FocusNow vs Rize
Rize is a polished, paid time tracker. FocusNow keeps automatic tracking, focus scores, and AI reports free. Here is an honest look at where each one fits.
Feature by Feature
Competitor information last verified: July 2026.
Two different price philosophies
Rize charges a subscription and earns it with power features: a distraction blocker, calendar-aware tracking, and project billing. FocusNow takes the opposite path — the core promise of seeing exactly where your time goes stays free. If you bill clients by the hour, Rize's paid tiers can pay for themselves. If you simply want clarity about your day, you shouldn't need a subscription for that.
Your data, your rules
FocusNow records only the active app name and window title — never screenshots, never keystrokes. Your data is stored local-first with encrypted sync, and you can export everything as a single JSON file or delete your account at any time.
The honest bottom line
Rize is an excellent tool, and if you need blocking, calendar integration, or client billing, it's worth the price. But most people looking at time trackers want one thing: to see their real workday and improve it. FocusNow does exactly that, for free. The easiest way to decide is to run FocusNow alongside your current setup for a week — it costs nothing to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Most Productive Week Starts Now
Download FocusNow and finally see where your time actually goes. Free forever, no credit card needed.
macOS & Windows. From download to tracking in two minutes.