Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Timely · ⏳ time tracking
Timely vs ManicTime Free
One computer gets automatic app, site and document history, tags and timesheet export; cloud sync is the billable part. Here is how ManicTime Free ($0/mo free) stacks up against Timely ($11/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
ManicTime Free
$0.00/mo · proprietary, free
Timely vs ManicTime Free Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-11
| Dimension | Timely (Paid) | ManicTime Free (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $11 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $132 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $132) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $660 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $660) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,320 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,320) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | free proprietary, free |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ $0 forever |
Deep Dive: Switching from Timely to ManicTime Free
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It shows detailed local activity, but assigning that history to projects is more manual and lacks Timely's polished cloud calendar, planning and AI suggestion workflow.
How to deploy ManicTime Free
Install the native Windows, macOS or Linux desktop package
Where your data lives
Activity history, tags and reports stay on the computer in local SQLite databases; the Windows client uses ManicTimeCore.db and ManicTimeReports.db
Why fork ManicTime Free instead of vibe-coding a Timely clone?
A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Timely, record opt-in app names locally and turn them into suggested time entries. The hard boundary is automatic memory timeline, model tuning, cross-device clients, team reporting, and privacy operations, plus ubiquitous capture, coaching, and team workflow.
Timely vs ManicTime Free FAQ
Is ManicTime Free a good free alternative to Timely?+
Yes. ManicTime Free is a verified free replacement for Timely. One computer gets automatic app, site and document history, tags and timesheet export; cloud sync is the billable part.
What is the catch when switching from Timely to ManicTime Free?+
It shows detailed local activity, but assigning that history to projects is more manual and lacks Timely's polished cloud calendar, planning and AI suggestion workflow.
How much do you save switching from Timely to ManicTime Free?+
Timely costs $11/mo ($132/yr) per seat, whereas ManicTime Free is $0/mo. Switching saves $132/yr for a solo user, $660/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,320/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host ManicTime Free instead of Timely?+
Install: Install the native Windows, macOS or Linux desktop package.
