
Tracking employee time isn’t just about logging hours—it’s about improving productivity, streamlining payroll, and ensuring accurate project management. Whether you’re managing a remote team, tracking billable hours, or simply looking for a better way to oversee employee schedules, the right time tracking software can make all the difference.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for your business? In this guide, we’ll compare the top employee time tracking software solutions to help you find the right one.
Key Takeaways
- The top employee time tracking software solutions include Knack, Toggl Track, Clockify, Hubstaff, Time Doctor, QuickBooks Time, Rescue Time, Harvest, ClockShark, Paymo, and TimeCamp.
- Effective time tracking software should be easy to use and have features like automated time tracking, project and task management, reporting and analytics, integration capabilities, GPS and location tracking, offline tracking, and compliance features.
- Time tracking software varies widely in price based on the size of your team and the features you require. They are typically priced at a flat monthly or annual rate, per user, or by subscription tier.
Software Name | Pros | Cons | Pricing |
Knack | Fully customizable Scales with company Integrates with other business tools | Requires setup and initial configuration Not an out-of-the-box solution May require ongoing optimization | 14-day free trial Starter: $59/mo Pro: $19/mo Corporate: $269/mo Enterprise: Custom |
Toggl Track | Intuitive interface Strong productivity insights Free plan available | No built-in payroll and invoicing features Limited automation Not ideal for large-scale workforce management | Free tier Starter: $9/user/mo Premium: $18/user/mo Enterprise: Custom |
Clockify | Free plan supports unlimited users Integrates with productivity tools Simple interface with essential features | No advanced automation or AI-driven tracking Limited third-party integrations Minimal productivity insights | Free tier Standard: $5.49/seat/mo Pro: $7.99/seat/mo Enterprise: $11.99/seat/mo Productivity Suite: $12.99/seat/mo |
Hubstaff | Features for ensuring accountability Automated invoicing and payroll processing Detailed analytics and reporting | Monitoring features may feel intrusive Limited customization Higher pricing for full functionality | Starter: $4.99/seat/moGrow: $7.50/seat/moTeam: $10/seat/moEnterprise: $25/seat/mo |
Time Doctor | Identifies time-wasting activities Team-based tracking Integrates with project management tools | Monitoring tools can feel intrusive Requires regular adjustments for accuracy Limited customization for reports | Basic: $6.70/user/mo Standard: $11.70/user/mo Premium: $16.70/user/mo Enterprise: Custom |
QuickBooks Time | Integrates with QuickBooks for easy payroll processing Mobile tracking capabilities Custom scheduling options | Limited functionality outside of the QuickBooks ecosystem Payroll features cost extra Can be overkill for small teams with simple needs | Time Premium: $20/mo Time Elite: $40/mo |
Rescue Time | Fully automated tracking Helps users identify distractions and improve focus Detailed productivity insights with trend analysis | No traditional timesheets or billing features Limited team management tools Not ideal for client-based tracking | Solo: $6.50/mo (annual billing) Team: $6/mo/team member (annual billing) |
Harvest | Offers time tracking and invoicing Provides insights into project profitability and costs Integrates with major accounting and productivity platforms | No workforce productivity monitoring No advanced payroll features for large organizations Limited reporting customization | Free tier Pro: $11/seat/mo Premium: $14/seat/mo |
ClockShark | GPS tracking for field employees Easy scheduling across multiple job sites Labor cost tracking features | Not for office-based or remote teams No advanced integrations with non-field service software GPS tracking may raise privacy concerns | Standard: $40/mo (+$8/user) Pro: $60/mo (+$10/user) |
Paymo | Time tracking, project, and task management capabilities Supports client invoicing and financial tracking Streamlines resource allocation and team collaboration | More complex than simple time tracking tools Learning curve for users unfamiliar with project management platforms May include unnecessary features for businesses just needing time tracking | Free tier Starter: $3.90/user/mo Small Office: $6.90/user/mo Business: $10.90/user/mo |
TimeCamp | Offers a free forever plan Built-in invoicing tools for client billing Identifies unproductive work habits | Automated tracking may misclassify tasks Limited project-based tracking capabilities Limited workforce monitoring | Free tier Starter: $2.99/user/mo Premium: $4.99/user/mo Ultimate: $7.99/user/mo Enterprise: $11.99/user/mo |
Top Employee Time Tracking Software Solutions
The right time tracking software can help businesses gain insight into work patterns, streamline project management, and reduce administrative tasks. Below, we’ve broken down the key features, pros, cons, use cases, and pricing structures of the top 11 solutions on the market so you can make an informed decision.
Knack
Knack is a flexible, no-code platform that allows businesses to create custom time tracking solutions. Unlike rigid, pre-built software, Knack enables companies to design a system that seamlessly integrates with existing tools like CRM, accounting software, and project management platforms. This ensures a fully connected ecosystem where employee time tracking aligns with business goals. Whether you need automated reporting, real-time insights, or advanced workflow automation, Knack adapts to your needs.
Key Features
- Fully customizable dashboards with real-time data visualization
- Integration with payroll systems for automated payment processing
- Role-based access control for secure data management
Pros
- Tailored to unique business requirements
- Scales with company growth and workflow complexity
- Connects seamlessly with other business tools
Cons
- Requires setup and initial configuration
- Not an out-of-the-box solution
- May require ongoing optimization as needs evolve
Best For
- Businesses that need a customized time tracking system
- Organizations with complex workflows that require integrations
- Companies looking for a scalable solution that evolves with their needs
Pricing
- 14-day free trial
- Starter: $59/mo
- Pro: $19/mo
- Corporate: $269/mo
- Enterprise: Custom
Toggl Track
Toggl Track is a lightweight, user-friendly time tracking tool designed for individuals and small teams. It focuses on simplicity, offering one-click tracking and intuitive visual reports. With minimal setup and no steep learning curve, Toggl is ideal for professionals who need to track hours without getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
Key Features
- Color-coded reporting dashboards for quick analysis
- Custom reminders and idle time detection to prevent tracking errors
- Manual time entry for flexibility in logging work
Pros
- Extremely intuitive, no training required
- Strong reporting tools for productivity insights
- Free plan available
Cons
- Lacks built-in payroll and invoicing features
- Limited automation for repetitive tasks
- Not ideal for large-scale workforce management
Best For
- Freelancers and consultants needing a simple, no-fuss solution
- Small teams that want easy time tracking without extra features
- Project-based workers who need visual reports for time analysis
Pricing
- Free tier
- Starter: $9/user/mo
- Premium: $18/user/mo
- Enterprise: Custom
Clockify
Clockify is an affordable cloud-based time tracking tool designed for small businesses and startups. It offers a forever-free plan with unlimited users, making it a cost-effective option for teams looking to track hours and generate basic reports.
Key Features
- Built-in Pomodoro timer for managing work sessions
- Custom hourly rates for tracking billable and non-billable time
- Bulk time entry for managing multiple team members’ timesheets
Pros
- Free plan supports unlimited users
- Integrations with productivity tools
- Simple interface with essential tracking features
Cons
- Lacks advanced automation and AI-driven tracking
- Limited third-party integrations
- Minimal productivity insights compared to competitors
Best For
- Budget-conscious teams that need a cost-effective tracking solution
- Small businesses that don’t require advanced features
- Companies managing multiple employees on hourly projects
Pricing
- Free tier
- Standard: $5.49/seat/mo
- Pro: $7.99/seat/mo
- Enterprise: $11.99/seat/mo
- Productivity Suite: $12.99/seat/mo
Hubstaff
Hubstaff is a remote team management tool that combines time tracking with productivity monitoring. Designed for distributed teams, it tracks app usage, website visits, and active/idle time to help managers understand work habits. Hubstaff also integrates with major project management platforms, making it a comprehensive workforce monitoring tool.
Key Features
- GPS tracking for on-site and remote employees
- Automated payroll calculations with direct payment options
- Custom productivity alerts based on user behavior
Pros
- Great for remote teams with accountability needs
- Automated invoicing and payroll processing
- Detailed workforce analytics and reporting
Cons
- Monitoring features may feel intrusive
- Limited customization for specific tracking needs
- Higher-tier pricing for full functionality
Best For
- Remote teams needing in-depth tracking and productivity reports
- Businesses managing a mobile workforce
- Companies prioritizing payroll automation
Pricing
- Starter: $4.99/seat/mo
- Grow: $7.50/seat/mo
- Team: $10/seat/mo
- Enterprise: $25/seat/mo
Time Doctor
Time Doctor is a hybrid productivity and time tracking tool that offers deep insights into employee behavior. With detailed analytics on screen time, task focus, and unproductive activity, it’s a good fit for businesses looking to boost efficiency.
Key Features
- AI-driven productivity analysis with distraction alerts
- Multi-device tracking for desktop and mobile users
- Integration with payroll and invoicing systems
Pros
- Strong focus on identifying time-wasting activities
- Team-based tracking
- Supports integrations with project management tools
Cons
- Monitoring tools can feel overly intrusive for employees
- Requires regular adjustments for accuracy
- Limited reporting customization
Best For
- Managers looking for productivity insights alongside time tracking
- Companies that need real-time tracking for performance optimization
Pricing
- Basic: $6.70/user/mo
- Standard: $11.70/user/mo
- Premium: $16.70/user/mo
- Enterprise: Custom
QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets)
QuickBooks Time is a payroll-friendly time tracking tool built for businesses using QuickBooks. With GPS-enabled time tracking, invoicing capabilities, and shift scheduling, it’s a strong option for teams that need seamless payroll processing.
Key Features
- Mobile time clock with geofencing for job sites
- Overtime alerts to help manage compliance
- Custom scheduling and timesheet approvals
Pros
- Deep integration with QuickBooks for easy payroll processing
- Mobile tracking for field service teams
- Custom scheduling for shift-based businesses
Cons
- Limited functionality outside of the QuickBooks ecosystem
- Payroll features cost extra
- Can be overkill for small teams with simple needs
Best For
- Businesses already using QuickBooks for payroll
- Field service teams need mobile time tracking
- Companies managing complex schedules and compliance needs
Pricing
- Time Premium: $20/mo
- Time Elite: $40/mo
RescueTime
RescueTime is an automated time tracking tool for individuals and small teams looking to improve productivity. Instead of requiring manual time entries, it runs in the background, analyzing how users spend their time across different apps, websites, and tasks. The tool provides detailed insights into productivity patterns and helps users identify distractions that impact workflow.
Key Features
- Real-time tracking of app and website usage
- Productivity reports with custom goal setting
- Focus mode to block distracting websites during work hours
Pros
- Fully automated tracking—no manual input required
- Helps users identify distractions and improve focus
- Offers detailed productivity insights with trend analysis
Cons
- Lacks traditional timesheets and billing features
- Limited team management tools for large organizations
- Not ideal for client-based tracking
Best For
- Individuals and small teams focused on productivity optimization
- Professionals looking to analyze work habits and reduce distractions
- Users who want automated tracking
Pricing
- Solo: $6.50/mo (annual billing)
- Team: $6/mo/team member (annual billing)
Harvest
Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing tool for agencies and businesses that need to track billable hours. It seamlessly integrates with accounting and project management tools, making it easy to manage project timelines, track expenses, and generate invoices. Its reporting features help businesses analyze profitability and team productivity.
Key Features
- Custom invoicing directly linked to tracked time
- Expense tracking for project cost management
- Integration with accounting software for seamless financial reporting
Pros
- Combines time tracking with invoicing for streamlined billing
- Provides insights into project profitability and costs
- Integrates with major accounting and productivity platforms
Cons
- No workforce productivity monitoring
- Lacks advanced payroll features for large organizations
- Reporting customization is limited compared to competitors
Best For
- Agencies and consultancies tracking billable hours
- Project-based businesses managing multiple clients
- Freelancers who need time tracking with built-in invoicing
Pricing
- Free tier
- Pro: $11/seat/mo
- Premium: $14/seat/mo
ClockShark
ClockShark is a specialized time tracking solution built for field service and construction teams. It provides GPS-enabled mobile time tracking, allowing managers to see where employees are working in real time. The system also offers job-based tracking, scheduling, and geofencing, making it easier to manage teams working at different job sites.
Key Features
- GPS tracking and geofencing to verify employee locations
- Drag-and-drop scheduling for field teams
- Job costing and payroll exports for streamlined workforce management
Pros
- GPS tracking ensures accountability for field employees
- Easy scheduling for mobile teams across multiple job sites
- Helps businesses track labor costs for project budgeting
Cons
- Not ideal for office-based businesses or remote teams
- Lacks advanced integrations with non-field service software
- GPS tracking may raise privacy concerns for employees
Best For
- Construction, field service, and trade businesses with mobile teams
- Companies needing location-based time tracking
- Businesses managing multiple job sites and workforce scheduling
Pricing
- Standard: $40/mo (+$8/user)
- Pro: $60/mo (+$10/user)
Paymo
Paymo is an all-in-one project management and time tracking solution designed for creative agencies and freelancers. Its interface is structured around workflow optimization, helping teams allocate resources and track project progress in real time.
Key Features
- Task-based time tracking for project workflows
- Team collaboration tools with file sharing and progress tracking
- Built-in invoicing and expense management for client billing
Pros
- Combines time tracking with project and task management
- Supports client invoicing and financial tracking
- Helps agencies streamline resource allocation and team collaboration
Cons
- More complex than simple time tracking tools
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with project management platforms
- May include unnecessary features for businesses just needing time tracking
Best For
- Creative agencies managing multiple clients and projects
- Freelancers who need time tracking with invoicing
- Teams looking for a single platform to manage tasks, time, and billing
Pricing
- Free tier
- Starter: $3.90/user/mo
- Small Office: $6.90/user/mo
- Business: $10.90/user/mo
TimeCamp
TimeCamp is a time-tracking and billing solution for freelancers and remote teams that need to log work hours automatically. It offers AI-powered tracking that categorizes activities without manual input, making it easier to monitor time spent on different tasks and projects.
Key Features
- AI-driven tracking that logs time without manual entry
- Built-in invoicing to convert tracked hours into billable work
- Productivity analysis to identify workflow inefficiencies
Pros
- Offers a free forever plan
- Simplifies client billing with built-in invoicing tools
- Helps identify unproductive work habits with detailed insights
Cons
- Automated tracking may misclassify certain tasks
- Limited customization for project-based tracking
- Limited complex workforce monitoring
Best For
- Freelancers and consultants handling multiple clients
- Remote teams looking for seamless, automated time-tracking
- Businesses that need a time tracking tool with invoicing features
Pricing
- Free tier
- Starter: $2.99/user/mo
- Premium: $4.99/user/mo
- Ultimate: $7.99/user/mo
- Enterprise: $11.99/user/mo
Features to Look for In Employee Time Tracking Software
Although every team has unique requirements, there are some key features every business should consider when researching time tracking software solutions.
Ease of Use: Simple Interface for Quick Adoption
A complicated time tracking tool can create more problems than it solves. Look for software with an intuitive interface that employees can quickly learn and use without extensive training. A clean, user-friendly design reduces resistance to adoption and ensures that employees consistently track their time.
Automated Time Tracking
Manual time tracking can be tedious and prone to errors. Automated time tracking removes the guesswork by capturing work hours in the background, ensuring accurate records without constant user input. This feature is especially helpful for professionals who switch between multiple tasks throughout the day.
Project & Task Management
Businesses that bill clients by the hour or track time for internal projects must be able to categorize time entries. Project—and task-based tracking helps teams stay on schedule, allocate resources effectively, and gain insight into time spent on different work activities.
Reporting & Analytics
Data-driven insights can help businesses identify trends, optimize workflows, and improve time management. Advanced reporting tools provide a clear breakdown of how time is spent, helping teams track efficiency and make informed decisions.
Mobile Access
Mobile accessibility is crucial for teams that work remotely or frequently move between job sites. A dedicated mobile app allows employees to track time, clock in and out, and review their hours from anywhere.
Integration Capabilities
A time tracking tool should seamlessly fit into your existing business ecosystem. Whether you need to integrate with payroll systems, project management platforms, or accounting software, strong integration capabilities save time and reduce errors.
GPS & Location Tracking
Businesses with mobile workforces need a way to verify where employees are working. GPS tracking ensures accurate time logging by recording locations when employees clock in and out, making it useful for construction crews, delivery teams, and service technicians.
Offline Tracking
Not all employees have constant access to Wi-Fi, especially those in remote locations or on job sites. Offline tracking allows users to log hours even when disconnected and syncs the data once they regain internet access.
Employee Monitoring (Optional)
Some businesses require additional oversight on how employees spend their time. Monitoring features like screenshots, keystroke tracking, and app usage reports can provide deeper insights—but they also raise privacy concerns. It’s important to balance transparency with employee trust.
Compliance Features
Labor laws require businesses to maintain accurate records of employee hours, breaks, and overtime. Compliance features, like automatic overtime calculations and digital audit logs, help employers stay on top of legal requirements and avoid costly fines or disputes.
Common Pricing Models
Time tracking software pricing varies based on business size, feature requirements, and the level of automation needed. Most platforms follow one of these pricing models:
- Per User Pricing: A monthly fee is charged for each employee using the software. Ideal for businesses that scale up or down frequently.
- Flat-Rate Pricing: A set monthly fee covers unlimited users, making it cost-effective for larger teams.
- Freemium Models: Basic features are available for free, with paid upgrades for advanced tools.
- Tiered Pricing: Different plans offer varying levels of functionality, allowing businesses to choose based on their needs.
How to Integrate Employee Time Tracking Software
Integrating time tracking software with other business tools improves efficiency, reduces manual work, and ensures data consistency. Whether you’re streamlining payroll, managing projects, or automating billing, the right integrations can make time tracking a seamless part of your workflow.
With Payroll Systems:
Connecting time tracking software to payroll systems eliminates the need for manual timesheet entry, reducing errors and ensuring employees are paid accurately. Automated payroll processing also helps businesses comply with labor laws and overtime regulations.
With Project Management Tools:
Time tracking software can integrate with project management platforms to provide real-time insights into task progress and resource allocation. This helps businesses monitor project timelines, optimize workloads, and improve forecasting.
With Accounting Software:
For businesses that bill clients based on tracked hours, integrating with accounting software ensures that invoicing is accurate and streamlined. It also simplifies expense tracking and financial reporting.
With HR Software:
Integrating time tracking with HR platforms helps businesses maintain accurate employee records, monitor attendance, and assess performance trends. This is especially useful for compliance with labor laws and internal HR reporting.
Mobile and Desktop Integration:
Employees should be able to track their time from any device, whether they’re working in the office, remotely, or on the go. Ensuring compatibility with mobile apps and desktop software allows for flexible time logging and real-time data access.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose Knack for Employee Time Tracking
Knack makes it easy to build a custom employee time tracking system tailored to your business—without writing a single line of code. Whether you manage a small business, a large enterprise, or a remote workforce, Knack provides the flexibility and automation you need. Here’s why Knack is the best choice for your time tracking software:
1. Customizable, No-Code Time Tracking Interface
With Knack’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can design a time-tracking system that fits your unique workflow. Create custom time entry forms, real-time dashboards, and employee portals where staff can clock in, request time off, and track hours worked—all while maintaining your brand’s identity.
Try out Knack’s AI builder to simplify custom application development.
2. Automated Workflows for Payroll and Compliance
Knack’s built-in automation ensures accuracy and efficiency by integrating time tracking with payroll, overtime calculations, and compliance reporting. Set up automated workflows for approvals, shift notifications, and alerts for overtime or missed punches, keeping your business compliant with labor laws while reducing administrative workload.
3. Seamless Integration with Payroll and HR Systems
Knack connects with payroll and HR tools like QuickBooks, creating a seamless data flow between employee time tracking and payroll processing. Sync work hours, paid time off (PTO), and overtime directly into your payroll system to prevent manual errors and save time.
Browse all of our integrations.
4. Secure Data Management and Role-Based Access Controls
Protect sensitive employee data with Knack’s role-based permissions and secure cloud storage. Managers, HR teams, and employees can access only the information they need while all data is encrypted and backed up on AWS infrastructure. Compliance with GDPR and labor regulations ensures your business remains secure and audit-ready.
Learn more about our security features.
5. Pre-Built Templates for Faster Deployment
Get started quickly with Knack’s ready-made employee time tracking templates. Whether you need basic time logs, shift scheduling, or advanced reporting, you can launch your system fast and customize it as your workforce grows.
Browse our list of application templates.
What Our Customer Reviews Rave About
Here’s what our customers rave about:
- Extremely User-Friendly No-Code Platform: Knack empowers non-technical users to build custom applications easily, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Robert on G2 said, “I’m not a programmer, but I find Knack pretty straightforward to use.”
- Highly Customizable Solutions: Knack offers flexibility for building tailored databases and user interfaces to meet diverse business needs. Many users highlight its ability to integrate seamlessly with other systems, like Squarespace or custom portals.
- Efficient Workflow Automation: With tools like API integrations and platforms like Make, Knack simplifies complex workflows and automates processes, saving businesses time and effort.
- Scalable and Cost-Effective: Knack supports large user bases without charging per user, making it an affordable solution for organizations managing infrequent users or large teams.
- Strong Community and Customer Support: Knack is backed by an active network of power users and a responsive support team. Stephen, a Knack customer, left a review on G2 and said, “Knack’s team is friendly and responsive, involving customers in their decision-making.”
Take Control of Your Time Tracking Process with Knack
With Knack, businesses can build a fully customized time tracking solution that integrates seamlessly with payroll, project management, accounting, and HR systems. Unlike one-size-fits-all tools, Knack adapts to your specific workflow, allowing you to track employee hours, automate reporting, and gain real-time insights—all without writing a single line of code.
No matter your needs, Knack gives you the flexibility to create the perfect solution for your business. Start building for free today!
FAQs
What is employee time tracking software?
Employee time tracking software records work hours to help businesses monitor productivity, manage payroll, and track project time. It can include features such as manual time entry, automated tracking, reporting, and integrations with other business tools.
Why do businesses need time tracking software?
Time tracking software ensures accurate payroll processing, improves productivity, and helps businesses manage labor costs effectively. It also provides insights into employee work habits and project efficiency, reducing administrative overhead.
Is time tracking software suitable for remote teams?
Yes, time tracking software is ideal for remote teams because it allows managers to track hours, monitor productivity, and ensure accountability from anywhere. Many tools offer features built specifically for remote teams, such as GPS tracking, screenshots, and productivity insights.
Can time tracking software integrate with payroll systems?
Most time tracking software integrates with payroll providers like QuickBooks, ADP, and Gusto to automate wage calculations and reduce manual errors. This ensures accurate paychecks, proper overtime calculations, and compliance with labor laws.
How secure is employee time tracking software?
Most employee time tracking software protects data with encryption, secure cloud storage, and role-based access controls. For added protection, businesses should choose tools that comply with GDPR, SOC 2, or other security standards.
How does GPS tracking work in time tracking software?
GPS tracking records an employee’s location when they clock in and out, ensuring accurate time logs for mobile or field teams. Some tools also use geofencing, which automatically logs time when employees enter or leave a specific job site.
Can employees track time offline?
Yes, many employee time tracking tools offer offline functionality that allows employees to log hours without an internet connection. Once they go online, the data automatically syncs with the system.
What’s the difference between manual and automatic time tracking?
Manual time tracking requires employees to start and stop timers or enter hours manually, while automatic tracking runs in the background and records work activity without user input.
How do I choose the right time tracking software for my business?
To choose the right time tracking software for your business, consider your business size, integration needs, and must-have features like payroll syncing, mobile access, or GPS tracking. Look for scalability, ease of use, and security to ensure long-term success.