Kimai vs Toggl Track
Self-host swap-in for Toggl Track. · Self-host Toggl Track · Kimai on os-alt
Kimai is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Toggl Track — license AGPL-3.0, 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony + MariaDB) to stand up, and $5/mo vps for a small team. Compare against Toggl Track's Free up to 5 users; Starter $9/user/mo; Premium $18/user/mo (annual) below.
| Kimaiopen-source | Toggl Trackpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Time tracking | Time tracking |
| License / pricing | AGPL-3.0 | Free up to 5 users; Starter $9/user/mo; Premium $18/user/mo (annual) |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $9/user/mo |
| GitHub | kimai/kimai | closed source |
| Setup time | 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony + MariaDB) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5/mo VPS for a small team. | from $9/user/mo (Free up to 5 users; Starter $9/user/mo; Premium $18/user/mo (annual)) |
Switching from Toggl Track to Kimai
Pull `kimai/kimai2:apache` and `mariadb:11` via the official compose. Toggl export (Reports → Detailed → CSV) imports through Kimai's Bundle/CSV import (community bundle: `kimai-toggl-importer`). Kimai's data model maps cleanly: Toggl's Workspace → Kimai's tenant; Toggl Client → Kimai Customer; Toggl Project → Kimai Project; Toggl Tag → Kimai Tag.
- Good fit for
- 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.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Toggl Track
In a terminal? npx os-alt toggl prints Toggl Track's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Kimai a free alternative to Toggl Track?
Yes — Kimai is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $5/mo VPS for a small team.. Toggl Track starts at $9/user/mo (Free up to 5 users; Starter $9/user/mo; Premium $18/user/mo (annual)).
How long does Kimai take to set up vs Toggl Track?
Self-hosting Kimai: 20min docker-compose (PHP/Symfony + MariaDB). Toggl Track is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Kimai good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: 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..