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WorkDesk vs ActivTrak
ActivTrak is known for privacy-first workforce analytics and productivity insights for mid-size and large companies, rather than timesheets. Here is how it compares with WorkDesk.
| Feature | WorkDesk | ActivTrak |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Per active employee, monthly or yearly, in your currency | From $10 per user / month, annual billing only |
| Free plan | No | Up to 3 users |
| Free trial | Free trial, no card needed | 14 days |
| Automatic tracking, no timer to start | Yes Starts when the employee signs in | Yes All plans |
| Live view of who is working now | Yes Status and current app for each person | Yes Paid plans |
| Apps and websites rated productive or not | Yes Your own categories | Yes All plans |
| Screenshots | Yes Optional, blurring and retention you set | Partly Add-on |
| Tracks offline, syncs later | Yes Kept on the PC, synced when back online | Yes |
| Shift schedules and attendance | Yes | Partly Schedule adherence; no shift rostering |
| Leave requests and approvals | Yes With public holiday calendars | Partly Time-off sync from your HR system, add-on |
| Payroll from tracked hours | Yes With your own overtime rules | Not stated on their site |
| Kiosk check-in on a shared tablet | Yes | Not stated on their site |
| Employees see their own data | Yes Privacy center for every employee | Partly Personal insights on higher plans |
| API and webhooks | Yes | Partly API is an add-on |
| Desktop apps | Partly Windows; macOS and Linux not yet | Yes Windows, macOS, ChromeOS |
Competitor details are from each company’s own website, checked on October 24, 2026. Plans and prices change: check theirs before you decide. ActivTrak is a trademark of its owner; WorkDesk is not affiliated with it.
Where WorkDesk is different
- WorkDesk handles the day-to-day too: shifts, leave approvals and payroll, without another HR tool.
- Screenshots and the API are included in WorkDesk, not add-ons.
- WorkDesk bills monthly or yearly; ActivTrak bills annually only.
- Every WorkDesk employee sees what is recorded about them, in the privacy center.
Where ActivTrak is strong
- Strong analytics and benchmarks
- Free plan for small teams
- Runs on Windows, macOS and ChromeOS
Where the ActivTrak details come from
- https://www.activtrak.com/pricing/
- https://support.activtrak.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045182031-Real-time-Visibility
- https://support.activtrak.com/hc/en-us/articles/360048196851-How-ActivTrak-Works-Without-an-Internet-Connection
- https://support.activtrak.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058203252-Personal-Insights
Frequently asked questions
Is WorkDesk a good ActivTrak alternative?
If you want automatic tracking with attendance, shifts, leave and payroll in one product, yes. ActivTrak is privacy-first workforce analytics and productivity insights for mid-size and large companies, rather than timesheets.
How much does ActivTrak cost compared with WorkDesk?
ActivTrak: from $10 per user / month, annual billing only, as listed on its site. WorkDesk is priced per active employee, monthly or yearly, in your currency: see the pricing page.
Can I move from ActivTrak to WorkDesk?
Yes. Start the free trial, invite your team by e-mail and install the desktop app on each PC; tracking starts as soon as people sign in.