A RescueTime alternative for Chrome browsing time
If you want RescueTime-style automatic tracking for the sites you actually use in Chrome — plus daily limits when a site eats the afternoon — SiteKeeper is the RescueTime alternative built for the browser. It does not track desktop apps, and it is not a team timesheet.
Best RescueTime alternatives in 2026
Best for Chrome website time + limits
SiteKeeper
SiteKeeper automatically tracks the tab you are viewing, then lets you cap distracting sites. Install the Chrome extension and see today without starting a timer.
Best for free, local, open-source desktop tracking
ActivityWatch
ActivityWatch is an open-source desktop tracker that records apps and (with an extension) websites. It is a strong RescueTime alternative if you want local-first data and do not need polished site limits.
Best for AI focus coaching on the desktop
Rize
Rize is a desktop time tracker with AI coaching. Choose it if you want session goals and coaching more than Chrome-only website limits.
Best for a free Chrome-only time limiter
StayFocusd
StayFocusd caps time on distracting sites in Chrome. It is not a RescueTime alternative for automatic tracking — it limits, it does not tell you where the day went.
SiteKeeper vs RescueTime vs ActivityWatch
| Feature | SiteKeeper | RescueTime | ActivityWatch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic tracking | Yes, active Chrome tab | Yes, apps and websites | Yes, apps and websites |
| Tracks Chrome websites | Yes | Yes (with their extension) | Yes (with their extension) |
| Tracks desktop apps | No | Yes | Yes |
| Per-site time limits & blocking | Yes, daily/weekly caps | Focus sessions on paid plans | No built-in site blocker |
| Path-level (URL) breakdown | Yes | No | No |
| Productivity score | Yes (0–100) | Yes | Categories, not a daily score |
| Price to start | Free Chrome extension | Free Lite; paid Solo plans | Free and open source |
| Privacy model | Privacy-first; we never sell or share your data. Cloud sync optional. | Usage data is sent to RescueTime servers | Local-first open source |
Why people look for a RescueTime alternative
Privacy-first by design
RescueTime logs activity to their servers to power reports. Some people want a privacy-first tool that never sells or shares data, with cloud sync only if they turn it on.
Chrome is the whole workday
If most of your time is browser tabs, a desktop app that mixes every window is noisier than you need. SiteKeeper tracks the active Chrome tab only.
Limits in the same tool
RescueTime is strongest at reports. If you also want a site blocked when the timer runs out, you need tracking and limits together.
A free way to start
Lite history is short; paid plans add Focus. A free Chrome extension is enough if the job is website time, not all-app desktop tracking.
Which should you use?
Choose SiteKeeper if
- You work in Chrome and want automatic website time tracking
- You want daily or weekly caps that block a site when time is up
- You want path-level stats (YouTube tutorials vs Shorts)
- You want a free way to start without a desktop install
Stick with RescueTime if
- You need automatic tracking of desktop apps, not just websites
- You want mobile app tracking alongside desktop
- You need timesheets, clients, or invoicing (RescueTime Solo+)
- You already have years of RescueTime history you do not want to leave
Keep exploring
- Automatic website time tracking
See how SiteKeeper records the active tab — no start/stop timer.
- StayFocusd alternative