing costs.

Can I migrate from Clockify to Chronoid?

While direct data import isn't available, transitioning is easy. Chronoid starts tracking automatically from day one, building a complete productivity picture without manual entry. Many users find automatic tracking captures more data than they ever logged manually.

Which is better for freelancers tracking billable hours?

Clockify excels at billable hour tracking with built-in invoicing. Chronoid automatically captures all work time, which is great for understanding productivity, but requires exporting data for invoicing. Choose based on whether you value automatic capture or integrated billing more.

How does data privacy compare between the two?

Chronoid stores all data locally on your Mac - nothing is ever uploaded to the cloud. Clockify stores data on their servers for cross-device sync. If privacy and data ownership are priorities, Chronoid's local-only approach is more secure.

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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