TimeTracker vs Kimai
Both TimeTracker and Kimai are free, self-hostable, open-source time trackers — this isn't a free-vs-paid fight. Here's an honest look at how they differ so you can pick the right one.
Last updated: September 17, 2026
Kimai has been developed since 2006 and has a large, mature plugin/reporting ecosystem. TimeTracker is a newer, more focused GPL-3.0 project built around Docker-first deployment and invoicing that ships in the core app rather than as an add-on. Neither one charges a license fee to self-host.
Kimai
Long-running, PHP/Symfony-based, self-hosted or SaaS. Deep timesheet and reporting feature set, plugin system, 30+ language translations.
- Free to self-host, AGPL-3.0 licensed
- Punch-in/punch-out & multi-timer modes
- Invoicing is included but templating/branding depth (verify current version)
TimeTracker
Self-hosted, GPL-3.0, Docker-first. Timers, Kanban, budgets, and PDF invoicing with status tracking in one codebase.
- Free to self-host, GPL-3.0 licensed
- Kanban boards and project budgets built in
- Invoice generation from tracked time, PDF export, multi-currency
| Capability | TimeTracker | Kimai |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Self-hosted (Docker) | ||
| Built-in invoicing (PDF) | ||
| Kanban boards | Built in | Via community plugin, not built-in |
| Plugin/extension system | Not yet | |
| SSO / external auth | OIDC/SSO (Azure AD, Authelia, etc.) — no SAML | SAML / LDAP / Database |
| Project budgets & forecasting | Money & time budgets | |
| Peppol / EN 16931 e-invoicing | Built in, free, GA | Paid "E-Invoice Plus" plugin; Peppol transport is beta, limited countries |
| Years in active development | Since 2020 | Since 2006 |
| Try it | Try TimeTracker's live demo | |
Sources: TimeTracker's own FEATURES_COMPLETE.md and Peppol docs; Kimai's GitHub repo, E-Invoice Plus store page, and 2026 e-invoicing blog post (verified 2026-09-17).
Choose TimeTracker if…
- You want invoicing, Kanban, and budgets in the base install with no plugins to manage.
- You need Peppol/EN 16931 e-invoicing for a mandate like Belgium's 2026 rules.
- You prefer GPL-3.0's terms over AGPL-3.0 for your organization's policies.
- You want a newer, Docker-first deployment story.
Choose Kimai if…
- You need a mature plugin ecosystem or one of Kimai's 30+ language translations out of the box.
- You want the option of Kimai's managed/SaaS hosting alongside self-hosting.
- Punch-clock style time entry is your team's primary workflow.
See which one fits your team
Spin up the TimeTracker demo, or deploy your own instance in 5 minutes with Docker — no signup either way.
100% free · GPL-3.0 · no credit card · no signup