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 Timing Alternatives for Mac

Name: Chronoid
Author: Chronoid

Looking for a more affordable or simpler Timing alternative? Here are the 10 best automatic time tracking apps for macOS in 2025.

Why Look for Timing Alternatives?

High Cost

Timing costs $79/year or $290 lifetime. More affordable alternatives offer similar core features.

Complexity

Timing has many features that personal users don't need. Simpler alternatives focus on what matters.

Missing Features

No AI insights, Pomodoro timer, or website blocking. Alternatives offer more integrated productivity tools.

1. Chronoid

BEST VALUE

The best Timing alternative for individual Mac users who want simplicity and value

Key Features

✓Fully automatic time tracking
✓AI chat for productivity insights
✓Integrated Pomodoro timer & website blocker
✓100% local data (complete privacy)
✓Native macOS with Apple Silicon optimization

Pricing

$40-80 one-time

Save $210-250 vs Timing lifetime. No subscriptions, just pay once.

Best For

Individual Mac users wanting automatic tracking with AI insights and focus tools at a fraction of Timing's cost.

Download Free Trial Compare with Timing

2. RescueTime

Cross-platform

Popular automatic time tracking with productivity scoring and focus features.

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Productivity scores
• FocusTime blocker
• Cross-platform support

Pricing

$78-144/year

Best For

Users wanting cloud sync across devices

3. Qbserve

macOS

Affordable automatic time tracking with productivity analysis and invoicing.

Key Features

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

Pricing

$40 one-time

Best For

Budget-conscious Mac users wanting privacy

4. Timemator

macOS, iOS

Hybrid automatic and manual tracking with powerful automation and iOS support.

Key Features

• Auto + manual tracking
• Custom automation rules
• iOS companion app
• Export & integrations

Pricing

$5/month or $50/year

Best For

Users who want both auto and manual tracking

5. Toggl Track

Cross-platform

Manual tracking with strong team features and extensive integrations.

Key Features

• Manual timer tracking
• Team collaboration
• 100+ integrations
• Mobile apps

Pricing

Free - $20/user/month

Best For

Teams needing manual tracking with billing

6. ManicTime

Windows, macOS

Detailed automatic tracking with timeline view and offline functionality.

Key Features

• Automatic tracking
• Detailed timeline
• Local data storage
• Tagging & categorization

Pricing

Free / $67 Pro

Best For

Users wanting detailed timeline with free tier

7. Timely

Cross-platform

AI-powered automatic tracking for teams with memory technology.

Key Features

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

Pricing

$8-20/user/month

Best For

Teams wanting AI automatic tracking

8. ActivityWatch

Cross-platform

Free open-source automatic tracking with complete privacy and customization.

Key Features

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

Pricing

Free (open source)

Best For

Tech-savvy users who value open source

9. Clockify

Cross-platform

Free time tracking with unlimited users and project features.

Key Features

• Manual tracking
• Unlimited users (free)
• Project tracking
• Reports & exports

Pricing

Free - $10/user/month

Best For

Teams wanting free unlimited tracking

10. Harvest

Cross-platform

Time tracking with powerful invoicing and expense tracking for professionals.

Key Features

• Manual tracking
• Invoice generation
• Expense tracking
• Team features

Pricing

$10.80-16/user/month

Best For

Freelancers needing invoicing & expenses

Quick Comparison Table

App	Tracking	Price	Platform	Privacy
Chronoid	Automatic	$40-80 once	macOS	100% Local
Timing	Automatic	$79/yr, $290 life	macOS	Local
RescueTime	Automatic	$78-144/yr	All	Cloud
Qbserve	Automatic	$40 once	macOS	Local
Timemator	Both	$50/yr	macOS, iOS	Local
ActivityWatch	Automatic	Free	All	Local
Toggl Track	Manual	Free-$20/mo	All	Cloud

Try the #1 Timing Alternative

Chronoid offers automatic tracking with AI insights at a fraction of Timing's cost. Save $210-250 and get more features with a one-time purchase.

Download Chronoid Free