Tracking · head-to-head
Pixela vs WhatPulse
Pixela is a single-developer, open-source habit- and effort-tracking service: every action goes through its REST API, turning daily counts, weight logs, or commit streaks into a GitHub-contribution-style graph. Callers register with a self-chosen token via `/v1/users`, then post daily values that render back as an embeddable SVG graph or badge — no dashboard beyond the API itself. Nearly every feature is free; a handful of extras (logo placement, priority support) are reserved for Patreon backers.
WhatPulse is a desktop client that measures keystrokes, mouse clicks, and application usage, publishing the results through a companion Web API for personal dashboards and community leaderboards. Every request now needs a Bearer-token personal API key created on the account's API settings page — the desktop client works without one, but the Web API no longer does. Core statistics are free to query; a Premium subscription unlocks deeper productivity insights and unlimited history.
| Pixela | WhatPulse | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | API Key | API Key |
| Pricing | freemium | freemium |
| Formats | JSON, SVG | JSON |
| CORS | yes | yes |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
Pixela supports 2 response formats, while WhatPulse offers fewer — pick Pixela for more integration flexibility.