WhatPulse vs Toggl
An in-depth comparison of WhatPulse and Toggl Track for individual users. Explore how automatic PC usage tracking differs from manual time tracking.
Fundamental Difference
WhatPulse runs in the background and automatically captures everything you do on your computer without manual input. Toggl is a manual time tracker where you start and stop timers for work sessions.
Two different tracking philosophies
WhatPulse
Like a fitness tracker for your PC - automatically logs every keystroke, click, and app usage without requiring any manual input or timers.
- Zero effort tracking
- Comprehensive computer usage data
- Community and gamification features
Toggl Track
Like a time management coach - requires discipline to start/stop timers but helps structure your day and track project-specific time.
- Intentional time tracking
- Project and client organization
- Perfect for billing hours
Overview of Toggl Track for individuals
Toggl Track is a popular cloud-based time-tracking app known for its simplicity and focus on billing hours. It allows you to create projects and tasks, then track time spent using a one-click timer.
Timer & Timesheets
One-click timer with manual entry options and offline support
Project Tracking
Organize work by projects, clients, and billable vs non-billable
Rich Reporting
Visualize time distribution by project, tag, or timeframe
Auto-Tracker
Desktop app notices active applications and prompts to track
Free plan benefits
- Up to 5 users
- Unlimited tracking and projects
- Basic reports included
- Web, desktop, and mobile apps
Cross-Platform
- Windows, Mac, Linux desktop apps
- Web application
- iOS & Android mobile apps
- Track time on the go
Feature comparison
| Feature | WhatPulse | Toggl Track |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Method |
Automatic logging of keystrokes, clicks, app usage, uptime, network data No timers needed |
Manual time entry via start/stop timer Optional idle detection and auto-tracker |
| Data Tracked |
Keys pressed, mouse clicks, app usage time Download/upload totals per app Raw usage stats only |
Duration on tasks/projects with names App/website usage in timeline Project-focused time tracking |
| Reporting & Insights |
Detailed input usage stats (key counts, clicks) Top apps, bandwidth usage Personal habit analysis |
Timesheets and charts of time per project Client and tag-based reports Billable hours focus |
| Community/Gamification |
✅ Global leaderboards, achievements Team competitions, profile stats |
❌ Private tool with no gamification Data stays personal/workspace only |
| Ease of Use |
Set-and-forget automatic tracking Minimal interaction needed Must remember to "pulse" periodically |
Requires habit of starting/stopping timers User-friendly interface Can edit time entries later |
| Platforms |
Windows, Mac, Linux client Web dashboard for viewing data No mobile app (PC usage focus) |
Windows, Mac, Linux desktop apps Web app, iOS & Android mobile Track on the go |
| Cost |
Free for core features Premium (~$10/year) for advanced stats |
Free plan (full features for individuals) Paid plans ($9+/month) for team features |
Which tool fits your needs?
Use WhatPulse if you:
- Want to quantify your overall computer activity automatically
- Love statistics and personal metrics (gamers, programmers, data enthusiasts)
- Enjoy community features and friendly competition
- Want insights into computer habits without active tracking
Use Toggl Track if you:
- Need to track work hours or projects for billing
- Are a freelancer or contractor managing multiple clients
- Want structured time management and accountability
- Prefer manual control over what gets tracked
Real-world examples
Writer Tracking Productivity
WhatPulse approach:
"I typed 15,000 keystrokes today, spent 6 hours in Word, and my typing intensity was highest between 9-11 AM."
Toggl approach:
"I worked 3 hours on Chapter 5, 2 hours on research, and 1 hour on editing for a total of 6 billable hours."
Freelance Developer
WhatPulse approach:
"I was most active during coding sessions, spent 8 hours in VS Code, and used significant bandwidth downloading packages."
Toggl approach:
"Client A: 4 hours frontend work ($200), Client B: 3 hours API development ($150), Total: $350 to invoice."
Student Improving Focus
WhatPulse approach:
"I spent 4 hours in browser apps - if that was YouTube/social media, I need to improve focus."
Toggl approach:
"I tracked 3 hours of focused study time and identified I need 5 hours daily to meet my goals."
Privacy and offline capabilities
WhatPulse Privacy
- Counts only (no actual keystrokes content)
- Application names and usage time
- Data stored locally, synced to your account
- Community sharing is opt-in
- Works fully offline if you don't pulse
Toggl Privacy
- Only tracks what you manually start
- Project names and time durations only
- No screenshots or keystroke logging
- "Surveillance-free" even in team settings
- Offline mode with later sync
Can you use both tools together?
Absolutely! Many users run both tools simultaneously because they serve different purposes:
WhatPulse for:
- Personal insights and habit awareness
- Community engagement and motivation
- Comprehensive computer usage data
Toggl for:
- Client work and billable hours
- Project time allocation
- Structured time management
Conclusion
WhatPulse and Toggl serve very different goals for individual users. Choose based on whether you want passive insights or active time management.
WhatPulse
Fitness tracker for your PC
Automatic insights without effort. Perfect for understanding computer habits and joining a community.
Toggl Track
Time management coach
Structured tracking requiring discipline but perfect for billing and project management.