Best Time Tracking App for Mac in 2025

Mac users have more time tracking options than ever. But with so many tools—from simple manual timers to AI-powered automatic trackers—how do you pick the right one? Here’s what to consider in 2025.

Automatic vs. Manual Time Tracking

Manual trackers require you to start and stop timers. They’re straightforward but easy to forget. Automatic trackers record activity in the background. They’re more accurate and require almost no effort—the tradeoff is they need access to monitor your activity.

If you’re serious about understanding your time, automatic is the way to go. The question is where that data lives.

Cloud vs. Local: Where Your Data Goes

Most time trackers sync your activity to the cloud. That enables team dashboards, cross-device sync, and mobile apps. But it also means every app name, window title, and minute of your day goes to someone else’s servers.

Local-first time trackers keep everything on your Mac. No sync, no accounts, no uploads. Your calendar, logs, and categories stay on your machine. For freelancers, consultants, and anyone handling sensitive work, local-first is worth prioritizing.

Key Features to Look For

Automatic capture — Background monitoring without manual timers
AI categorization — Smart labels (e.g., “Client call,” “Deep work”) instead of raw app names
Taxonomy you control — Custom categories, rules, and prompts so the tool fits your workflow
Meeting detection — Auto-detection of Zoom, Meet, Slack, Teams
Export — CSV, JSON, or integration with invoicing tools
One-time payment vs. subscription — Subscriptions add up; one-time purchase means you own the tool

Our Take

The best Mac time tracking app for 2025 depends on your priorities. If you want automatic tracking, AI that runs locally, and no cloud dependency, Kronux is built for that. If you need team dashboards and cloud sync, tools like Toggl or Clockify may be a better fit. Either way, knowing these distinctions helps you choose wisely.