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Best Time Tracking Software

Best Time Tracking Software

If you’re struggling to keep on top of deadlines and manage time effectively, time tracking software might just be the solution for you. These apps are a game-changer for anyone looking to optimize productivity while monitoring tasks, projects, and workflow.

By tracking time spent on different tasks, assigning billable hours to clients, and generating custom reports, time tracking software helps you stick to your schedule and maximize efficiency. It also encourages you to identify distractions and improve collaboration within teams by providing a central location for feedback and progress.

Best time tracking software of 2025

Editors' choice
Hubstaff logo

Hubstaff

Editor's rating:
Simple, multi-platform time tracker
Straightforward online account manager
Variety of settings for admins
Time off request option
Small businesses
Homebase logo

Homebase

Editor's rating:
Customizable scheduling
Employee shift preferences
Compliance tracking
Advanced reports
Productivity
Rize logo

Rize

Editor's rating:
AI-powered time tracker
Productivity reports
Distraction blocker
Free version
Freelancers
Toggl Track logo

Toggl Track

Editor's rating:
Comprehensive time tracking
Robust and customizable reports
Extensive segmentation
Works offline
Nonprofits
ClickTime logo

ClickTime

Editor's rating:
Detailed reports
Mobile app
API access
Intuitive admin panel
Construction
ClockShark logo

ClockShark

Editor's rating:
Accurate
GPS integration
Device support
Real-time data capture
Editors' choice

Hubstaff

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $4.08/mo
Main features
  • Simple, multi-platform time tracker
  • Straightforward online account manager
  • Variety of settings for admins
  • Time off request option
  • Simple, multi-platform time tracker
  • Straightforward online account manager
  • Variety of settings for admins
  • Time off request option
  • Bumpy data syncing between trackers
  • Primitive, Chrome-only browser extension
  • Limitations in Free and Basic plans
Summary
View summary

Remote workers and businesses that rely mostly on time-based projects know how important it is to be able to properly track time. Before the introduction of cloud-based time trackers this was a logistical nightmare. But nowadays users have solutions like Hubstaff, a leader in time tracking and project management options since 2013. With Hubstaff, users can kill two birds with one stone: not only do they get a simple and reliable time tracking app that works on all major platforms, but they are also given access to an online account manager that properly records work time and generates various reports based on that data. However, Hubstaff is more than just a simple time tracker as it also provides various customization options for the organization’s admin as well as unique and useful features like invoicing or a separate tab for requesting time off. And to make the deal even sweeter, Hubstaff offers a free plan tailored to freelancers and powerful paid plans for which multiple types of discounts are available.

Special offers
View offers
Up to 18% off on Hubstaff annual plans
10% discount in Hubstaff's referral program
Small businesses

Homebase

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $20/business/mo
Main features
  • Customizable scheduling
  • Employee shift preferences
  • Compliance tracking
  • Advanced reports
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Comprehensive employee management tools
  • 20+ integrations
  • Flexible time tracking options
  • Limited tools for field management
  • Irreversible deletion of data
  • Location tracking lacks full shift monitoring
Summary
View summary

Homebase is an all-in-one platform that redefines team management and time tracking for businesses of all sizes. From effortless time tracking through different devices to real-time collaboration tools that keep everyone on the same page, the provider eases the stress of managing teams.

Seamless integrations with payroll, e-commerce, and business tool software, plus powerful add-ons like payroll and task management, mean that users can further customize the platform to suit their specific needs.

The free plan covers the basics, while advanced plans range from $20 to $80 per month per location. You can save up to 20% with annual commitments, and a 14-day free trial is available to explore and test out the platform risk free.

Special offers
View offers
20% off annual plans with Homebase
14-day free trial of Homebase
Productivity

Rize

Editor's rating:
Starting price: $9.99/mo
Main features
  • AI-powered time tracker
  • Productivity reports
  • Distraction blocker
  • Free version
  • AI-powered time tracker
  • Automatic tracking
  • Distraction blocker
  • Detailed productivity reporting
  • Desktop only
  • Weak client time reporting
  • No refunds
Special offers
View offers
Free AI-powered time tracker with Rize
Up to 41% off Rize Premium
7-day free trial of Rize
Freelancers
Toggl Track logo

Toggl Track

Editor's rating:
Main features
  • Comprehensive time tracking
  • Robust and customizable reports
  • Extensive segmentation
  • Works offline
  • Comprehensive time tracking
  • Robust and customizable reports
  • Extensive segmentation
  • Works offline
  • Manual tracking
  • Offline sync issues
  • Price
Nonprofits
ClickTime logo

ClickTime

Editor's rating:
Main features
  • Detailed reports
  • Mobile app
  • API access
  • Intuitive admin panel
  • Detailed reports
  • Mobile app
  • API access
  • Intuitive admin panel
  • No free version
  • Limited customization
Construction
ClockShark logo

ClockShark

Editor's rating:
Main features
  • Accurate
  • GPS integration
  • Device support
  • Real-time data capture
  • Accurate
  • GPS integration
  • Device support
  • Real-time data capture
  • GPS can be unreliable
  • Limited integration options

With so many apps available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – we have you covered with expert reviews, FAQ, comparisons, and guides to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or part of a larger company, streamlining your productivity has never been easier.

Time tracking software buyer’s guide

Time tracking software is a must-have for anyone looking to manage their time and workload efficiently. When selecting a time tracking app, it’s crucial to prioritize a user-friendly interface and customizable tracking methods that enhance productivity. Look for software that offers custom reports and hassle-free integrations with other essential tools like payrollinvoicing, and project management.

Every company is different and has specific requirements. For instance, remote companies may need proof of work and activity, such as screenshots and apps used. On the other hand, for teams that work in the field, GPS tracking and geofencing are a necessity. Others will find the ability to approve timesheets and track time off requests within the app the most useful features. Alternatively, those looking to maximize focus will benefit from distraction blocking and break tracking.

Time tracking software guide

Whichever software you go for, be sure to check its security before making a commitment. Reading a company’s privacy policy and ensuring it complies with data and labor regulations, such as GDPR and FLSA, can save you down the line. Additional security measures like two-factor authentication can also further safeguard your information.

Before making your decision, always have in mind pricing, customer service, and mobile compatibility. Take advantage of free trials or free versions offered by different services to find the software that perfectly suits your needs.

Benefits of time tracking apps

Time tracking software is an incredibly useful tool that provides a detailed view of how time is spent in an organization. By tracking and analyzing time usage, individuals and companies can identify inefficiencies and make informed decisions on resource allocation. Likewise, real-time visibility ensures that team members are aligned with common goals, reducing the chances of bottlenecks.

Benefits of time tracking apps

Beyond the general benefits mentioned, time tracking also caters to specific industries and roles. For one, freelancers rely on accurate time tracking to determine billable hours for clients, while field service managers benefit from features like route tracking and real-time employee location updates, to name but a few. Service workers, such as waiters and baristas, may find kiosk versions that allow easy clock-in and clock-out helpful.

Furthermore, time tracking software can boost project management by ensuring timely task completion and adherence to budgets. It also increases accuracy in payment calculations and empowers better decision-making based on the data recorded.

Free vs paid time tracking software

Free time tracking apps are an attractive option for individuals and businesses that are looking to save money while still benefiting from tracking software. However, these apps do have some drawbacks.

Time Tracking On

While the simpler interfaces may appeal to users who don’t require complex integrations or advanced features, there are significant limitations of free apps. Some restrict the number of projects or users that can be tracked, have limited updates, and don’t even offer customer support.

On the other hand, paid apps come with a range of features, integrations, support, and customization options. Therefore, customer satisfaction may be higher than with free apps, as they have the capability to tick off all their users’ needs.

Ultimately, deciding whether to go with no-cost or premium apps depends entirely on individual needs and circumstances. Small startups or freelancers may find that free apps are enough, whereas larger businesses may require more advanced features and integrations, making paid time tracking software a better option. In the end, it’s important to carefully consider the positives and negatives of each before deciding which one to use.

Time Tracking Software for Freelancers

How to implement time tracking successfully

To successfully implement time tracking software, there are several factors to consider. Most importantly, the team needs to be fully trained to use the platform to its advantage. Thorough training, alongside guarantees of data protection, will go a long way in building the team’s trust and confidence in the system.

Still, it’s natural for companies to face challenges in maintaining consistency and addressing doubts about the usage of this software. Clear communication about the purpose of tracking and its benefits for both the company and its employees can help mitigate these issues.

Lastly, it’s crucial to monitor the progress of the time tracking system and encourage transparency within the team. This approach promotes a safe space for the sharing of feedback and insights, allowing everyone to be involved in the process and their concerns to be heard. This leads to improved productivity and a better sense of accomplishment for everyone involved.

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