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Software · head to head

DeskTime vs Focusmate

DeskTime logo

DeskTime

Software

Automatic computer activity tracking and productivity analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Focusmate logo

Focusmate

Software

Virtual co-working platform for accountability and productivity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: DeskTime screenshots are excluded from the Pro plan and start at Premium; Focusmate the free plan caps sessions at 3 per week
  • They diverge on capability: DeskTime covers Automatic activity tracking, Focusmate covers 25-minute work sessions.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DeskTime and Focusmate actually diverge.

Attributes where DeskTime and Focusmate differ
AttributeDeskTimeFocusmate
PlatformsWeb, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, LinuxWeb, IOS, Android
Founded20132017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Focusmate

  • 25-minute work sessions
  • Partner matching
  • Video co-working
  • Goal setting and tracking
  • Session history
  • Reflection notes
  • Weekly sessions
  • Mobile-friendly

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 Focusmate
  • Measuring team productivity and idle timenot Focusmate
  • Scheduling shifts and tracking absencesnot Focusmate

Focusmate

  • Booking virtual coworking sessions with an accountability partnernot DeskTime
  • Building a focused work routine with timed sessionsnot 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

Focusmate

  • The free plan caps sessions at 3 per week
  • Unlimited sessions require the Plus plan at $8 per month billed annually or $12 per month billed monthly
  • The Business plan is priced by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

DeskTime

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

Focusmate

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 25-minute sessions
    • Limited sessions per week
    • Basic matching
  • Plus$5/month
    • Unlimited sessions
    • Priority matching
    • Session history

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 Focusmate if

  • You need 25-minute work sessions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want partner matching.
Focusmate review

Questions people ask

Is DeskTime or Focusmate better?
Neither clearly leads. DeskTime starts at Free and Focusmate at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DeskTime or Focusmate?
DeskTime starts at Free and Focusmate at Free.
Does DeskTime or Focusmate run on more platforms?
DeskTime runs on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux. Focusmate runs on Web, IOS, Android.
Can I use DeskTime for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Focusmate is typically brought in for.
What can DeskTime do that Focusmate cannot?
DeskTime covers Automatic activity tracking, Application and website tracking, Daily reports, Weekly summaries. Focusmate covers 25-minute work sessions, Partner matching, Video co-working, Goal setting and tracking.
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