Best Employee Time Tracking Software in 2024

Let’s face it, our memories aren’t perfect. Trying to recall exactly how long you spent on that project or how many emails you answered after hours can be tricky. Time tracking tools take the guesswork out of the equation, giving you a clear picture of where your time is going. This can be a real eye-opener, helping you identify areas where you can improve your workflow and boost your overall productivity.

On the flip side, skipping out on time tracking can lead to a whole host of problems. Without a clear understanding of how time is being spent, projects can easily fall behind schedule, deadlines can get missed, and frustration can mount. Ditch the guesswork and keep your team on track. Let’s explore some of the best employee time tracking tools available.

7 Best Employee Time Tracking Software

Not all time tracking tools are created equal. A good one should be user-friendly, offer insightful reports, and integrate easily with your existing workflow. Look for features like automatic timers, project categorization, and easy timesheet creation. With the right tool in place, you can make the most of time tracking. Here are 7 of the best employee time tracking software options to consider:

• Connecteam
  Paymo
• Clockify
• Tmetric
• Toggl
• Timecamp
• QuickBooks Time

Connecteam: All-in-One Timetracking App for Deskless Teams

Connecteam is a complete team management solution designed to streamline operations and communication for businesses with deskless workforces.

What makes Connecteam stand out?

• All-in-One Hubs: Connecteam goes beyond simple time tracking. It offers a variety of features grouped into three user-friendly hubs: Operations, Communications, and HR. This allows businesses to choose the features they need most.
• Mobile Time Tracking: Employees can easily clock in and out, track time spent on tasks, and view timesheets from their mobile devices. This ensures accurate timekeeping, especially for remote or field-based teams.
• Enhanced Communication: Connecteam enables team communication with features like chat, a company directory, and a knowledge base. This keeps everyone informed and connected, regardless of location.
• Optional GPS Tracking: Managers can enable optional geofencing to ensure employees clock in/out from designated work locations for added transparency and accountability.

Free Trial and Pricing:

Connecteam offers a free trial, so you can explore the platform before you commit. Paid plans start at $29 per month per hub (billed annually) for teams of 30 users or less. Businesses can choose the hubs that best suit their needs, allowing for a customized and cost-effective solution.

Pros:

• All-in-one solution for deskless teams
• User-friendly mobile app for time tracking and communication
• Flexible hub system lets you choose needed features
• Optional GPS tracking for added accountability
• Free trial available

Cons:

• May not offer the same depth of features as some specialized time tracking or project management apps
• Per-hub pricing can add up for businesses needing all features

Overall, Connecteam is a powerful all-in-one solution for businesses that manage deskless teams. With its mobile functionality, flexible features, and free trial, it’s a strong contender for companies looking to improve communication

Paymo: Your All-in-One Time Tracking and Project Management Hub

For freelancers and project-based businesses, Paymo is like having a personal assistant for your workday. It lets you manage projects from start to finish, including planning, scheduling, collaboration, file sharing, time tracking, and even invoicing.

What makes Paymo stand out?

• Track time on your terms: Whether you prefer manual entries, the web timer, bulk editing, or the desktop app that automatically tracks your work, Paymo gives you flexibility. Plus, privacy-conscious employees will appreciate that user data is stored locally.
• Built-in invoicing: Say goodbye to separate invoice generators. Paymo turns your timesheets into professional invoices with a single click. This saves time and potentially reduces the need for external accounting services.
• Real-time team insights: The “Active Timers” feature lets you see who’s working on what task and for how long, all without resorting to awkward tactics.
• Perfect for teams: Paymo scales well for both independent freelancers and teams. It includes task management tools with Gantt charts for creating project timelines, plus real-time communication features to keep everyone on the same page.

Free Trial and Pricing:

Paymo offers a free plan with unlimited time tracking. Paid plans start at around $10 per user per month, with additional features available in higher tiers.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Flexible time tracking options
• Streamlined invoicing
• Real-time team collaboration features
• Great for both freelancers and teams

Cons:

• Free plan has limited features
• Higher-tier plans might be overkill for very small teams

Overall, Paymo is a powerful time tracking and project management tool that can improve your workflow and boost your team’s productivity. With its flexible features and free trial, it’s definitely worth a try.

Clockify: Free Time Tracking Made Simple

Clockify is a popular employee monitoring software that caters to both managers and employees. It allows managers to track employee hours, create invoices, manage schedules, and approve timesheets, all in one place.

What makes Clockify unique?

• Forever Free Plan: For freelancers and small teams, Clockify offers a nice free plan with unlimited users. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those just starting out with time tracking.
• Flexible Time Tracking: Clockify offers many of ways to track time, including a start/stop timer, manual entries, timesheets, and even a kiosk mode for clocking in and out.
• “Force Timer” Option: Managers can enable the “Force Timer” feature to ensure accurate time tracking by preventing employees from editing or entering time manually.
• Time Blocking Integration: Boost your focus and avoid multitasking with Clockify’s built-in time blocking feature. This helps you structure your workday into dedicated blocks for specific tasks.

Free Trial and Pricing:

As mentioned earlier, Clockify offers a free plan with unlimited users. Paid plans start at $3.99 per user per month and offer additional features like project budgeting and advanced reporting.

Pros:

• Free plan with unlimited users
• Flexible time tracking options
• Integrates with popular project management tools
• Built-in time blocking feature
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Free plan lacks some advanced features like project budgeting
• “Force Timer” feature might be seen as micromanaging by some employees

Overall, Clockify is a great option for anyone looking for a user-friendly and affordable time tracking solution. With its free plan and variety of features, it’s a strong contender for businesses of all sizes.

TMetric: Powerful Time Tracking for Boosting Productivity

TMetric is a comprehensive time tracking tool designed to improve efficiency and overall well-being for both freelancers and teams.

What makes TMetric stand out?

• Flexible Time Tracking: Track employee time however you like with TMetric’s start/stop timer, bulk editing, tags, and detailed timelines.
• Automated Idle Detection: Stay focused and avoid unproductive gaps with TMetric’s automatic idle detection feature. It will alert you when you’ve been inactive for a set period, ensuring your time tracking is accurate.
• Detailed Reporting and Budgeting: Gain valuable insights with TMetric’s in-depth reports. Analyze team and individual productivity, track project progress, and monitor costs to stay on budget.
• Optional Activity Monitoring: For added transparency, TMetric offers optional activity monitoring with screenshot capture. This can help ensure employees are staying on task, but be sure to communicate expectations clearly with your team.

Free Trial and Pricing:

TMetric offers a free plan for single users, perfect for freelancers. Paid plans start at $5 per user per month and offer additional features like advanced reporting and project budgeting. All plans come with a free 30-day trial.

Pros:

• Free plan available
• Flexible time tracking options
• Automated time tracking with idle detection
• Detailed reporting and budgeting tools
• Integrates with popular project management software

Cons:

• Free plan limited to one user
• Optional activity monitoring might raise privacy concerns for some employees

Overall, TMetric is a powerful time tracking solution that goes beyond basic timekeeping. With its features and free plan, it’s a great option for anyone looking to improve their productivity.

Toggl Track: Simple Time Tracking App with Powerful Insights

Toggl Track is a user-friendly time tracking tool designed to help teams stay productive and accountable.

What makes Toggl Track stand out?

• Effortless Time Tracking: Toggl Track offers multiple ways to capture your time, including a one-click timer, manual entries, and even a timeline tool for automatic time logging.
• Visual Reporting: Gain valuable insights with Toggl Track’s detailed reports featuring clear and easy-to-understand pie charts. See exactly how your time is being spent and identify areas for improvement.
• Flexible for Different Workflows: Toggl Track works for both real-time trackers and those who prefer to log time later. It also integrates with popular project management tools, making it a versatile option for any team.
• Offline Functionality: Capture your time on the go with Toggl Track’s mobile and desktop apps. All data syncs automatically when you’re back online, ensuring you never lose track of a minute.

Free Trial and Pricing:

Toggl Track offers a generous free plan for up to 5 users, perfect for small teams or freelancers. Paid plans start at $10 per user per month and offer additional features like advanced reporting and project budgeting. All plans come with a free trial.

Pros:

• Easy to use and learn
• Multiple ways to track time
• Informative visual reports
• Integrates with popular project management tools
• Free plan available

Cons:

• Free plan limited to 5 users
• Lacks some advanced features found in higher-tier plans of competing apps

Overall, Toggl Track is a great choice for teams looking for a simple and effective time tracking solution. With its user-friendly interface, powerful reporting, and free plan, it can help you boost your team’s productivity and gain valuable insights into your workflow.

TimeCamp: Streamlined Time Tracking and Simplified Invoicing

TimeCamp offers a comprehensive time tracking solution designed to boost productivity and profitability for both individuals and teams.

What makes TimeCamp stand out?

• Automatic Time Tracking: Save time and reduce manual entries with TimeCamp’s automatic time tracking feature. It can even categorize your app usage, giving you a clear picture of where your time is going.
• Effortless Invoicing: Simplify your billing process with TimeCamp’s built-in invoicing tools. Easily track billable hours, generate invoices, and get paid faster.
• Project Management Features: While project management isn’t fully integrated in the free plan, TimeCamp offers basic budgeting and scheduling tools to help you keep projects on track.
• Mobile Accessibility: Track time and access reports from anywhere with TimeCamp’s user-friendly mobile app. This ensures flexibility and convenience for remote teams.

Free Trial and Pricing:

TimeCamp offers a free trial to test out its features. Paid plans start at $2.99 per user per month and offer additional features like advanced reporting and custom branding.

Pros:

• Automatic time tracking with app usage categorization
• Integrated invoicing simplifies billing
• Mobile app for on-the-go access
• Integrates with popular project management tools (paid plans)

Cons:

• No free plan
• Automatic time tracking might not be 100% accurate for all tasks

Overall, TimeCamp is a versatile time tracking tool that caters to both individual freelancers and small businesses. With its free plan, automatic time tracking, and invoicing features, it can be a valuable asset for improving your workflow.

Sign up for Timecamp

QuickBooks Time: Powerful Time Tracking Built for Business

QuickBooks Time is a comprehensive time tracking solution designed to ease project management and boost employee productivity for businesses of all sizes.

What makes QuickBooks Time stand out?

• Integrated Payroll and Accounting: Connect your time tracking data with QuickBooks for effortless payroll processing and invoicing. This saves time and reduces errors associated with manual data entry.
• Enhanced Workforce Management: Gain valuable insights into your team’s activity with features like GPS tracking, geofencing, and real-time “Who’s Working” reports. While these features can enhance transparency, be sure to communicate expectations clearly with your team.
• Timesheets and Scheduling: Simplify timesheet management with mobile clock-in/out, job code changes, and break tracking. QuickBooks Time also offers employee scheduling features to help you keep projects on track.
• Scalability for Growing Teams: Whether you have a small team or a large enterprise, QuickBooks Time offers flexible plans to meet your needs.

Free Trial and Pricing:

QuickBooks Time offers a free 30-day trial, so you can try before you buy. Paid plans start at $20 per month for up to 30 users and offer a variety of features, including payroll integration and advanced reporting.

Pros:

• Integrates with QuickBooks accounting software
• Enhanced workforce management features
• timesheets and scheduling
• Scalable plans for businesses of all sizes
• Free trial available

Cons:

• Higher priced compared to some competitors
• Workforce management features like GPS tracking might raise privacy concerns for some employees

Overall, QuickBooks Time is a powerful time tracking solution that offers many features for businesses looking to improve their workflow and improve employee productivity. With its integration with QuickBooks accounting software and scalable plans, it’s a strong contender for businesses of all sizes.

What is a Time Tracking Tool?

Time Tracking Software is your secret weapon against the workday disappearing in a blur. It’s a digital tool that helps you and your team keep tabs on exactly how much time gets spent on tasks and projects. But beyond just recording hours, a time tracker offers many benefits for project managers and teams alike.

One of the most crucial functionalities is effortless time capture. Imagine a world where you don’t need to remember to hit start and stop on a stopwatch all day. Tracking time software offers options like automatic timers, intuitive interfaces for manual entries, and even integrations with project management tools to track time spent on specific tasks automatically.

Another game-changer is clear and informative reporting. Gone are the days of scrambling to piece together spreadsheets at the end of the week. Time tracking features put powerful reporting tools at your fingertips. See exactly where your time (and your team’s time) is going with detailed reports that can be sliced and diced by project, client, or team member.

How to Choose the Right Employee Time Tracking Tool

With so many time tracking tools on the market, finding the perfect fit for your team can feel overwhelming.  Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your employee time tracking tool:

1. Team Needs and Size:

• Do you have a small, remote team or a large enterprise with complex workflows?
• Consider features like mobile functionality for remote workers or project management integrations for larger teams.

2. Time Tracking Preferences:

• Does your team prefer automatic time tracking, manual entries, or a combination of both?
• Think about the level of detail you need and how comfortable your team is with different tracking methods.

3. Reporting and Budgeting:

• Do you need in-depth reports to analyze project profitability or resource allocation?
• Consider features like budget tracking and customizable reports to gain valuable insights from your time tracking data.

4. Integration Capabilities:

• Does your team already use project management software, payroll systems, or other business tools?
• Choose a time tracking tool that integrates easily with your existing workflow to avoid data silos and streamline processes.

5. Budget:

• Time tracking tools come with a variety of pricing structures. Consider your budget and the features you need most to find a cost-effective solution. Do you have unlimited projects going on or do do you just need to track certain tasks?

6. User-Friendliness:

• A user-friendly interface is key for ensuring your team adopts the new tool.
• Look for a tool with a clean design, intuitive navigation, and easy-to-use features.

7. Free Trial and Customer Support:

• Take advantage of free trials to test drive different options and see which one best suits your team’ members.
• Look for a provider with reliable customer support to answer any questions and help you get the most out of the tool.

With these tips you can choose a time tracking tool that empowers your team, boosts productivity, and provides valuable data-driven insights for your business.

How to Introduce Time Tracking to Employees (Without the Panic!)

Thinking about implementing time tracking but worried your team might see it as a punishment? Here are some tips to make the transition smooth and highlight the benefits for everyone:

• Focus on Transparency and Communication: Be upfront with your team about why you’re introducing time tracking. Explain that it’s not about micromanaging, but rather gaining a clearer picture of how time is spent across projects. This data can be used to improve workflow, identify areas for efficiency gains, and ultimately benefit the entire team.
• Start Simple, Not Scary: Don’t overwhelm your team with complex tools from the get-go. Begin with basic time tracking features like manual entries or timers. As your team gets comfortable, you can explore more advanced functionalities offered by the best time tracking tools.
• Highlight the Benefits for Employees: Time tracking isn’t just for managers! Employees can leverage this tool to better understand their own work habits. Tracking time spent on tasks can help them identify areas for improvement in their workflow or time management skills. This can lead to increased productivity and a better sense of accomplishment.
• Emphasize Flexibility and Feedback: Reassure your team that you’re open to feedback. During the initial rollout, encourage open communication and be willing to adjust the system based on their input. This collaborative approach will help ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
• Focus on the Positive Outcomes: Once you’ve been using time tracking for a while, showcase the positive outcomes. Share how it has helped streamline workflows, improve project delivery, or identify areas for team development. Celebrating these successes will reinforce the value of time tracking for the entire organization.

The goal is to gain valuable insights, not create a culture of fear. With a transparent and collaborative approach, time tracking can become a powerful tool for boosting productivity and achieving shared goals.

Wrapping Up the Best Employee Time Tracking Tools

Choosing the right time tracking tool can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! We’ve explored a variety of options, each with unique strengths:

• For a user-friendly option, Toggl Track shines with its intuitive interface and multiple time tracking methods.
• If you need a powerful time tracking solution with built-in invoicing, TimeCamp offers a free plan and integrates seamlessly with popular project management tools.
• QuickBooks Time is a strong contender for businesses already using QuickBooks accounting software, thanks to its seamless integration and workforce management features.
• Connecteam stands out as a comprehensive all-in-one solution for deskless teams, offering features like mobile time tracking, communication tools, and optional GPS tracking.

The best time tracking software is the one that perfectly aligns with your team’s needs and preferences. Consider the factors we discussed in “How to Choose the Employee Time Tracking Tool” to find the perfect fit.

No matter which tool you choose, implementing time tracking can be a game-changer for your business. Improved transparency, better project management, and valuable insights into team productivity are just a few of the benefits you can expect. So why wait?

FAQ: Employee Time Tracking Tools

Which is the best software for employee time tracking?

There isn’t a single “best” time tracking software for everyone. The best option depends on your specific needs and team size. Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose:

• For a user-friendly and affordable option, consider Toggl Track. It’s easy to use and offers a free plan for up to 5 users.
• If you need a powerful solution with invoicing and project management features, look into TimeCamp. They offer a free plan and integrate with popular project management tools.
• For businesses already using QuickBooks accounting software, QuickBooks Time is a strong choice. It integrates seamlessly and offers workforce management features.
• Connecteam is a great all-in-one solution for deskless teams. It includes features like mobile time tracking, communication tools, and optional GPS tracking.

What is the #1 employee time tracking tool for daily office use?

There’s no single #1 tool, but some popular options for daily office use include:

• Toggl Track: Easy to use, multiple time tracking methods, free plan available
• Clockify: Feature-rich free plan, integrates with many project management tools
• Harvest: Simple and intuitive interface, great for teams already using other apps in the Harvest ecosystem

How do you track employee time?

There are several ways to track employee time:

• Manual Time Tracking: Employees can log their hours manually using a timesheet or time tracking software.
• Automatic Time Tracking: Some software programs can automatically track time spent on tasks based on computer activity.
• Time Cards: Traditional paper punch cards are still used in some workplaces.

What software is used to track employees’ hours?

Many different software programs can track employee hours. Some popular options include Toggl Track, Clockify, Harvest, TimeCamp, and QuickBooks Time.

What is the best time tracking system?

The best time tracking system depends on your needs. Consider factors like team size, budget, desired features, and ease of use.

Is time tracking good for employees?

Yes, time tracking can be beneficial for employees as well as employers. It can help employees:

• Understand their own work habits
• Identify areas for improvement in time management
• Gain a sense of accomplishment by tracking completed tasks

When implementing time tracking, focus on transparency and communication. Explain the benefits to employees and be open to feedback to ensure a smooth transition.