The open-source Kimai alternative

Kimai is an established open-source time tracker built with PHP and Symfony, requiring a server with PHP and a relational database to self-host. Logr is a modern, open-source alternative built on Next.js and PocketBase — deployable to Vercel, Fly.io, or any Node.js host in minutes, with no PHP runtime required. Both tools are AGPL-licensed and self-hostable; Logr differentiates with an instant, no-reload interface, built-in shareable invoice links, a live day timeline, and a built-in AI assistant that can answer questions and draft invoices. If you want a modern stack you can deploy with one click, Logr is worth a look.

Switching from Kimai to Logr

Kimai supports CSV and JSON exports of time entries. You can import a CSV export into Logr to carry over your time history before switching your day-to-day tracking.

1. 1
   Export your data from KimaiIn Kimai, go to the Timesheet view and export your entries as CSV. Select the date range covering your full history.
2. 2
   Import into LogrOpen the Import panel in the Logr dashboard and upload the CSV. Logr creates any missing clients or projects from the data automatically.
3. 3
   Deploy Logr and start trackingClick 'Deploy to Vercel' in the Logr GitHub repo, point it at a PocketBase instance, and you are ready. Your imported history is immediately available for invoicing.

Why self-host your time tracker?

When you self-host Logr, your time entries, client names, billing rates, and invoices are stored in your own Postgres database — not on a vendor's servers. That matters for freelancers working with NDAs, agencies handling sensitive client projects, and anyone who has watched a beloved SaaS tool sunset or triple its pricing overnight.

• ✓No vendor lock-in — export or migrate anytime, it is your database.
• ✓No per-seat fees — self-hosted Logr is free for any team size.
• ✓Audit the code — AGPL-3.0 means every line is public and verifiable.
• ✓Deploy anywhere — Vercel, Railway, Fly.io, your own VPS.