Softwr

Software · head to head

Google Optimize vs Time Doctor

Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Software

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Time Doctor logo

Time Doctor

Software

Employee time tracking and productivity monitoring

From
$4/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Google Optimize has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023; Time Doctor historical tracking data retention is capped by plan: 3 months on Basic and 6 months on Standard, versus 2 years on Premium and Enterprise
  • They diverge on capability: Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Time Doctor covers Time tracking with timer.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Optimize and Time Doctor actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Optimize and Time Doctor differ
AttributeGoogle OptimizeTime Doctor
Starting priceFree$4/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows
Founded19982011

Identical on both: 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 Google Optimize

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment

Only in Time Doctor

  • Time tracking with timer
  • Activity monitoring
  • Screenshots
  • GPS tracking
  • Webcam monitoring
  • Reports and invoicing
  • Mobile apps
  • Team management

What people use each for

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

Google Optimize

  • A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Time Doctor
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Time Doctor
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Time Doctor

Time Doctor

  • Productivitynot Google Optimize
  • Collaborationnot Google Optimize
  • Task managementnot Google Optimize
  • Organizationnot Google Optimize

Where each one falls short

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

Google Optimize

  • Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
  • Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product

Time Doctor

  • Historical tracking data retention is capped by plan: 3 months on Basic and 6 months on Standard, versus 2 years on Premium and Enterprise
  • HRIS and Payroll native integrations are paid add-ons at $200 per integration per month
  • Software Cost Insights add-on costs $3 per user per month on top of the base plan

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

Time Doctor

$4/month
  • Basic$4/month
    • Time tracking
    • Reports
    • Mobile apps
  • Standard$6/month
    • Everything in Basic
    • Activity monitoring
    • Screenshots
  • Premium$10/month
    • Everything in Standard
    • GPS tracking
    • Webcam snapshots

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Optimize if

  • You need a/b testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want google analytics integration.

Choose Time Doctor if

  • You need time tracking with timer.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want activity monitoring.

Questions people ask

Is Google Optimize or Time Doctor better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Optimize starts at Free and Time Doctor at $4/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Optimize or Time Doctor?
Google Optimize has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Optimize and $4/month for Time Doctor.
Does Google Optimize or Time Doctor run on more platforms?
Google Optimize runs on Web. Time Doctor runs on Web, IOS, Android, MacOS, Windows.
Can I use Google Optimize for free?
Yes. Google Optimize has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Time Doctor starts at $4/month.
What is Google Optimize best used for?
Google Optimize is most often used for a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals, personalising page content for defined audience segments, redirect tests between alternative landing page urls. Of those, a/b and multivariate testing of web pages tied to google analytics goals and personalising page content for defined audience segments are not what Time Doctor is typically brought in for.
What can Google Optimize do that Time Doctor cannot?
Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics. Time Doctor covers Time tracking with timer, Activity monitoring, Screenshots, GPS tracking.

Related pages

Other head to heads