Overview

Initiated by the open-source community around 2018 with core maintainers based in the United States, Super Productivity is a well-known local-first task management and time tracking app in the productivity tools space. It is open source under the GPL license, built on Electron, and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops. All task and time data is stored locally on the device by default, with no dependency on any cloud service, putting data privacy and control first.

Super Productivity combines task management, time tracking, and a Pomodoro timer in a single app: it works as a to-do tool for managing projects and subtasks, automatically records actual hours per task, uses a Pomodoro timer to help users stay focused, and supports pulling tickets from developer tools such as Jira, GitHub, and GitLab. As the core product of the Super Productivity open-source project, it requires no subscription and is free to use, funded through donations, and especially suited to developers, privacy-conscious individuals, and self-hosting enthusiasts.

Key Strengths

  • Local-first and self-owned data: Task and time data is stored in local files by default with full offline use and no cloud account dependency, friendly to privacy-sensitive users; see local options in the productivity tools collection.
  • Integrated tasks and time tracking: Built-in time tracking automatically records hours per task, paired with a Pomodoro timer to quantify an 8-hour workday and reduce the ambiguity of "where did the time go."
  • Free and open source with no subscription: GPL-licensed and free, operated through donations, with zero long-term cost versus subscription tools; see open-source software market.
  • Developer tool integration: Native support for pulling Jira, GitHub, and GitLab tickets and issues into the local task flow for development work.
  • Flexible task system: Projects, subtasks, tags, priorities, and multiple views (day, week, inbox) form a complete personal task system.

Product Ecosystem

Task Management

Supports projects, subtasks, tags, priorities, due dates, and recurring tasks, with day, week, and inbox views for a complete personal task system.

Pomodoro and Time Tracking

A configurable Pomodoro timer records sessions automatically after focus intervals; time tracking binds to tasks and generates per-task or per-project hour statistics.

Jira and Developer Tool Integration

Pulls Jira tickets and GitHub/GitLab issues into the local task flow, linking development and personal tasks.

Data Sync (Self-Hosted)

No official cloud sync; users can sync via local folder synchronization (e.g., Dropbox/Syncthing) for multi-device data migration.

Extensions and Themes

Supports plugins and theme customization, and can be compiled and deployed independently for highly custom needs.

Limitations

  • No official cloud sync or mobile app: Desktop-only with no mobile app; multi-device sync requires self-hosted setups, giving a mixed cross-device experience.
  • Developer-oriented interface: The Electron app is less polished and smooth than commercial products, requiring an adaptation period for non-technical users.
  • Weak team collaboration: Lacks real-time multi-user collaboration, permission management, and online sharing; better for individuals than teams.
  • Limited localization: Interface and documentation are English-first, with community-driven Chinese support.

Use Cases

  • Privacy-conscious individuals (★★★★★): Local storage with zero cloud dependency keeps task data fully self-owned; pair with Joplin to build a local-first toolchain.
  • Developers and engineering teams (★★★★★): Jira/GitHub/GitLab integration plus Pomodoro and hour logging fits development workflows; see remote team toolchain.
  • Freelancers tracking billable hours （★★★★☆）: Task-bound time tracking generates hour records for client reporting; see freelance work management tips.
  • Teams needing cloud collaboration and mobile （★★☆☆☆）: Consider cloud options such as Todoist or Toggl Track.

Pricing

Plan Price Core Features
Open Source Free $0 All features: task management, Pomodoro, time tracking, Jira integration
Donation Support Voluntary Supports ongoing development with no feature limits

Note: Super Productivity is fully free and open source with no paid subscription or hidden fees; those who wish to support development can donate via the official site or open-source platforms.

FAQ

  • Where does Super Productivity store data? All task and time data is stored locally on the device by default with no cloud dependency and full offline use; the value of such local-first approaches is covered in open-source software market.

  • How is Super Productivity different from Toggl Track? Super Productivity is a local-first open-source tool with self-owned data and no subscription; Toggl Track is a cloud time tracking service strong in team collaboration and reporting. Refer to the productivity tools collection when choosing.

  • Can it pull Jira tickets? Yes. It natively pulls Jira, GitHub, and GitLab tickets/issues so developers can track engineering work in the local task flow; see remote team toolchain.

  • Does Super Productivity have a mobile app? Currently it is desktop-only (Windows, macOS, Linux) with no official mobile app; users who need mobile task management can pair it with Todoist.

  • Do I have to pay for it? No. Super Productivity is open source under GPL and completely free, operated through donations, and can be compiled and deployed independently; more free tools are listed in the productivity tools collection.