WhatPulse vs ActivityWatch
Detailed comparison of WhatPulse and ActivityWatch for personal use. Covers features, privacy (cloud vs local data), open-source vs proprietary, and key pros/cons.
Quick overview
WhatPulse offers a freemium cloud-based gamified experience with rich input metrics and community features. ActivityWatch provides a completely free, open-source, privacy-first tracking solution favored by tech-savvy users.
Core approach differences
WhatPulse
Records keystrokes, mouse clicks, network bandwidth, and uptime to give detailed statistics with global rankings and team competitions.
ActivityWatch
Automatically logs time spent in applications and websites, keeping all data on your device with full open-source transparency.
Feature comparison
| Feature | WhatPulse | ActivityWatch |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Open-Source | ❌ Proprietary software | ✅ Fully open-source (GitHub) |
| Data Storage | Cloud by default (WhatPulse servers) | Local by default (stays on device) |
| Tracking Focus |
Keystrokes, clicks, uptime App usage, network stats |
Application usage, window titles Project time, website tracking |
| Privacy Approach |
Counts only (no actual keys) EU GDPR-compliant cloud |
Strong privacy: no data leaves device User controls data entirely |
| Community & Gamification |
✅ Online profile, global rankings Team competitions | ❌ No community features |
| Customization | Limited official integrations |
Highly extensible with custom watchers Browser extensions, plugins |
| Cost | Free + Premium (~$2/month) | Completely free |
Pros and cons analysis
WhatPulse
Pros
- Rich Input Metrics: Tracks keystroke counts, mouse clicks, bandwidth usage
- Easy Setup & Cloud Backup: Simple installation with automatic sync
- Community Engagement: Rankings and team stats for motivation
- Multi-OS Support: Consistent experience across platforms
Cons
- Closed Source: Less transparent than open-source alternatives
- Cloud-Dependent: Features assume data upload to servers
- Fewer App Usage Details: Doesn't categorize or label activities
- Premium Features Cost Money: Advanced features require subscription
ActivityWatch
Pros
- Free and Open-Source: Complete transparency and community verification
- Privacy-First: All data stays on your device by default
- Detailed Time Tracking: Excellent at logging app and website usage
- Highly Customizable: Extensible with custom watchers and plugins
Cons
- No Community Features: Strictly personal tool with no social aspect
- Limited Support & Polish: Volunteer-run project with minimal interface
- No Input Stats: Doesn't track keystrokes, clicks, or bandwidth
- Syncing Requires Effort: No simple multi-device cloud sync
Which tool is right for you?
Choose WhatPulse if you:
- Love detailed statistics and "quantified self" metrics
- Enjoy friendly competition and community features
- Want a plug-and-play solution with minimal setup
- Don't mind cloud storage for convenience
Choose ActivityWatch if you:
- Prioritize privacy and want data to stay local
- Prefer open-source software and full control
- Need detailed time tracking of apps and websites
- Have technical knowledge to customize and extend
Use case examples
📊 Personal Productivity Tracking
ActivityWatch excels here: "I spent 3 hours on YouTube today" is a clear wake-up call for time management.
WhatPulse shows total activity levels (50k keystrokes = productive day) but requires self-assessment of where time went.
🔒 Privacy-Conscious Professional
ActivityWatch keeps all sensitive work data local with no cloud involvement.
WhatPulse sends usage stats to cloud, which may not be allowed in some work environments.
🎮 Gamification & Community
WhatPulse turns tracking into a game with leaderboards and personal records.
ActivityWatch offers no social features - it's purely a personal analysis tool.
Can you use both tools together?
Yes! Some users run both tools simultaneously since they measure different aspects:
WhatPulse provides:
- Community and gamification features
- Raw activity metrics (keystrokes, clicks)
- Network bandwidth tracking
ActivityWatch provides:
- Detailed time breakdown analysis
- Privacy-focused local tracking
- Website and window title logging
Note: Running both adds minimal overhead but requires checking two different dashboards for insights.
Conclusion
Both tools can help you become more aware of your computer usage, but they cater to different mindsets and priorities.
WhatPulse
A polished product that turns tracking into a game. Great for those who enjoy competition and comprehensive metrics.
ActivityWatch
A personal logbook that only you can see. Perfect for gaining insights without sacrificing privacy.