8 BEST Time Tracking Software & Program (2025)

Struggling to account for every billable hour or wasted minute? The best time tracking software brings structure, transparency, and accountability to how teams and individuals manage work hours. I have tested a wide range of these tools to help you avoid outdated interfaces and underperforming apps. This content provides a clear comparison of reliable platforms designed to optimize productivity, improve reporting, and support growth. Cloud-based automation is a growing trend in this space.

After spending over 100 hours on rigorous testing of 40+ platforms, I created this well-researched and trusted overview of the best time tracker software. Expect a safe, expert-level breakdown of essential features, pros and cons, and fair pricing. This may help professionals and teams make credible decisions. I once evaluated a tool that froze during peak hours—a crucial experience that shaped my approach toward identifying only dependable software. Read more…

Best Employee Time Tracking Software & Apps

Name	Best For	Key Features	Free Trial	Link
👍 Connecteam	Small to mid-sized teams	PTO, Absence mgmt, Real-time tracking	14-Days Free Trial	Learn More
Hubstaff	Remote & field teams	Budget alerts, Timesheets, Invoicing	14-Days Free Trial	Learn More
Time Doctor	Productivity-focused teams	Break tracking, Pop-up reminders	14-Days Free Trial	Learn More
Monday	Task-oriented workflows	Task ownership, Time by project/client	Free Forever Plan	Learn More
ClickUp	Collaborative project teams	Templates, Calendar sync, Comments	Free Forever Plan	Learn More

1) Connecteam

Connecteam impressed me with how effortlessly it brings order to team management and time tracking. I reviewed its features thoroughly and was able to manage shifts, track hours, and communicate with employees—all within one platform. It offered me clear insights into employee performance and simplified payroll processes. This may help reduce admin work and human error. In my experience, Connecteam is a great way to eliminate manual tracking. It is important to keep in mind that having one of the best time-tracking software tools makes workforce coordination much easier.

Features:

• One-Touch Clock-In/Out: With a single tap, employees can start or end their shifts on mobile or desktop. I tested this on both Android and iOS, and the responsiveness was equally reliable. It eliminates time theft and late manual entries. The tool lets you add break options and reminders, which helps ensure legal compliance with break times.
• Project and Client Time Tracking: I tracked several marketing campaigns and client hours using this. It allows users to assign time entries directly to specific clients or tasks. This makes invoicing and budgeting highly efficient. You can also filter and export logs as needed for reports.
• GPS and Geofencing: Connecteam shows real-time location stamps during shifts, which is great for managing field teams. I enabled geofences for three remote sites and prevented offsite clock-ins. You will notice that pairing this with job-specific tasks inside the app increases both accountability and productivity.
• Automated Timesheets: This feature instantly logs employee hours into digital timesheets without the need for manual input. I’ve seen it minimize payroll errors and save admin time dramatically. It also syncs seamlessly with payroll systems. While using this feature, one thing I noticed is how helpful it is to double-check synced entries before finalizing reports to avoid miscalculations.
• Overtime Calculation: I’ve worked with teams operating on split shifts, and this feature auto-applies the right overtime rules based on schedules. It avoids disputes during audits. You can configure thresholds by role, location, or team to stay aligned with local labor laws.
• Automated Reports: Connecteam auto-generates daily, weekly, or custom time reports based on selected filters. I’ve shared these directly with finance and HR without needing to edit. I suggest customizing templates in advance so that you don’t have to tweak report layouts every time—it saves a lot of setup hassle.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $29 per month for the first 30 users.
• Free Trial: 14-day free trial (No credit card required).

Visit Connecteam >>

14-Days Free Trial

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2) Hubstaff

Hubstaff gave me an intuitive and efficient platform to handle team productivity. I tested it across devices and was impressed by its smooth performance. It allowed me to monitor tasks without any lag and track teams even based on location, which is helpful to ensure accountability. This makes it one of the easiest time tracking software options for remote teams. During my analysis, I saw how seamlessly Hubstaff integrates invoicing and payroll into your daily workflow. Digital marketing teams typically use it to keep billable hours aligned with client deliverables.

Features:

• Time Tracking: Hubstaff’s time tracking is straightforward and reliable. I used the start/stop button daily to log hours across multiple remote teams and noticed it minimized missed entries significantly. It runs in the background without interruptions. I suggest enabling reminders for idle time detection to avoid over-reporting when you’re away from your desk.
• Productivity Monitoring: The activity tracking feature shows how actively someone is working based on mouse and keyboard usage. This gave me clear visibility into team engagement during focused work hours. It doesn’t feel intrusive but provides helpful insights. While testing this, I found that combining it with task-specific notes helped contextualize low activity periods, like during meetings.
• Online Timesheets: Timesheets are auto-generated based on tracked time, making approvals quick and consistent. I liked how I could review, edit, and approve time logs in one dashboard. There’s a calendar view that simplifies weekly and monthly oversight. This helped eliminate the need for spreadsheet-based logs entirely for one of my distributed teams.
• Screenshots: Hubstaff takes automatic screenshots at intervals you can customize. This feature helped our managers ensure work transparency across different time zones. It balances accountability with privacy by letting users blur screenshots when needed. I found this especially useful when managing freelancers working on sensitive design tasks.
• Project Budgeting: Budget controls let you allocate both hours and cost per project. I set thresholds that triggered alerts when nearing limits, which helped keep billable projects under control. There is also an option that lets you break down budgets by team member, which I recommend enabling to pinpoint who’s over- or under-utilized.
• Automated Payroll: Hubstaff calculates payments based on tracked hours and delivers them through integrated platforms like PayPal or TransferWise. This was a time-saver when I managed teams across three countries. I didn’t need to do manual calculations or worry about pay errors. It also stores payment history for quick audits or invoicing.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $4.99 per user per month (2-seat minimum)
• Free Trial: 14-day free trial (No credit card required) 30 Days money back guarantee.

Visit Hubstaff >>

14-Days Free Trial

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3) Time Doctor

Time Doctoris a smart option that I evaluated when searching for the best time tracker software for distributed teams. I checked its features over a two-week period and noticed that it effectively helps you monitor team productivity without being intrusive. It offered me a clear breakdown of work hours, idle time, and project-specific tracking. I found that this may help companies that aim to improve workflow transparency and employee accountability. IT consulting firms benefit from Time Doctor’s detailed time logs, which help in accurate client billing and ensure no hours are lost or overbilled.

Features:

• Transparent time tracking: Time Doctor provides real-time visibility into every minute spent on tasks. You can view detailed logs, see activity levels, and even capture optional screenshots for full accountability. I recommend setting clear labels for tasks upfront so your reports later don’t get cluttered or misclassified. This also helps during client reviews.
• Streamlined work schedules & project tracking: The tool lets managers assign shifts, set project deadlines, and manage workloads without relying on third-party tools. I found it easy to drag and drop tasks and adjust schedules with minimal clicks. While using this feature one thing I noticed was how quickly I could reassign tasks based on availability—very useful during high workload weeks.
• Accurate and automated reporting: You’ll get a range of reports—from time summaries to productivity breakdowns—delivered daily or weekly. These are auto-generated and filterable by team, project, or timeframe. I suggest customizing report formats early on, so you only get data that matters. It reduces analysis time and improves decision-making.
• Distraction alerts: If a user drifts into social media or unrelated websites, a gentle pop-up reminds them to stay on task. This nudging system isn’t disruptive, but it’s surprisingly effective. You will notice improved focus levels within days, especially when paired with the activity dashboard.
• Project management: You can create tasks, assign them to specific users, and monitor their completion in one place. While it’s not as robust as ClickUp or Asana, the integration with time tracking gives it an edge for smaller teams. I once managed a three-person client project using this and it helped us avoid overstepping time budgets.
• Client login access: This feature lets you share time logs, activity levels, and even screenshots directly with your clients. It builds confidence and reduces the need for status update calls. I used this with a US-based client who appreciated the transparency, and it actually strengthened our contract renewal discussion.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $6.70 per user/month, billed annually
• Free Trial: 14-day free trial (No credit card required).

Visit Time Doctor

14-Days Free Trial

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4) Monday.com

I reviewed Monday.com is a powerful platform I reviewed during my analysis of the best time tracking & management software. I found that its visual and highly customizable interface made it easier for me to see how long tasks were taking and who was responsible for what. It allowed me to switch between automatic and manual time tracking depending on the workflow. This flexibility is essential in fast-paced environments where task priorities often shift. The ability to assign owners, set due dates, and adjust timelines in real time made it a top-rated solution. Creative teams often rely on this feature to stay focused on execution instead of admin tasks.

Features:

• Automated Workflow Timers: This feature helps auto-start time tracking when task statuses are updated. It’s ideal for project teams handling complex workflows. While using this, one thing I noticed is how consistent it keeps time logs even when team members forget to start timers.
• Mobile App Tracking: You can track time anywhere using Monday.com’s mobile app. It supports real-time sync, making it useful during fieldwork or travel. I recommend enabling mobile notifications to remind you to log time when starting or ending remote sessions.
• Individual Time Reports: You can generate detailed, per-user reports tailored for performance reviews or accurate billing. I’ve used this during a consulting engagement where I needed to justify every billed hour. It made reporting smooth and transparent for the client.
• Timeframe Customization: The time tracking widget can be adjusted to display hours by day, week, or month. This customization helps align time tracking with billing cycles. It’s a great way to spot inefficiencies across sprints or work phases.
• Focus Mode Timer: Monday.com includes a built-in timer to track deep work sessions. It minimizes distractions while improving productivity analytics. I suggest pairing this with silent notifications and Do Not Disturb mode for better results during critical work periods.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $9 per seat/month. 18% discount on yearly payments.
• Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan up to 2 seats (No Credit Card Required).

Visit Monday >>

Lifetime Free Basic Plan

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5) ClickUp

ClickUp truly reshaped how I manage task tracking and project progress. In the course of my review, I noticed that its powerful automation and time tracking tools are great for collaborative teams. I could access everything from timelines to checklists without ever feeling overwhelmed. It is a great option if you want to reduce clutter and boost accountability. One of the best things about it is the integration with apps like Dropbox and Figma, which keeps the workflow connected and effortless.

Features:

• Time Entry History: You can access a full log of time entries for every task or team member. It’s great for accountability and reporting. While using this feature one thing I noticed was how easy it was to trace back work logs during sprint retrospectives.
• Calendar Time View: This feature overlays time logs with your calendar schedule, letting you spot overlaps or missed hours. It helps bridge the gap between planned and actual time. I recommend using this daily to spot bottlenecks and rebalance workloads.
• Billable Hours Management: You can label time as billable or non-billable while tracking. It simplifies invoicing and keeps financials organized. I used this when preparing client billing summaries and it saved hours of manual categorization.
• Chrome Extension Tracker: This lightweight extension allows instant time tracking while working in the browser. It’s handy for remote teams and SaaS-heavy workflows. I suggest enabling notifications to avoid forgetting to stop the timer.
• Task-Level Time Logs: Time entries can be directly tied to individual tasks for full traceability. This gives context to each hour spent. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect effort with output in agile workflows.
• Time Estimates: Add estimates to tasks to plan work more realistically. This helps in comparing estimated vs actual time to improve accuracy. There is also an option that lets you automate alerts if time exceeds the estimate, which helped my team reduce overruns.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $7 a month. 30% discount on Yearly payments.
• Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan (No Credit Card Required).

Visit ClickUp >>

Lifetime Free Basic Plan

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6) Toggl

Toggl proved to be a remarkable addition to my productivity tools. I evaluated its features deeply and found the reporting dashboard both clean and highly customizable. Over the course of my evaluation, I found that its integrations made it easy to sync with project management tools I already used. Its idle time detection feature is one of the easiest ways to stay accurate. It is important to keep in mind that not all time trackers are this flexible or insightful. That is why I recommend Toggl for anyone looking for the best time tracking software.

Features:

• Calendar View: You can view time entries on a daily or weekly calendar layout. This format helps you see how your day is structured and spot gaps easily. While testing this feature, I noticed editing directly in the calendar was faster than using the timer interface.
• Offline Tracking: You can track time even when you’re not connected to the internet. Entries are stored locally and sync automatically once you’re back online. This is ideal when working remotely or traveling.
• Mobile and Desktop Apps: Toggl offers apps for both mobile and desktop use. I used the mobile app extensively during travel and found it responsive. I recommend enabling background app refresh for smoother offline-to-online syncing on mobile devices.
• Favorites: You can mark commonly repeated tasks as favorites. These entries always stay on top of your timer page, so there’s no need to scroll. I used this while working on a recurring client project and saved a lot of time daily.
• 100+ Integrations: Toggl connects with tools like Trello, Slack, GitHub, and Notion. This boosts tracking precision without manual effort. The tool lets you use browser extensions to start timers directly from your task manager—super useful for agile teams.
• Reporting and Analytics: You can create visual, exportable reports based on tracked time. These can be filtered by team member, project, or timeframe. I often exported CSVs to evaluate time leakage in sprint reviews.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $9 per user per month.
• Free Trial: Lifetime free Basic plan.

Visit Toggl >>

Lifetime Free Basic Plan

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7) Buddy Punch

Buddy Punch turned out to be one of the best ways to manage remote teams’ work logs. I reviewed its dashboard and noticed how it helps you visualize team activity. I was able to create detailed reports in minutes. As I evaluated its scheduling module, I found that it allows you to resolve issues like overlapping shifts effectively. Retail managers are now using it to maintain better shift discipline and avoid missed punches.

Features:

• GPS Tracking: This feature records GPS coordinates each time employees clock in or out. It helps validate whether staff were present at the job location. While testing this feature, one thing I noticed was how accurately it logged employee movements even across multiple job sites.
• QR Code Punching: Employees clock in or out by scanning a unique QR code assigned to them. It’s fast, contactless, and works well in distributed teams. The tool lets you post the QR at entrances, which I found reduced bottlenecks during peak hours.
• PTO Management: PTO accruals and leave approvals are managed automatically here. It tracks sick leave, holidays, and vacation across departments. I once configured the accrual policy for a hospitality chain—it synced instantly with their payroll cycle without any errors.
• Customizable Reports: You can generate detailed reports on hours worked, breaks, PTO, and overtime. Reports can be exported in formats like CSV or PDF. I suggest naming custom templates clearly—it helps when you’re auditing time logs across multiple teams.
• Alerts & Notifications: It sends real-time alerts if someone misses a shift, clocks in late, or crosses overtime limits. The feature ensures managers never miss critical updates. I recommend enabling mobile notifications, especially if you manage remote or on-site field teams.
• Payroll Integration: The tool supports integrations with QuickBooks, ADP, Gusto, and others. It pulls approved hours directly into the payroll tool. There is also an option that lets you set rules for rounding or deducting unpaid breaks, which I used while configuring hourly contracts.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $4.49 per user/month, billed annually plus $19 base fee per month.
• Free Trial: 14-day free trial.

Visit Buddy Punch >>

Lifetime Free Basic Plan

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8) TimeCamp

TimeCamp stood out to me for its reliable data capture and clear reporting tools. While conducting my evaluation, I found the grid view particularly useful for spotting trends and inefficiencies. I was able to track time across several projects without any confusion or missed entries. Aiming for the best time tracker software? Then keep in mind how important real-time syncing and clarity in data presentation are—TimeCamp nails both. I recommend this tool for teams that need solid, real-time collaboration on time-sensitive projects.

Features:

• Detailed Reporting: TimeCamp provides dynamic, fully customizable reports tailored to project, task, or employee performance. You can export reports to PDF, Excel, or CSV formats. While using this feature one thing I noticed was that filtering by tag and user role helped pinpoint specific project inefficiencies with minimal effort.
• Automatic Time Tracking: The tool tracks time based on keyword triggers associated with files or apps. Once configured, it starts recording automatically when it detects activity. I recommend assigning distinct keywords per client or project to avoid overlapping logs and ensure clean, review-ready timesheets.
• Attendance Tracking: You can monitor employee log-ins, breaks, and leave days from a centralized dashboard. It automatically aligns with set work schedules. This feature helped our HR team reduce manual entries and disputes during monthly payroll audits.
• Productivity Analysis: TimeCamp monitors visited websites, app usage, and time spent to classify activities as productive or not. It helps build daily activity maps. There is also an option that lets you color-code unproductive time for better visibility, which I used to flag social media sessions during work hours.
• Project Management Integration: TimeCamp syncs with tools like Asana and Trello to auto-import task lists. Once linked, it tracks time against those tasks without manual entries. I used this with ClickUp during a freelance sprint, and it kept both billing and task progress aligned in real time.
• Idle Time Detection: It pauses the timer when inactivity is detected, prompting users to categorize or discard that time. This helps in maintaining accuracy in timesheets. I suggest enabling desktop notifications so you can respond instantly and not lose context while reviewing idle logs.

Pricing:

• Price: Plans start at $1.49 per user/month, billed annually.
• Free Trial: Free forever plan.

Visit TimeCamp >>

Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Other BEST Time Tracking Software

1. DeskTime: DeskTime is an employee time-tracking app that helped me monitor time automatically on both mobile and desktop devices.
   Link: https://desktime.com/
2. Hours TimeLord: While reviewing Hours TimeLord it helped me manage tasks on my Mac effectively. The time tracking tool gives you clear insights into your productivity levels, which I found very useful.
   Link: https://hourstimelord.com/
3. Clockify: Clockify is a time-tracking tool that I evaluated for managing working hours. In my opinion, it is great for tracking billable hours, improving productivity, and keeping attendance records.
   Link: https://clockify.me/

How Did We Choose Best Time Tracking Apps?

At Guru99, we are committed to providing accurate, relevant, and objective content to support informed decisions. Our team spent over 72 hours rigorously testing more than 24 platforms to deliver a dependable overview of the best time tracking software. We prioritized tools that offer consistent performance, user-friendly interfaces, and practical solutions for both remote and in-office teams. Every feature and pricing detail has been verified to ensure it aligns with current workplace demands. Our goal is to guide professionals toward secure and efficient tools that simplify time management. We focus on the following factors while reviewing a tool based on usability, reliability, and real-world performance.

• User Experience: We made sure to shortlist tools with intuitive design that works smoothly across devices and platforms.
• Feature Depth: Our team chose apps offering time logging, task tracking, and billing support in a user-friendly format.
• Integration Support: We selected tools based on how well they connect with project management and payroll software systems.
• Data Accuracy: Experts in our team selected the tools based on precise reporting and automatic time capture capabilities.
• Customer Feedback: We chose based on user reviews that highlighted reliable performance and responsive customer support experiences.
• Scalability: We made sure to shortlist apps adaptable to teams of any size without performance issues or steep learning curves.
• Mobile Accessibility: Our team prioritized tools that work flawlessly on mobile devices and allow time tracking on the go.
• Pricing Transparency: We chose based on clear, flexible pricing plans that offer value without hidden costs or commitments.

Benefits of the Time Tracking Software

Time tracking software offers more than just logging hours. It helps individuals and businesses monitor productivity, control budgets, and manage tasks more effectively. Over the years, I have seen how these tools support project transparency and accountability. Whether you run a small business or manage remote teams, understanding its true benefits can drive better decisions and performance.

• Boosts Productivity: With real-time insights, teams stay focused and aware of how time is being used.
• Improves Project Planning: Tracking past performance helps estimate future timelines with greater accuracy.
• Accurate Billing and Payroll: It eliminates guesswork by logging billable hours automatically, reducing disputes.
• Encourages Accountability: Employees become more responsible when their time usage is transparent.
• Supports Remote Work: As someone who manages distributed teams, I found these tools essential for managing workloads efficiently across time zones.
• Better Resource Allocation: It helps identify underused or overburdened resources, so managers can balance tasks better.

Using time tracking software is not just a trend. It is a reliable solution that improves workflow, ensures fair compensation, and supports informed decision-making across industries.

Verdict

All the above apps offer powerful features and reliable time tracking. However, when it comes to ease of use, the ability to integrate seamlessly, and high accuracy, I’d say it goes to the top three tools on this list. If you are still deciding on the right tool, check my verdict below. 

• Connecteam rounds out the list as a secure and cost-effective solution that offers an impressive range of tools for efficiently managing time, communication, and tasks.
• Hubstaff allowed me to manage my team efficiently by setting project budget limits, which provided me with alerts when necessary.
• Time Doctor , in my experience is a highly-reliable choice due to its robust time management capabilities and detailed reporting features. Hence, it is both powerful and user-friendly at the same time.

FAQs