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Browser Extensions · head to head

Momentum vs RescueTime

Momentum logo

Momentum

Browser Extensions

Personal dashboard for focus and inspiration

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RescueTime logo

RescueTime

Technology

Take back control of your time

From
$12/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Momentum has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Momentum free version lacks advanced task manager integrations available in Plus tier; RescueTime no free tier since 2023, making it costly for individual experimentation
  • They diverge on capability: Momentum covers Daily photos, RescueTime covers Automatic time tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Momentum and RescueTime actually diverge.

Attributes where Momentum and RescueTime differ
AttributeMomentumRescueTime
Starting priceFree$12/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsChrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, macOS (native app)Windows, macOS, Android, Web
CategoryBrowser ExtensionsTechnology
Founded20132006

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Momentum

  • Daily photos
  • Weather widget
  • Todo list
  • Daily focus
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support
  • Edge support

Only in RescueTime

  • Automatic time tracking
  • Productivity scoring
  • Detailed categorization
  • FocusTime blocking
  • Goal setting
  • Alerts & notifications
  • Offline time entry
  • API access

What people use each for

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

Momentum

  • Setting daily focus goals from a browser new tabnot RescueTime
  • Creating focus modes with timers and productivity soundsnot RescueTime
  • Maintaining priority to-do lists with completion trackingnot RescueTime

RescueTime

  • Personal productivity trackingnot Momentum
  • Time auditnot Momentum
  • Focus improvementnot Momentum
  • Work-life balancenot Momentum
  • Team productivity analysisnot Momentum

Where each one falls short

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

Momentum

  • Free version lacks advanced task manager integrations available in Plus tier
  • Habit tracking and metrics features only available in paid plan
  • Limited customization options in free version compared to premium tier
  • Syncing with external task managers requires Plus subscription

RescueTime

  • No free tier since 2023, making it costly for individual experimentation
  • Limited iOS support compared to competitors that offer full mobile app access
  • Requires integration via categories and rules rather than direct app detection on some platforms

Pricing, plan by plan

Momentum

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Daily focus
    • To-do lists
    • Weather and links
  • Momentum Plus$undefined/mo
    • Unlimited Focus Mode
    • Vision board creation
    • Tab Stash functionality

RescueTime

$12/month
  • Standard$12/month
    • Automatic time tracking
    • Focus Time
    • Idle time monitoring
  • Team$6/month
    • All Standard features
    • Team analytics
    • Cross-device tracking

Which should you pick?

Choose Momentum if

  • You need daily photos.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, macOS (native app).
  • You also want weather widget.
Momentum review

Choose RescueTime if

  • You need automatic time tracking.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want productivity scoring.
RescueTime review

Questions people ask

Is Momentum or RescueTime better?
Neither clearly leads. Momentum starts at Free and RescueTime at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Momentum or RescueTime?
Momentum has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Momentum and $12/month for RescueTime.
Does Momentum or RescueTime run on more platforms?
Momentum runs on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, macOS (native app). RescueTime runs on Windows, macOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Momentum for free?
Yes. Momentum has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RescueTime starts at $12/month.
What is Momentum best used for?
Momentum is most often used for setting daily focus goals from a browser new tab, creating focus modes with timers and productivity sounds, maintaining priority to-do lists with completion tracking. Of those, setting daily focus goals from a browser new tab and creating focus modes with timers and productivity sounds are not what RescueTime is typically brought in for.
What can Momentum do that RescueTime cannot?
Momentum covers Daily photos, Weather widget, Todo list, Daily focus. RescueTime covers Automatic time tracking, Productivity scoring, Detailed categorization, FocusTime blocking.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Momentum: Is Momentum free?

Momentum offers a free version with core features like daily focus, to-do lists, weather, and motivational quotes. Premium features are available through Momentum Plus subscription.

Source
RescueTime: Does RescueTime still have a free tier?

No. RescueTime discontinued its free tier in 2023. The service now requires a paid subscription starting at $12 per month or $78 per year.

Source
Momentum: What is Focus Mode in Momentum?

Focus Mode displays your main daily objective on the new tab page to keep you centered on your primary task and reduce distractions throughout your workday.

Source
RescueTime: What platforms does RescueTime support?

RescueTime supports Windows, macOS, Android, and web. iOS support is limited to passive features like calendar sync and mobile summary emails.

Source
Momentum: Does Momentum integrate with task managers?

Yes. Momentum Plus integrates with popular task managers including Todoist, Asana, and ClickUp, allowing seamless synchronization of your tasks.

Source
RescueTime: What are the key productivity features in RescueTime?

RescueTime offers automatic time tracking, Focus Time for blocking distractions, idle time monitoring, goal-setting with reminders, and in 2026 adds AI-Based Focus Sessions with real-time alerts to detect poor focus patterns.

Source
Momentum: What platforms does Momentum support?

Momentum is available on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge as a browser extension, with a native macOS app also available.

Source
RescueTime: Is there a team plan for RescueTime?

Yes. The team plan costs $6 per user per month when billed annually, with a minimum of 3 users required.

Source
Momentum: Does Momentum Plus include soundscapes?

Yes. Momentum Plus subscribers get access to Focus Mode soundscapes designed for concentration and deep work, along with other premium features.

Source
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