Time tracking is not just for businesses to micromanage employees. In fact, logging time can be an excellent way to understand your daily habits and help you improve in areas you did not even know about.
Also: 5 ways to turn AI’s time-saving magic into your productivity superpower
You might want to keep track of breaks, how long you spend with certain apps, or how long you sit at your computer. Or maybe you need to time your children’s activities or track how long you spend streaming videos.
Keeping track of time can help you become more efficient and effective in your day-to-day routines.
Also: 5 secrets to achieving your goals, according to business leaders
But what apps should you use to keep track of your time? I have created a list — one for each of the major operating systems — so you don’t have to spend time tracking one down.
Let’s get to the list.
1. Session Pomodoro Focus Timer (MacOS)
First off, the Pomodoro Technique is a time management method for helping you concentrate deeply by working in focused bursts separated by short breaks. The idea is to do 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break and repeat the cycle four times. Once you have repeated the cycle, take a longer 20- to 30-minute break.
Also: My 6 must-have Linux apps for productivity, and why they make work easier
Session Pomodoro Focus Timer is one of the best Pomodoro timers, specifically developed for MacOS. Session Pomodoro allows you to state your focus and start your session, all the while blocking apps and websites that distract you. You will find a session log so you can review your progress, and automatic Slack updating so your team knows that you are in focus mode.
The Session UI is one of the best on the list.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Session Pomodoro Focus Timer has an elegant, user-friendly interface and can be installed and used for free. The free version is limited to analytics from the past two days. You can purchase a Pro account for $4.99 per month, which adds a long list of extra features (read more about it on the feature/price matrix).
2. Clockify (Linux)
Clockify is available for most platforms, but it happens to be one of the best for the Linux OS. One of the nice things about Clockify is that it not only has a desktop app but can also be used from a browser extension. The browser extension is very handy for tracking the time you spend on websites. The Clockify feature list includes idle detection, auto start/stop, offline mode, default projects, reminders, a Pomodoro timer, auto tracker, expenses, kiosk mode, timesheets, reports, scheduling, invoicing, time off, and more.
Clockify might seem simple, but it’s far more helpful than you might think.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Also: Super Productivity is the ultimate task manager for your time management goals
The Linux version of Clockify can be installed via .deb, .rpm, or AppImage. Note that you must create an account to use the Clockify app, but there is no associated cost. The Clockify UI is user-friendly and offers a system tray icon for most Linux desktops.
<!–>
3. Focus Keeper – Pomodoro Timer (Android/iOS)
Focus Keeper is a Pomodoro timer designed to help keep you productive when procrastination is lurking in the shadows.
Focus Keeper is a great option for managing ADHD, trying to stay focused, or tracking your habits. With Focus Keeper, you can break down tasks into manageable intervals to help achieve a better balance of work and breaks. You can also integrate Focus Keeper with project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira, and even create custom break types.
Yes, there are ads in Focus Keeper, but they don’t distract from it’s usage.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Also: Why Canvas is ChatGPT’s best productivity feature for power users
Focus Keeper is ideal for anyone looking to better manage time and hit deadlines. Focus Keeper can be installed on both Android and iOS for free.
4. Toggl Track (Windows)
Toggl Track is one of the best time-tracking apps for Windows.
This app is geared more toward teams and freelancers for tracking projects, hourly rates, billable tasks, task assignments, and more. There is a free version of Toggl Track for Windows that features unlimited time tracking, projects, clients, and tags; exportable reports; automated time tracking; Google and Outlook calendar integration; and more. The desktop version of Toggl Track adapts to your workflow and helps you stay on top of your priorities.
Also: I’ve tested a lot of AI tools for work. These 4 actually help me get more done every day
Toggl Track might be overkill for those just looking to track time.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Although this time-tracking app might be overkill for some, there are plenty of features that could easily apply to everyday home and school usage. The Toggl Track free version is good for up to five users, so it could be used to help track time for your family or small business. Toggl Track can be used as a desktop app (available for MacOS and Windows), as a mobile app (for Android and iOS), or via the web (with any web browser).
Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
–>
Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
