As developers, we love to measure everything. How much time did we spend on that CSS bug? Which language dominated our week? WakaTime has been the standard for years, but in 2026, the conversation has shifted. Privacy and data sovereignty are no longer optional.
If you're looking for an alternative that gives you complete control over your coding metrics, here are the best open-source options available today.
Why look for a WakaTime alternative?
WakaTime is excellent, but it's a proprietary and centralized platform. Your work habits, schedules, and projects live on its servers. For many, this represents a privacy risk or simply a lack of control over their own data.
Here we compare the four tools that are leading the shift toward more open developer analytics.
1. WakaTime (The current standard)
It's the "paid" and closed option.
Pros: Works out of the box, has extensions for almost everything.
Cons: Closed source, your data is on their servers, limitations in the free plan.
2. ActivityWatch (Local-first)
If you're looking for absolute privacy, this is the tool for you.
How it works: It logs your activity 100% locally on your machine.
Key difference: You don't need a server. It's ideal if you don't mind not having a global leaderboard or easy remote access.
3. Wakapi (The minimalist Go clone)
Wakapi is an open-source implementation compatible with the WakaTime API, written in Go.
Key difference: It's perfect for self-hosting. You can use the same WakaTime extensions but point them to your own server.
Best: Very lightweight and resource-efficient.
4. CodeTrackr (The next generation in Rust)
CodeTrackr is the newest and most ambitious alternative on this list. Designed from the ground up with a focus on community and extensibility.
What makes CodeTrackr different?
Unlike others, CodeTrackr doesn't just track time; it's an infrastructure you own and can extend.
Modern Stack: Written in Rust (Axum) for extreme speed and memory safety.
Privacy in Sweden: The official service is hosted in Sweden, under strict data protection laws.
Plugin System: Allows you to add panels and widgets to the dashboard using pure JavaScript (running in a secure QuickJS sandbox).
Anonymous Accounts: You can track your time without even giving your real name.
Technical Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | WakaTime | ActivityWatch | Wakapi | CodeTrackr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Source | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (AGPL-3.0) |
| Self-Hosted | No | Yes (Local) | Yes | Yes (Docker/Rust) |
| Language | - | Python/Rust | Go | Rust |
| Plugins/Extensibility | Limited | No | No | Yes (QuickJS) |
| Free Cloud | Limited | N/A | Yes | Yes (Always) |
How to Get Started with CodeTrackr (Quick Start)
If you want to try the latest option, setting up CodeTrackr is ridiculously easy. Its official extensions support VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, Neovim, and many more.
Create an account (you can use an anonymous account).
Install the extension in your favorite IDE.
Configure your API key and you're all set.
What I like most about this project is its transparency: 77% of the code was AI-assisted (Claude) under human supervision, demonstrating that by 2026, the best tools will be built by humans with AI superpowers.
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
Choose ActivityWatch if you want 100% local.
Choose Wakapi if you want something very lightweight in Go.
Choose CodeTrackr if you're looking for a modern, extensible platform written in Rust that prioritizes your privacy above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is CodeTrackr really free forever?
Yes, the core is open source and the official cloud plan remains free.
Can I migrate my WakaTime data?
Most of these tools allow data export, and CodeTrackr is working on a native import integration.
What if my company prohibits tracking?
That's where CodeTrackr or Wakapi's self-hosting shines; you own the database, and no one else has access.
Did you find this comparison helpful? If you'd like to support the development of privacy tools, don't forget to visit the CodeTrackr repo (https://github.com/livrasand/CodeTrackr) and leave a star rating! ⭐️
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