Memory
Smokeball
| Feature | Memory | Smokeball |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $8/mo | From $39/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best For | knowledge-workers, freelancers, remote-workers, self-improvement | small-law-firms, mid-size-firms, litigation-practices, billable-hour-firms |
| Founded | 2019 | 2007 |
| Automatic Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Categorization | ✓ | ✗ |
| Productivity Insights | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work Life Balance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Reports | ✓ | ✗ |
| Integrations | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic Time Tracking | ✗ | ✓ |
| Document Automation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Matter Management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Billing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Reporting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Microsoft Integration | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Memory Pros
- Fully automatic tracking
- AI categorization
- Privacy-focused design
- Good work-life insights
✗ Memory Cons
- Newer platform
- AI accuracy improves over time
- Limited project features
✓ Smokeball Pros
- Automatic time recording
- Deep Microsoft Office integration
- Strong document automation
- Excellent for billing accuracy
✗ Smokeball Cons
- Windows-only desktop app
- Higher price point
- Learning curve for automation
The Verdict
Memory is built for knowledge workers and freelancers, with a focus on automatic-tracking and ai-categorization. Smokeball targets small law firms and mid size firms and leads with automatic-time-tracking and document-automation.
On pricing, Memory is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $8/mo compared to $39/mo for Smokeball. That $31/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Memory has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Smokeball requires a paid subscription from day one.
Bottom line: Smokeball has a slight overall edge — but if fully automatic tracking matters most to you, Memory may still be the right call.