# DeskTime vs RescueTime

The clearest difference is rating: RescueTime at 5.0 against DeskTime's 2.3. RescueTime also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 6 months). DeskTime's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (33% vs 21%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RescueTime sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month. DeskTime asks for nothing beyond the download.

RescueTime holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 3 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 33% of DeskTime's written reviews are positive against 21% of RescueTime's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

DeskTime ships an update every 6 months, RescueTime every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DeskTime | RescueTime |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktime/id452994124/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rescuetime/id1629924958/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 21.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 41 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [DeskTime](https://appshunter.io/developer/1480595856) | [RescueTime, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/860773794) |

## What reviewers say

### DeskTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktime/id452994124)

This app automatically tracks how employees spend their time online and offline, boosting productivity. It allows for project-based time tracking, cost calculation, custom reporting, and managing employee time off. The mobile version includes a timer and remote team performance viewing.

**Highlights:** Automatic time tracking, Project-based time tracking, Cost calculation, Customizable reports, Vacation and time-off planning, Mobile timer

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### RescueTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rescuetime/id1629924958)

Understand and manage your time automatically. This app helps you block distractions, track activities on your mobile and desktop, and set productivity goals. Gain insights into your workday and improve focus.

**Highlights:** Automatic time tracking, Distraction blocking (Focus Sessions), Activity categorization, Task timers, Offline activity logging, Home screen widgets, Productivity goals and alerts

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Solo Monthly | $9.00 | per month |
| Solo+ Monthly | $15.00 | per month |
| Solo Yearly | $84.00 | per year |
| Solo+ Yearly | $143.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DeskTime free?

DeskTime is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is RescueTime free?

RescueTime is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, DeskTime or RescueTime?

RescueTime is rated higher. DeskTime averages 2.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while RescueTime averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do DeskTime or RescueTime have ads?

Neither DeskTime nor RescueTime shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DeskTime or RescueTime?

DeskTime ships an update every 6 months, and RescueTime every 4 weeks. Most recently, DeskTime was updated on September 7, 2026 and RescueTime on September 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*