RescueTime

Time management software for staying focused

Freemium

About RescueTime

RescueTime tracks your digital activity automatically without manual timers or input. It runs silently in the background on Mac, Windows, Android, and Chrome, categorizing apps and websites as productive, neutral, or distracting based on your work. Weekly reports show exactly where your time goes, helping identify productivity patterns and time wasters. Focus Sessions block distracting sites and apps while tracking deep work time. The free Lite version provides basic time tracking; Premium ($12/month or $78/year) adds distraction blocking, detailed reports, and alerts when you've spent too much time on unproductive activities. Used by remote workers, freelancers, and anyone wanting data-driven insights into their work habits.

Key Features

Automatic tracking across all apps and websites

Productivity scoring and categorization

Focus Sessions with distraction blocking

Weekly and daily productivity reports

Goals and alerts for time management

Calendar integration to track meetings

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Truly automatic—no manual timers or input required
• Honest data reveals actual productivity patterns
• Focus Sessions effectively block distractions
• Cross-platform sync (Mac, Windows, Android, Chrome)
• Historical data helps identify long-term trends

Cons

• Can feel surveillance-like if not self-motivated
• Distraction blocking requires Premium subscription
• Limited iOS support due to Apple restrictions
• Categorization sometimes needs manual adjustment

Best For

Remote workers wanting accountability without managers Freelancers tracking billable time automatically Anyone struggling with social media distractions People wanting data-driven productivity insights