RescueTime
RescueTime is a time management software designed to help users understand their daily habits and increase productivity. This automated too...
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What is RescueTime?
RescueTime is an automatic time tracking and productivity software that helps individuals and teams understand how they spend their time on digital devices. The app runs in the background, automatically tracking time spent on apps and websites without requiring manual timers or start/stop buttons. It delivers two powerful tools in one app: RescueTime Focus for improving concentration and blocking distractions, and RescueTime Timesheets for automating project tracking and generating timesheets.
RescueTime Focus tracks websites and apps automatically, sets personalized goals, creates smart alerts, and blocks distracting websites, apps, email, and chat during Focus Sessions. It provides detailed productivity reports that reveal patterns in habits, color-coded by productivity level from blue (productive) to red (unproductive). RescueTime Timesheets automatically logs time by project, client, and task, generating accurate timesheets without manual entry. It includes features like autocompletion hints, billable rates for invoicing, client reports, and project targets.
The tool is designed for freelancers, solopreneurs, software developers, remote and hybrid teams, marketing and project managers, finance and accounting professionals, designers, creatives, architects, engineers, law firms, and healthcare professionals. With over 2 million users and 3 billion hours logged across 15+ years in business, RescueTime helps users set boundaries, protect focused work time, achieve work/life balance, and find more time for what matters most.
RescueTime pricing
Pricing model: Free
RescueTime offers a 14-day free trial for all new signups. Four paid plans are available: Solo Focus at $7/month ($84/year annual) for individual Focus features; Solo+ at $12/month ($144/year annual) bundling Timesheets plus Focus for individuals; Team Focus at $10/month/user ($120/year annual) for team Focus features; and Team+ at $16/month/user ($192/year annual) bundling Timesheets plus Focus for teams. Annual plans save money compared to monthly. All plans include automatic activity tracking, idle time detection, goals & alerts, distraction blocking, productivity reports, and API access. Solo+ and Team+ include Timesheets features like billable rates, autocompletion hints, client reports, project goals, and team calendar views. Payment accepted via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal. No sales tax or VAT charged.
RescueTime pros
- Automatic time tracking without manual timers or start/stop buttons
- Website and application blocking during Focus Sessions
- Personalized goals and smart alerts to stay on track
- Detailed productivity reports color-coded by productivity level
- Autocompletion hints for timesheet entries that learn from history
- Billable rates feature for easy client invoicing
- Offline activity entry for work done without computer
- Team calendar and timeline views for workload balancing
- API and export access for custom integrations
- Idle time detection to improve accuracy
- Role-based access control for team management
- Two-factor authentication and single sign-on (SSO) security
- Integrations with Gmail/Outlook, Asana, Slack, GitHub, and Spotify
- Project goals and target summary for tracking progress
- Day timer feature showing real-time cumulative time and productivity score
- Unlimited report history on all plans
- Calendar feed and 'The Assistant' features for productivity
- Focus zone detection to identify optimal work hours
RescueTime cons
- Requires installing desktop app - no web-only tracking option
- Does not collect keystrokes or webpage content limiting some insights
- No prorated refunds for partial billing periods
- Payment failure can revert account to Lite plan
- Invoice billing only available for teams with 100+ users
- Data syncs every 30 minutes on free tier (only 3 minutes on premium)
- No sales tax or VAT charging may complicate accounting for some businesses
- Mobile app is optional and designed to pair with desktop app
Frequently asked questions about RescueTime
Do I need to install the RescueTime app to track my activity?
Yes, using RescueTime requires installing the app on your computer. RescueTime runs in the background on your computer, sending activity data to their servers to generate the reports you see on the website. There is no web-only tracking option.
Do new users get a free trial?
Yes, all new signups include a two-week (14-day) free trial. You will be charged for your subscription plan at the end of your free trial. No payment is charged until your trial ends, and you can cancel before then without being billed.
Does my activity data stay private?
Yes. RescueTime collects data about which apps and websites you use to generate reports, and that information is never shared, sold, or used for advertising. They do not collect keystrokes, form input, screenshots, or webpage content, ensuring your privacy is protected.
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
Yes, you may cancel your subscription at any time in Account Settings under Billing by clicking the link that says 'Cancel my subscription.' You'll keep premium access through the end of your billing cycle, then revert to the free Lite plan automatically.
What payment options do you accept?
RescueTime accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and PayPal for all individual and team subscriptions. Invoice billing is available only for team accounts with 100 or more users.
Is there a free trial before paying?
Yes. All paid plans include a 14-day free trial. No payment is charged until your trial ends, and you can cancel before then without being billed. This allows you to explore all features before purchasing.
Do you offer refunds?
RescueTime doesn't typically offer prorated refunds for partial billing periods. However, users are encouraged to take advantage of the 14-day free trial to explore all features before purchasing. If a billing error occurs, contact support for assistance.
What happens if my payment fails?
If a payment fails, RescueTime will automatically retry your card or PayPal account. You'll receive an email reminder to update your payment method, and your account may revert to the Lite plan if payment isn't resolved.
Do you charge sales tax or VAT?
No. RescueTime does not charge sales tax or VAT on any subscriptions, which simplifies pricing for international customers.
How does data sync work between free and premium plans?
Data syncs every 3 minutes on premium plans and every 30 minutes on the free tier. This means premium users get near-real-time updates to their productivity reports while free users experience slightly delayed data更新.