Quick answer
Trackers differ on four axes: which tools they cover, whether they read local files or call an API, how much history they keep, and whether they report plan limits as well as tokens. Most single-tool tools win on depth and lose on coverage; a multi-provider tracker wins when you use more than two tools.
The comparison table
| Tracker | Coverage | Source | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| UsageAtlas | 14 providers | Local plus reported | Yes, with resets |
| ccusage | Claude Code, Codex | Local logs | No |
| CodexBar | Codex, Claude | Local plus API | Partial |
| Cursor Stats | Cursor | API | Cursor only |
| Langfuse | Instrumented apps | Your SDK calls | No |
| Wakatime | Editor activity | Plugin | No tokens |
A tool that instruments your own application is a different category from one that reads a vendor's local logs. Comparing them by feature list produces nonsense.
Depth versus breadth
Single-tool trackers can show request-level detail for their one tool. Multi-provider trackers normalise fields, which loses some detail but makes cross-tool totals possible. If your question is why one tool costs more than another, you need the normalised view.
- Depth questions: which request cost the most?
- Breadth questions: what did the month cost across tools?
- Plan questions: how close am I to a limit?
- Team questions: who needs which seat?
Choose by question
- Write down the three questions you actually ask.
- Check whether the candidate answers all three.
- Check platform support before installing.
- Check whether it needs prompt access.
- Prefer local reads if your code is sensitive.
UsageAtlas answers the breadth, limit, and team questions for 14 providers. The ranked list covers the alternatives.
Questions, answered
What is the difference between a token tracker and a cost tracker?
A token tracker counts tokens; a cost tracker applies rates or reports spend. Most tools do both, but only some report plan limits.
Do trackers need API keys?
Local readers do not. Trackers that query a provider for plan usage usually need a key or a signed-in session.
Which tracker has the most history?
It depends on the source. Local files persist until deleted, while provider dashboards keep shorter windows. UsageAtlas keeps 7, 30, or 90-day views.