Local-first vs cloud-based
Deskly's local-first data vault keeps activity data on your PC. RescueTime needs your data on its servers to build your dashboard, which is how it supports cross-device history.
Comparison · Windows
Deskly vs RescueTime: which fits your Windows PC?
Both track how you spend time on your computer. Deskly is a free, local-first app built only for Windows. RescueTime is a cross-platform, cloud-based service with a paid tier for its most useful tools. Here's how they actually differ.
| Feature | Deskly | RescueTime |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Native Windows 10/11 app | Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile) |
| Pricing | Free | Free "Lite" tier, paid subscription for full features |
| Data storage | Local-first, stored on your PC | Cloud-based dashboard |
| Browser tracking | No extension needed, 56+ browsers | Extension recommended for tab-level detail |
| App & website limits | Included free | Limited without Premium |
| Distraction blocking | Included free (app blocker + schedules) | FocusTime — requires Premium |
| Hour-by-hour timeline | Included | Cloud reports, no native hour-by-hour timeline |
| Desktop widgets | Included | Not available |
| Account required | Optional | Required |
| Works offline | Yes, fully | Requires connection to sync and view dashboard |
Feature sets and pricing change over time — verify current details on RescueTime's official site before deciding. Deskly's pricing and features reflect what's shipped in the app today.
Where Deskly and RescueTime really differ
The two tools solve the same problem from different starting points — one built around a Windows-only local app, the other around a cross-platform cloud service.
Free vs subscription-gated
Deskly's limits and blocking tools are free. RescueTime's equivalent FocusTime feature and detailed reporting sit behind a paid Premium plan.
Windows-native vs cross-platform
Deskly is purpose-built for Windows, which means deeper OS integration — desktop widgets, native overlays, no Electron cross-platform compromises.
Timeline vs categorized reports
Deskly's hour-by-hour timeline shows exactly when your day fragmented. RescueTime instead emphasizes categorized productivity scoring across your whole history.
Which one should you choose?
If you work only on Windows and want a free tool that tracks usage, sets limits, and blocks distractions without sending your activity to a cloud service, Deskly covers that without a paywall. It pairs naturally with the broader digital wellbeing approach of awareness, limits, and blocks working together.
If your work spans Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile and you specifically need one unified cross-device dashboard, RescueTime's cloud sync solves a problem Deskly doesn't try to solve — Deskly stays intentionally focused on being the best tool for your Windows PC.
Who switches from RescueTime to Deskly
Privacy-conscious users
Anyone uncomfortable sending detailed activity logs to a third-party server, even a well-known one.
Windows-only users
People who don't need cross-platform sync and would rather have a lighter, native experience.
Budget-conscious teams
Individuals or small teams who want blocking and limits without paying for a Premium subscription.
Anyone who wants it to just work offline
People who don't want their productivity tool to depend on an internet connection to function.
Frequently asked questions
Is Deskly a good free alternative to RescueTime?
Yes, for Windows users specifically. Deskly tracks app and website usage automatically, with no browser extension required, and is free with no premium tier gating core reports. RescueTime's most useful features, like FocusTime blocking and detailed category reports, sit behind a paid Premium plan.
Does Deskly upload my activity data to the cloud like RescueTime?
No. Deskly stores your activity data locally on your PC by default — it's local-first. RescueTime is a cloud-based service: your activity data is sent to their servers to generate your dashboard, which is by design since it also supports cross-device tracking.
Do I need to install browser extensions with Deskly?
No. Deskly reads window titles at the OS level to identify websites across 56+ browsers, so there's nothing to install per-browser. RescueTime also offers extension-free desktop tracking, but browser tab-level detail typically requires installing its browser extension.
Does Deskly block distracting apps like RescueTime's FocusTime?
Yes. Deskly includes app and website limits plus a full app blocker with schedules, comparable to RescueTime's FocusTime sessions — but included at no cost rather than requiring a Premium subscription.
Is RescueTime better if I use multiple platforms besides Windows?
If you need one dashboard spanning Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile, RescueTime's cross-platform cloud sync is a genuine advantage. Deskly is built specifically for Windows and doesn't sync usage from other operating systems.