RescueTime vs Shortwave
RescueTime and Shortwave are both Productivity tools in our directory. This side-by-side comparison covers pricing, user ratings, supported platforms, key features and open-source status so you can decide which one fits your needs.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | RescueTime | Shortwave |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | RescueTime | Shortwave |
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.5 |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Desktop, Mobile | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Key features | Automatic app tracking, Productivity scores, Focus Sessions | AI summaries and drafts in Gmail, Bundles and shortcuts, Gmail-native, not a new mail stack |
| Headquarters | Seattle, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 2008 | 2020 |
| Open source | No | No |
Key differences
- Shortwave has a higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.3★).
- Both RescueTime and Shortwave use a Freemium model.
- RescueTime runs on Desktop, Mobile; Shortwave runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Is RescueTime or Shortwave better?
By user rating, Shortwave scores higher (4.5★ vs 4.3★). Both are capable Productivity tools, so review the feature comparison for your use case.
Which is cheaper, RescueTime or Shortwave?
Both RescueTime and Shortwave use a Freemium pricing model.
Are RescueTime and Shortwave open source?
No — neither RescueTime nor Shortwave is open source.