Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own DeskTime

Replace DeskTime with a custom build. A Time Tracker For Both Remote And On-site Teams

Weekend Project
33 features7 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 33 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 33 features

Time Tracking(8 features)

Automatic Time Tracking

Desktop app tracks all computer activities automatically without manual input

Idle Time Detection

See when employees take breaks from working

Manual and Offline Time Tracking

Track time manually and see when employees take breaks from working

Meeting & Video Time Tracking

Prevent idle time during meetings and while watching videos

Mobile Time Tracking

Time tracking available on Android and iOS platforms

+3 more in this category

Security(5 features)

Data Encryption

All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest by default

GDPR Compliance

The services provided by DeskTime and the data generated comply with GDPR rules

ISO 27001 & ISO 27701 Certification

Practices align with ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 standards for robust information and privacy management

System Backups and Reliability

99.95% system uptime with continuous, restorable backups

Two-Factor Authentication

Secure your account with 2FA via apps like Google Authenticator

Analytics & Reporting(4 features)

Admin Dashboard

Gain insights about your employees' work hours and productivity levels with real-time data of your team's performance

Data Exports

Download and save tracked data for your archives or further analysis

Reports

Get in-depth data about your team's performance displayed in charts and tables

User Dashboard

See your team's overall activities and performance with in-depth information about each team member's work day

Productivity Insights(4 features)

Document Title Tracking

Keep track of document titles and email subjects to ensure employees are working on their assignments

Productivity Calculation

Get data about your employees' productivity and spot top performers and slackers

ScreenshotsPremium

Get proof-of-work in cases of questionable productivity or integrity and additional level of certainty that everyone's staying on task

URL & App Tracking

See what sites and apps your employees visit throughout the day

Workforce Management(4 features)

Absence CalendarPremium

See who's sick, on vacation, OOO and more with ability to plan absences and mark them in the calendar

Attendance Management

See how much time your employees spend working

Employee Directory

Easily find another colleague's contact information

Shift SchedulingPremium

Plan and manage employee shifts in one place and let team members know when they are scheduled to work

Support(3 features)

Account ManagerPremium

Guidance and support to achieve your business goals

Employee TrainingPremium

Personalized training sessions for your team

Personalized OnboardingPremium

Customized onboarding to help you adapt

Integrations(2 features)

API IntegrationPremium

Integrate with third-party apps using DeskTime API

Custom APIPremium

Custom API on request for specific needs

Alerts & Notifications(1 features)

Notifications

Receive notifications about important activity updates

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying DeskTime

Monthly$6.42/mo
Yearly$77/yr
5-Year Total$385

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~2 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$77
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$231
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$385
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 33 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?