Independent time tracking tool like the Upwork one

[#1]

Hello... I'm a freelance editor, and I'm looking for a lightweight tool like the Upwork time tracker that I can use to track projects and time for non-Upwork jobs. I'd be able to start it off, add a memo, and have it log the time I've spent on different projects each day.

I'm on a MacBook with MacOS. I'm on a pretty tight budget, so free or cheap are better options.

Does anyone have any ideas? How do you track your project time on a budget?

Zoe

[#2 · Accepted solution]

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Zoe B wrote:

I'm on a MacBook with MacOS. I'm on a pretty tight budget, so free or cheap are better options.

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Have you looked at Toggl?

[#3]

I use Top Tracker, which is free and easy to use.  There is even a component to take screen shots but I don't use that part.  

[#4]

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Mary W wrote:

I use Top Tracker, which is free and easy to use.  There is even a component to take screen shots but I don't use that part.  

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This looks good too. I'm starting with Toggl, and will look at this next.

Thank you!

[#5]

Toggl looks good, and wow, that’s a fantastic resource. Thank you!

[#6]

It's been a while, but I wanted to round this off in case anyone with the same question lands here.

I gave both Toggl and TopTracker a trial, and found TopTracker has a slightly easier interface, though Toggl still did everything I wanted it to. I didn't use the screenshot features, just the standard time tracking with projects and activities. I didn't use the invoicing features of either tool.

So basically, I'm going with TopTracker!

I've also just installed RescueTime, which fulfils a different need (tracking all laptop use, not just project work). I've found it helpful for identifying admin time that I I haven't tracked through Upwork or TopTracker.

[#7]

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Zoe B wrote:

It's been a while, but I wanted to round this off in case anyone with the same question lands here.

I gave both Toggl and TopTracker a trial, and found TopTracker has a slightly easier interface, though Toggl still did everything I wanted it to. I didn't use the screenshot features, just the standard time tracking with projects and activities. I didn't use the invoicing features of either tool.

So basically, I'm going with TopTracker!

I've also just installed RescueTime, which fulfils a different need (tracking all laptop use, not just project work). I've found it helpful for identifying admin time that I I haven't tracked through Upwork or TopTracker.

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Have you checked Clockify.me? That also covers your needs as you describe them. I tried RescueTime but hate it because it interrupted my research because I was on "leisure" pages and the reports were totally messed up because of this.

[#8]

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Have you checked Clockify.me? That also covers your needs as you describe them. I tried RescueTime but hate it because it interrupted my research because I was on "leisure" pages and the reports were totally messed up because of this.

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I just had a look at it... thanks for the recommendation. It looks like it has great reporting and is good for teams. I might give it a go in the future if RescueTime lets me down!

[#9]

I use ManicTime which runs in the background whenever my PC is turned on. When I return from being away, it prompts me to tag that time away if needed. 

[#10]

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Phyllis G wrote:

I use ManicTime which runs in the background whenever my PC is turned on. When I return from being away, it prompts me to tag that time away if needed. 

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Phyllis... I think I might have had ManicTime in the past too, when I was on Windows. Are you using it for project tracking or for personal time/distraction mangagement?

I'm going with TopTracker for project tracking and RescueTime to find out where all my time is going (!). I'm going to run with RescueTime for a couple of weeks and try acting on the reports to see if my screentime management improves.

[#11]

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Zoe B wrote:

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Phyllis G wrote:

I use ManicTime which runs in the background whenever my PC is turned on. When I return from being away, it prompts me to tag that time away if needed. 

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Phyllis... I think I might have had ManicTime in the past too, when I was on Windows. Are you using it for project tracking or for personal time/distraction mangagement?

I use it mainly for project tracking but the fact that it runs all the time is a help w/ distraction management. 

I'm going with TopTracker for project tracking and RescueTime to find out where all my time is going (!). I'm going to run with RescueTime for a couple of weeks and try acting on the reports to see if my screentime management improves.

I have not looked at alternatives since I started using MT a few years ago. Others might be better but I'm used to it!

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[#12]

Try https://trackabi.com It offers probably the best balance of price and features.

[#13]

I use this free tool for time tracking. It's entirely free and doesn't even require an account.

All of your data is stored on your computer, which is a good point for privacy, and it has a nice "export to Excel" feature in case you need to send your times to someone.

I hope this helps!