Clockify is a cloud-based time tracker known for a free tier, with paid plans for more features. Clockgauge is software you host on your own computer, bought once. Both track time against projects and give reports; they differ in where data lives, how paid features are charged and how consent-based screenshots are handled.
Differences at a glance
| Clockify | Clockgauge | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is delivered | Cloud service with web, desktop and mobile apps | Host app on your computer plus an employee desktop app |
| Pricing model | Free tier and paid subscription plans (check current plans) | Free for 1 host + 1 employee; $199 once for up to 20 people |
| Where data lives | Vendor's servers | Your Host computer |
| Screenshots and activity | Available on certain plans (check current features) | Consented random screenshots and activity levels, with blur and retention settings |
| Manager access | Web dashboard from anywhere | Dashboard on the Host computer |
Features and plans change; check each product's site.
What is similar
Both offer timers, project and task structure, reporting by person, project and day and some pay and billing information. Both can serve freelancers and small teams.
Both are practical choices for tracking billable hours; the difference is mostly how you want to run them.
What differs
- Free tiers. A free cloud tier is attractive for very small teams, with paid plans when you need more. Clockgauge's free plan is one host and one employee, and the paid plan is one-time.
- Data location. Cloud: on the vendor's servers. Clockgauge: on the Host computer, encrypted, deleted after the retention period you set.
- Maintenance. A cloud service is maintained for you. A Host computer needs to stay on and backed up.
- Consent. Clockgauge shows a consent screen listing what is recorded and what is never recorded before the first timer.
Questions to ask yourself
- Is a free tier enough for what I need today, and what will I pay when I grow?
- Do I want a computer in my office to host the data?
- Do I need screenshots, or just timers?
- How do I want to be charged: monthly or once?
A three-year cost check
- Work out the monthly price for your team size, now and in each of the next three years.
- Add any plan upgrades you will need for reports, screenshots or integrations.
- Compare with Clockgauge: $199 once for up to 20 people, and optional $20 a year for updates after the first year.
- Add the effort of running a Host computer, and the value of owning your data.
See pricing and one-time versus subscription time tracking.
Information about Clockify is general and as of writing; check its own website for current features and pricing. Clockify is a trademark of its owner. Clockgauge is not affiliated with Clockify.
Try Clockgauge
Clockgauge is an employee and freelancer time tracker that runs on your own computer: timers, consented random screenshots, activity levels, clients, projects and tasks, budgets, payroll balances and reports, paid once instead of per user per month..