Time tracking & analytics · Comparison
IdleMac vs RescueTime
RescueTime tracks where your time goes and reports back. IdleMac intervenes in real time before your time gets wasted in the first place.
IdleMac
$9 one-time
IdleMac is for operators — you want to be interrupted the moment you zone out.
RescueTime
Free tier + $12/mo Premium
RescueTime is for analysts — you want data and weekly reports on your productivity.
Feature comparison
| Feature | IdleMac | RescueTime |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time intervention | Yes | No (reports after) |
| Productivity score / report | No | Yes |
| Tracks app usage | No | Yes |
| Sends data to cloud | Never | Yes, required |
| Account required | No | Yes |
| Price model | One-time | Subscription |
Where IdleMac wins
- +Acts in the moment, not in hindsight
- +100% local — no data ever leaves your Mac
- +No dashboards to ignore every Monday
Where RescueTime wins
- +Rich productivity analytics
- +Historical trends across weeks and months
- +Team reporting
Which one should you pick?
Pick IdleMac if…
- You don't need another dashboard
- Privacy matters to you
- You want correction, not reporting
Pick RescueTime if…
- You love data and trend lines
- You bill clients by tracked time
- You want team-wide visibility
FAQ
Does IdleMac track my screen time?
No. IdleMac only checks whether your keyboard and mouse have been idle. It stores nothing, sends nothing.