Clockify vs Kimai
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Clockify is a time tracking and timesheet application that lets individuals and teams log work hours via a timer, manual entry, or automatic app/website tracking, then turns that data into reports, budgets, and invoices. It is used by teams at companies like HP, Verizon, and American Express, and remains free for unlimited users on its core plan.
Kimai is a free, open-source time tracking software that helps individuals and teams track their work hours and stay organized. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to log time spent on tasks and projects.
- Free plan has no user limit, unusual among time trackers
- Wide platform coverage including desktop, mobile, and browser extensions
- Clear, published per-seat pricing with an annual discount
- Part of the broader CAKE.com suite (Pumble, Plaky) for bundle discounts
- Free and open-source
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Customizable dashboard and widgets
- Support for multiple users and teams
- Advanced features like GPS and screenshots require the Pro tier
- Interface can feel busy with the growing number of modules
- QuickBooks integration is limited to Standard tier and above
- Limited features compared to paid time tracking software
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited support options
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataClockify offers a cloud SaaS with a free unlimited‑user tier and richer native integrations, while Kimai is a free open‑source self‑hosted tool that requires you to manage your own server.
Key differences
- •Deployment: Clockify is cloud/SaaS, Kimai must be self‑hosted.
- •Cost model: Clockify’s free tier is unlimited but advanced features need paid seats; Kimai is completely free but you bear hosting costs.
- •Integrations: Clockify lists built‑in QuickBooks, Slack, Trello, Asana; Kimai only mentions generic project‑tool integrations.
- •Support: Clockify provides 24/7 email support; Kimai offers email and documentation only.
- •Advanced features: GPS, screenshots, kiosk mode require Clockify’s paid Pro tier; Kimai lacks these out‑of‑the‑box.
Pricing & value
Clockify’s freemium model gives unlimited users for free; Kimai is free but you must provision and maintain hosting.
Ease of use / learning curve
Clockify’s UI is ready‑to‑use SaaS; Kimai requires installation and may have a steeper learning curve for advanced settings.
Features & depth
Clockify includes paid Pro features like GPS, screenshots, kiosk mode; Kimai’s feature set is more basic.
Integrations & ecosystem
Clockify lists specific integrations (QuickBooks, Slack, Trello, Asana); Kimai only notes generic project‑tool support.
Collaboration
Clockify supports unlimited users out‑of‑the‑box with cloud sharing; Kimai supports multiple users but depends on your own hosting setup.
Support
Clockify offers 24/7 email support; Kimai provides only email and documentation.
Scalability
Clockify’s SaaS scales automatically; Kimai’s scalability is limited by your own server resources.
Choose Clockify if…
Teams that want a ready‑made cloud solution with free unlimited users and built‑in integrations.
Choose Kimai if…
Organizations that need self‑hosted, open‑source software and have IT resources to manage it.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use Clockify for a large team?
Clockify’s free plan allows unlimited users; costs arise only if you upgrade to paid tiers for features like GPS or screenshots.
Can I run Kimai without paying for any software licenses?
Yes, Kimai is fully free and open‑source; you only pay for any hosting infrastructure you choose.
Which tool integrates directly with QuickBooks?
Clockify lists QuickBooks as a native integration (available from the Standard tier upward); Kimai does not specify a QuickBooks integration.