Clockify vs Kimai
Clockify is free time tracking tool with unlimited users and projects, while Kimai is open-source time tracking application that you can self-host. Kimai is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Clockify is built for teams that need free time tracking without user limits, whereas Kimai targets teams that want full control over their time tracking data via self-hosting.
| Feature | Clockify | Kimai |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| API | — | ✓ |
| Multi-user | — | ✓ |
| Project management | ✓ | — |
| Reporting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-hosting | — | ✓ |
| Time tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Clockify and Kimai are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Clockify offers Project management that Kimai lacks. Kimai brings API, Multi-user and Self-hosting that Clockify does not have. Both share Reporting and Time tracking.
Open source: Kimai is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Clockify is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Clockify's biggest strengths are: completely free for unlimited users — unbeatable value. simple interface that requires zero training. Kimai's biggest strengths are: completely free and open source — no per-user fees. self-hosted means you own your data entirely.
Watch out for: With Clockify, users commonly note that free plan lacks advanced reporting and invoicing. With Kimai, the main complaint is that requires self-hosting — not a cloud saas you can just sign up for.
choose Clockify if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that need free time tracking without user limits
- You specifically need Project management
- You care about simple interface that requires zero training
choose Kimai if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want full control over their time tracking data via self-hosting
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need API and Multi-user
- You care about self-hosted means you own your data entirely
frequently asked
What is the difference between Clockify and Kimai?
Clockify is free time tracking tool with unlimited users and projects, while Kimai is open-source time tracking application that you can self-host. Kimai is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Clockify is built for teams that need free time tracking without user limits, whereas Kimai targets teams that want full control over their time tracking data via self-hosting.
Should I use Clockify or Kimai?
Kimai gives you open source and self-hosting; Clockify is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Clockify over Kimai?
Choose Clockify if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that need free time tracking without user limits; You specifically need Project management; You care about simple interface that requires zero training.
When should I choose Kimai over Clockify?
Choose Kimai if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams that want full control over their time tracking data via self-hosting; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need API and Multi-user; You care about self-hosted means you own your data entirely.
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