Kimai vs TimeTagger
Self-host pick — both replace Toggl Track (Time tracking).
Both Kimai and TimeTagger self-host as a replacement for Toggl Track (Time tracking). Pick Kimai if you want a AGPL-licensed codebase (AGPL-3.0); pick TimeTagger for GPL (GPL-3.0). Both run in roughly the same cost bracket — $5/mo vps for a small team vs $3/mo vps — sqlite-backed and tiny.
| Kimaiopen-source | TimeTaggeropen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony + MariaDB) | 10min single-binary or docker run |
| Monthly cost | $5/mo VPS for a small team. | $3/mo VPS — SQLite-backed and tiny. |
| GitHub | kimai/kimai | almarklein/timetagger |
| Replaces | Toggl Track | Toggl Track |
Good fit for
Kimai
Freelancers and agencies that bill hourly and need invoice-ready reporting — Kimai's invoice templates output PDF directly from tracked time.
Weak at:Mobile UX is a PWA, not a native app; serious mobile users will miss Toggl's native iOS/Android polish.
TimeTagger
Solo users who like a flat tag model — fast to log, no setup overhead.
Weak at:No client/project hierarchy or invoicing module — pair with a separate billing tool.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli toggl prints Toggl Track's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Kimai or TimeTagger?
Kimai: 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony + MariaDB). TimeTagger: 10min single-binary or docker run.
What does each cost to run?
Kimai: $5/mo VPS for a small team.. TimeTagger: $3/mo VPS — SQLite-backed and tiny.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Kimai and TimeTagger replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Toggl Track.