Webtime Tracker Alternatives: Free, Open-Source and Cross-Browser Options
Webtime Tracker is a well-known Chrome extension for seeing how much time you spend on websites. It does one job simply, and many people like it. But depending on why you're searching for an alternative (more features, another browser, or different privacy guarantees), there are several options worth knowing.
Below is a comparison based on each tool's public store listing, followed by guidance on picking the right one for your situation.
At a glance
| Tool | Browsers | Blocking/limits | Data storage | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Tracker - Web Habit Builder | Chrome, Edge, Firefox | Yes: daily, per-visit, time windows | Local only | Yes, open source |
| Web Activity Time Tracker | Chrome | Yes, plus Pomodoro | Local | Yes |
| StayFocusd | Chrome | Yes: time restrictions | Local | Yes |
| ActivityWatch | Desktop app + extensions | No (tracking/analysis focus) | Local | Yes, open source |
| Webtime Tracker | Chrome | No: tracking and stats focus | Local | Yes |
Feature notes are based on the tools' own public descriptions; check each store listing for current details.
1. Time Tracker - Web Habit Builder: the closest all-in-one replacement
Time Tracker - Web Habit Builder covers Webtime Tracker's core (automatic per-website time statistics) and adds the pieces you'd otherwise install separately:
- Full tracking analytics: daily and historical reports per site, trends over weeks, and time-of-day distribution (see the analysis guide)
- Actionable limits: daily limits, per-visit caps and "not allowed" time periods for any URL pattern (how it works)
- Three browsers instead of one: Chrome, Edge and Firefox, which matters if you switch between work and personal browsers
- Local-only and open source: MIT-licensed, stores everything in your browser's local storage, zero accounts
- Direct import from Webtime Tracker: as described below, you can bring your history along
It is a richer tool, so the dashboard has more surface than Webtime Tracker's minimal view. If you only ever want a single pie chart, Webtime Tracker remains a fine choice.
2. Web Activity Time Tracker: similar scope, Chrome only
Web Activity Time Tracker also combines tracking with site blocking and adds a Pomodoro timer. If you're happy on Chrome and want a slightly different interface, it's a reasonable candidate. It doesn't support Firefox or Edge, so it doesn't solve the multi-browser problem.
3. StayFocusd: the veteran for restriction
StayFocusd has been around for many years and focuses on restricting time on distracting sites rather than deep analytics. It's Chrome-only and tracking reports are basic. Choose it if restriction is your only goal; skip it if you also want the measurement side (you'd need a second extension for that).
4. ActivityWatch: open source beyond the browser
ActivityWatch is an excellent open-source tracker that runs as a desktop application and monitors apps and websites system-wide, fully locally. Pick it if you want tracking that goes beyond the browser. If your concern is mainly browsing habits, a pure extension is lighter to install and maintain — no background app, and it works identically on any OS.
Which one should you pick?
- You want track + analyze + limit in one free tool, across Chrome/Edge/Firefox → Time Tracker - Web Habit Builder
- You want a desktop-wide, open-source solution → ActivityWatch
- You only need simple stats and nothing else → your current Webtime Tracker is fine
Migrating without losing your history
Time Tracker includes an import tool that reads exports from Webtime Tracker (CSV or JSON), Web Activity Time Tracker (CSV) and History Trends Unlimited (TSC). Export from your current extension, import, and your historical statistics carry over — see Data Sync and migration for the exact steps.
The install page has the store links; export from Webtime Tracker first, and the import tool handles the rest.