Rize is a tool that tracks and records your usage across macOS and Windows. It runs silently in the background of your computer to help you understand how you are spending your time, day-to-day. Rather than just an hour total, it breaks your usage into three categories: focus, distraction, and other things.

There is a feature that tells you when you've worked more than you need to, something most of us skip over until we burn out. Additionally, Rize will tell you the apps or websites that have broken your focus, which may be uncomfortable to see but useful if you are serious about changing your habits.

Features Of Rize 

Automatic Time Tracking

Rize automatically tracks your work in real-time by looking at the active app or website on your screen. You can also set up a work schedule so it only tracks during your working hours. 

Reporting

Rize provides you with an email report that breaks down how you’ve spent your time and your productivity. You’ll also receive a PDF overview of all your daily activities and productivity trends near the end of each week.

Categorization

Your tracked activities will automatically be categorized into labels of your choosing and those that best suit your work style.

Break and Overworking Notifications

Based on your real work, Rize will tell you when to take a rest. Besides that, Rize can alert you to a break to help you relax if it finds that you have been overworking.

Calendar Integration

You can choose how calendar events are tracked, assign categories, or have Rize start or stop sessions automatically using keywords in your calendar. 

Session and Break Timer

Rize can detect Focus Sessions, Breaks, and Meetings on its own, but you can also start them manually if you prefer. Focus Sessions let you set goals, add project tags, adjust duration, and even pick background music. 

Use Cases Of Rize 

Freelancers 

Useful for getting a clear picture of how much of the day is actual focused work versus distractions.

Teams and Managers 

Gives insights into productivity patterns without needing manual time tracking.

Timeboxing and Focus Methods 

Works well with calendar integration for planning and comparing time spent.

People Who Tend to Overwork 

Break and overwork reminders prevent burnout before it happens.

For Anyone Who Hates Timers 

Tracks activity automatically in the background, so no constant clicking.

What We Like About Rize 

Automatic Tracking 

The fact that you don’t have to start or stop timers is a relief. It just runs in the background, which feels more natural and less disruptive.

Daily and Weekly Reports 

The summaries are simple but effective. Daily reports give quick feedback, and weekly PDFs make it easier to notice trends and long-term patterns.

Break and Overwork Notifications 

They are not as strict as Pomodoro timers. They will come up when you're really overworking or skipping breaks, which is more helpful than nagging you to take breaks.

Calendar Integration 

Syncing to Google Calendar or Outlook provides a more realistic view of planning. Being able to see what you planned to do versus what you actually did can provide a view of accountability.

Custom Categories and Rules 

Rize doesn’t force you into generic labels. You can build your own categories and set rules for apps or websites, so over time, your data gets cleaner and more personalized.

Overall Simplicity 

It doesn’t try to be a heavy project management tool. It just focuses on habits, time, and balance, which makes it easier to stick with.

What We Don't Like About Rize 

Vague Focus Scores 

The daily focus score feels a bit abstract. Sometimes it’s not clear how it was calculated, which makes it harder to act on.

Setup Effort for Categorization 

While customization is powerful, it takes time to set up rules and categories. At first, things can feel messy until you fine-tune them.

Break Reminders Timing 

The reminders don’t always match your natural workflow. For example, it might suggest a break right when you’re “in the zone.”

Desktop-First Experience 

Rize works best on macOS and Windows, but mobile tracking is very limited. If you do a lot of work away from your laptop, the data won’t feel complete.

Not Great for Detailed Project Tracking 

It’s designed for habits and focus, not for logging every task or project in detail. If you’re after super granular project management, Rize can feel too broad.

Rize Pricing Plans

Free 

• Retains 1 day of data
• Timer & goals view
• Desktop widget
• Focus metrics
• Focus music
• Distraction blocker
• Break screen

Standard – $12.99/month 

• Everything in Free
• Unlimited tracking data
• All dashboard views
• Customizable categories
• Daily & weekly reports
• AI productivity insights
• AI session planner

Professional – $23.99/month 

• Everything in Free
• Project tracking
• Client tracking
• Task tracking
• Zapier integration
• Custom API

FAQs About Rize 

What is Rize?

Rize is an AI-powered productivity app that automatically tracks your time, focus, and work habits.

Do I need to start or stop timers?

No, Rize tracks your activity automatically in the background.

Can Rize block distractions?

Yes, it has a distraction blocker and focus music to help you stay on task.

Does Rize work offline?

Some features work offline, but full tracking and insights need an internet connection.

Is there a free version of Rize?

Yes, the Free plan includes core features like timers, focus metrics, and a desktop widget.

Conclusion

Rize is a different kind of productivity tool, built around automatic tracking and helping you stay focused without needing to start or stop timers all the time. It’s a good fit for freelancers, professionals, or really anyone who wants to understand where their time goes and get better at deep work. It’s not a full project management app and won’t solve every workflow issue, but if you’re looking for a simpler, more mindful way to track and improve your productivity, Rize does the job well.