Softwr

Productivity · head to head

DeskTime vs Brain.fm

DeskTime logo

DeskTime

Productivity

Automatic computer activity tracking and productivity analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Brain.fm logo

Brain.fm

Productivity

Scientifically-designed music to enhance focus and productivity

From
$14.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only DeskTime has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: DeskTime screenshots are excluded from the Pro plan and start at Premium; Brain.fm monthly plan at $14.99/month significantly more expensive per unit than annual plan ($8.33/month equivalent)
  • They diverge on capability: DeskTime covers Automatic activity tracking, Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DeskTime and Brain.fm actually diverge.

Attributes where DeskTime and Brain.fm differ
AttributeDeskTimeBrain.fm
Starting priceFree$14.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, LinuxWeb, iOS, Android, Desktop
Founded20132015

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Productivity).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DeskTime

  • Automatic activity tracking
  • Application and website tracking
  • Daily reports
  • Weekly summaries
  • Privacy-first design
  • Detailed analytics
  • Goal setting
  • Mobile apps

Only in Brain.fm

  • Neuroscience-designed music
  • Focus tracks
  • Relaxation tracks
  • Sleep tracks
  • Offline mode
  • Multiple genres
  • Cross-platform access
  • Ad-free experience

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DeskTime

  • Automatic time tracking of desktop app and website usagenot Brain.fm
  • Measuring team productivity and idle timenot Brain.fm
  • Scheduling shifts and tracking absencesnot Brain.fm

Brain.fm

  • Knowledge workers requiring focus audio for deep work blocksnot DeskTime
  • ADHD individuals seeking neurologically-optimised audio for concentrationnot DeskTime
  • Students preparing for exams with learning and meditation supportnot DeskTime

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DeskTime

  • Screenshots are excluded from the Pro plan and start at Premium
  • Integrations and API access require the Premium plan
  • Shift scheduling requires the Premium plan
  • Enterprise is aimed at 200+ users and is priced by quote with no published rate
  • The advertised $6.42 and $9.17 per user rates require annual billing; monthly billing costs more
  • The trial lasts 14 days

Brain.fm

  • Monthly plan at $14.99/month significantly more expensive per unit than annual plan ($8.33/month equivalent)
  • ADHD mode available only with active subscription; no trial access to specialised features
  • No offline mode documented; requires internet connectivity for audio delivery
  • Content library composition not published (proprietary vs. licensed music distinction unclear)

Pricing, plan by plan

DeskTime

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Activity tracking
    • Basic reports
    • Weekly emails
  • Pro$9/month
    • Everything in Free
    • Advanced reports
    • Detailed analytics

Brain.fm

$14.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Brain.fm review.

Which should you pick?

Choose DeskTime if

  • You need automatic activity tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux.
  • You also want application and website tracking.
DeskTime review

Choose Brain.fm if

  • You need neuroscience-designed music.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want focus tracks.
Brain.fm review

Questions people ask

Is DeskTime or Brain.fm better?
Neither clearly leads. DeskTime starts at Free and Brain.fm at $14.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DeskTime or Brain.fm?
DeskTime has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DeskTime and $14.99/month for Brain.fm.
Does DeskTime or Brain.fm run on more platforms?
DeskTime runs on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux. Brain.fm runs on Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.
Can I use DeskTime for free?
Yes. DeskTime has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Brain.fm starts at $14.99/month.
What is DeskTime best used for?
DeskTime is most often used for automatic time tracking of desktop app and website usage, measuring team productivity and idle time, scheduling shifts and tracking absences. Of those, automatic time tracking of desktop app and website usage and measuring team productivity and idle time are not what Brain.fm is typically brought in for.
What can DeskTime do that Brain.fm cannot?
DeskTime covers Automatic activity tracking, Application and website tracking, Daily reports, Weekly summaries. Brain.fm covers Neuroscience-designed music, Focus tracks, Relaxation tracks, Sleep tracks.
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