Kimai vs Timing
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Kimai is a free, open-source time tracking software that helps individuals and teams track their work hours and stay organized. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to log time spent on tasks and projects.
Timing is an automatic time tracking app for macOS that records application, website, and document usage in the background, then uses AI-powered summaries to group related activity so users can see what they actually worked on without starting or stopping a timer. It tracks idle time, phone calls, meetings, and calendar events alongside app usage for a fuller picture of a workday. Users can drag and drop tracked time onto projects, set up automation rules to auto-categorize recurring activity, and export reports as PDF, XLSX, CSV, or HTML. Timing is aimed at freelancers, consultants, and professionals who want accurate billable-time records without the friction of manual time tracking.
- Free and open-source
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Customizable dashboard and widgets
- Support for multiple users and teams
- Fully automatic tracking removes the need to remember to start or stop a timer
- AI summaries make it easy to reconstruct a workday from raw activity data
- Deep coverage of developer and creative tools (VS Code, Xcode, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro)
- 30-day free trial with no credit card required
- Limited features compared to paid time tracking software
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited support options
- Mac-only; no native Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android app for the core tracking engine
- Cross-device sync requires the pricier annual Connect plan on top of the base subscription
- Passive tracking of all app/website activity may feel invasive to some users compared to manual timers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Kimai
View all →Alternatives to Timing
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataTiming offers automatic, AI‑enhanced tracking on macOS with rich developer/creative integrations for a subscription fee, while Kimai provides free, open‑source, self‑hosted time tracking with basic features and team support.
Key differences
- •Platform: Timing is macOS‑only desktop app; Kimai is self‑hosted web app accessible from any OS.
- •Cost model: Timing requires a paid subscription (free trial only); Kimai is free and open‑source.
- •Automation: Timing records activity automatically and adds AI summaries; Kimai relies on manual start/stop timers.
- •Integrations: Timing ships with native Zapier, VS Code, Xcode, GitHub, etc.; Kimai’s integrations are limited to generic project tools.
- •Deployment & control: Timing is a hosted service with optional sync; Kimai gives full data control via self‑hosting.
Pricing & value
Kimai is free and open‑source; Timing requires a paid subscription after a 30‑day trial.
Ease of use / learning curve
Timing runs automatically with AI summaries, no manual timer setup; Kimai needs manual entry and has a steeper learning curve.
Features & depth
Timing offers automatic app/website tracking, idle detection, AI summaries, phone/meeting logging, and extensive export formats.
Integrations & ecosystem
Timing lists specific integrations (Zapier, VS Code, Xcode, GitHub, Slack, Zoom, Google Calendar); Kimai only mentions generic project‑tool integration.
Collaboration
Kimai supports multiple users and teams out of the box; Timing is aimed at individual freelancers.
Scalability
Self‑hosted Kimai can be scaled by the buyer’s infrastructure; Timing’s sync requires a pricier annual Connect plan.
Support
Both provide email support; Timing adds a Help Center, Kimai offers documentation only.
Choose Kimai if…
Teams or individuals on any OS who want a free, self‑hosted solution with basic time‑tracking features.
Choose Timing if…
Mac‑based freelancers needing hands‑free tracking and deep dev/creative tool integration.
Common questions
Can I use Timing on Windows or Linux?
No, Timing is macOS‑only.
Is there any cost to use Kimai?
Kimai is free and open‑source; no licensing fees.
Does Kimai provide automatic activity tracking like Timing?
No, Kimai relies on manual timer entries; automatic tracking is not listed.
