7 Free Time Tracking Apps for Freelancers

Managing your time effectively is essential for any freelancer. If you’re new to time tracking or have been doing it manually, finding a free time tracking app for freelancers can simplify your workflow. With so many options available, each with unique features and pricing, choosing the right one can be challenging.

We’ll explore the best free time tracking apps tailored for freelancers. Whether you need simple time tracking, detailed reporting, or easy invoicing, you’ll find a tool that fits your needs. Let’s dive in and discover the ideal time tracking solution for you.

7 Best Time Tracking Software for Freelancers: Quick Summary

Here’s a quick summary of the best free time tracking solutions for freelancers, showing their best features to help you find the perfect fit for your needs:

App	Best For	Key Features	Free Plan
Connectteam	Managing team schedules and tasks	GPS-based tracking, task management, detailed reports, payroll integration	Free for up to 50 users
Toggl Track	Simple and intuitive time tracking	One-click tracking, manual entry adjustments, tags for billable hours, integrations with over 100 tools	Unlimited time tracking and basic reporting
Freshbooks	Invoicing and accounting	Automatic time tracking, manual time adjustments, invoicing,	30-day free trial, then minimal fee plans
Paymo	Project management	Real-time tracking, manual time adjustments, separates billable/non-billable hours, detailed reports	Limited free version with time tracking and project management features
Timecamp	Automatic tracking and reporting	Background tracking, manual time adjustments, customizable reports	Free for a single user with unlimited projects
Toptracker	Free time tracking with invoicing	Desktop app tracking, manual time adjustments, real-time data reporting	Completely free with no user limits
Harvest	Project budgets and expenses	One-click tracking, manual time adjustments, visual reports	Free for 1 user with 2 projects

Here you can get a snapshot of the top time tracking apps, making it easier for you to compare their features and decide which one suits your freelancing needs best.

How to Choose the Best Free Time Tracking Apps

Here are some simple tips to help you choose the best free time tracking apps for your freelancing needs.

1. Ease of Use

Look for a time tracking tool that is easy to set up and use. The simpler it is, the more likely you are to stick with it. The best apps should offer intuitive interfaces on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to start and stop tracking your work.

2. Basic Time Tracking

At its core, the app should make it easy to track time. This includes starting and stopping a timer, manually entering time, and editing time entries if needed. Basic time tracking features should be straightforward and reliable.

3. Reporting Features

Good reporting features are crucial for understanding how you spend your time. Look for apps that offer detailed reports on your tracked hours. These reports can help you see where your time goes and identify areas for improvement. The ability to export reports is a plus, especially if you need to share them with clients or include them in invoices.

4. Integration with Other Tools

If you use other tools for project management, invoicing, or communication, check if the time tracking app integrates with them. This can save you time and keep your workflow smooth. Integration with tools like Trello, Asana, or Slack can be particularly useful.

5. Mobile and Desktop Compatibility

Make sure the app works well on both desktop and mobile devices. Being able to track time from anywhere, whether you’re at your desk or on the go, is essential for freelancers. The best apps offer seamless experiences across all devices.

6. Customer Support

Even the best apps can have glitches or features that are hard to figure out. Check if the app provides good customer support, including tutorials, FAQs, and direct support options like chat or email.

7. Scalability

While you’re looking for a free tool now, think about the future. As your freelance business grows, you might need more advanced features. Check the pricing and features of paid plans to ensure the app can grow with you.

Taking these factors, you can find a time tracking tool that not only helps you track time but also fits effortlessly into your workflow and supports your business as it grows.

Best Time Tracking Apps for Freelancers Reviewed

Finding the right time tracking app can make a huge difference in managing your freelancing work. Let’s review some of the best free time tracking apps available. Each review will give you a quick overview of what the app offers, its main features, who it’s best suited for, pricing, and any relevant call-to-action links.

1. Connecteam

What is Connecteam?

Connecteam is a freelancer time tracking app designed to help manage tasks and tracking efficiently. It’s perfect for freelancers who work with multiple projects and need to keep everything organized.

Main Features

• GPS-based tracking to monitor time and location
• Task management to create and assign tasks
• Detailed reporting to track project progress
• Payroll integration for quick payment processing
• Available as a web app and mobile app

Best Suited For

Connecteam is ideal for freelancers who manage small teams or need solid task management features. It’s especially useful for those who need to track time and locations on the go.

Pricing

Connecteam offers a free plan for up to 50 users, which includes basic time tracking and task management features. For additional features, paid plans start at $29 per month.

Start a free trial today

2. Toggl Track

What is Toggl Track?

Toggl is a simple and intuitive time tracking app that helps freelancers keep track of their work hours effortlessly. It’s designed for ease of use and quick time tracking.

Main Features

• One-click tracking to start and stop timers easily
• Manual time entry to edit time entries manually
• Tags for organizing billable and non-billable hours
• Integrations with over 100 other apps
• Web app and mobile app compatibility

Best Suited For

Toggl is perfect for freelancers who need a straightforward time tracking tool without a lot of extra features. It’s great for those who work on multiple projects and need quick, accurate tracking.

Pricing

Toggl offers a free plan with unlimited time tracking and basic reporting. Paid plans start at $10 per user per month, offering more advanced features.

Sign up for free

3. Freshbooks

What is Freshbooks?

Freshbooks is a popular accounting and invoicing tool that also offers time tracking features. It’s ideal for freelancers who want to integrate time tracking with invoicing and accounting.

Read our full review on Freshbooks here: Freshbooks Review 2024

Main Features

• Automatic time tracking system to record hours spent on projects
• Create tasks and make adjustments to edit time entries
• Invoicing capabilities to create invoices directly from tracked time
• Comprehensive reporting to track project progress and financials
• Available as a web app and mobile app

Best Suited For

Freshbooks is best for freelancers who need dependable invoicing and accounting features alongside time tracking. It’s especially useful for those who want an all-in-one solution for managing their business finances.

Pricing

Freshbooks offers a 30-day free trial. After that, the basic plan starts at $10 per month, which includes time tracking and invoicing features.

Get 50% off on Freshbooks

4. Paymo

What is Paymo?

Paymo is a project management tool that includes powerful time tracking features. It’s designed for freelancers who need to manage multiple projects and track their time efficiently.

Main Features

• Accurate time tracking for better billing
• Manual time entry to edit time entries
• Billable and non-billable hours tracking
• Detailed reports on time and project progress
• Integration with other apps for easier workflow
• Works with both mobile and desktop apps

Best Suited For

Paymo is ideal for freelancers who handle multiple projects and need detailed time tracking tools for hours worked. It’s great for those who also need project management capabilities.

Pricing

Paymo offers a limited free version that includes time tracking and project management. Paid plans start at $9.9 per user per month for additional features.

Sign up for free today

5. Timecamp

What is Timecamp?

Timecamp is an automatic time tracking tool that helps freelancers track their work without much manual effort. It’s designed to streamline time tracking and reporting.

Main Features

• Background tracking to automatically record time
• Manual time adjustments to edit entries as needed
• Easily track billable hours
• Customizable reports for detailed insights
• Integration with various other apps
• Available as a web app and desktop app

Best Suited For

Timecamp is perfect for freelancers who prefer automated time tracking with minimal manual input. It’s great for those who need detailed reporting and easy integration with other tools.

Pricing

Timecamp offers a free plan for a single user with unlimited projects. Paid plans start at $3.99 per user per month, providing more advanced features.

Get TimeCamp today

6. Toptracker

What is Toptracker?

Toptracker is a free time tracker developed by Toptal. It’s designed to provide comprehensive time tracking without any cost, making it perfect for budget-conscious freelancers.

Main Features

• Desktop app tracking for accurate time recording
• Track time manually and make edits
• Record Billable hours
• Real-time data reporting to track freelancer hours
• Unlimited users and projects
• Completely free with no hidden costs

Best Suited For

Toptracker is ideal for freelancers who need a completely free time tracking solution. It’s perfect for those who want a reliable tool without any financial commitment.

Pricing

Toptracker is completely free to use, with no limits on users or projects.

Get Toptracker here

7. Harvest

What is Harvest?

Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing tool that helps freelancers manage their work and finances efficiently. It’s designed to provide a seamless experience from time tracking to invoicing.

Main Features

• One-click time tracking for ease of use
• Manual time entry for accurate tracking
• Billable hours tracking and invoicing capabilities
• Visual reports to track project progress
• Integration with other apps for enhanced workflow
• Web app and mobile app availability

Best Suited For

Harvest is best for freelancers who need both time tracking and invoicing in one tool. It’s great for those who want to manage their work and finances seamlessly.

Pricing

Harvest offers a free plan for one user with two projects. Paid plans start at $12 per user per month, providing additional features and project limits.

Get Started with Harvest

Which Free Time Tracking App for Freelancers is the One for You?

Choosing the best time tracking app for freelancers depends on your specific needs and how you work. Let’s recap the main software options and what makes each one stand out.

Connecteam

If you manage a small team and need robust task management features, Connecteam is a great choice. With GPS-based tracking, payroll integration, and detailed reporting, it helps you track work hours and manage all the data you need efficiently.

Toggl Track

Toggl is perfect for freelancers who need a simple and intuitive tool to track time across multiple projects. With one-click tracking and integrations with over 100 other apps, it’s ideal for those who want an easy way to track work hours without a lot of extra features.

Freshbooks

For freelancers who also need invoicing and accounting features, Freshbooks is a top pick. It allows you to create invoices directly from tracked time and offers comprehensive reporting to keep all the data organized. This is perfect for managing your finances and tracking your time spent on projects.

Paymo

Paymo is designed for freelancers handling multiple projects and needing detailed tracking and reporting features. With real-time tracking, manual entry options, and integration with other apps, it’s excellent for those who need a comprehensive project management tool.

Timecamp

If you prefer automated tracking with minimal manual input, Timecamp is the right choice. It offers background tracking, customizable reports, and integrations with various tools. This makes it ideal for freelancers who want to focus on work without worrying about tracking every minute.

Toptracker

For budget-conscious freelancers, Toptracker provides a completely free solution with unlimited users and projects. It offers desktop tracking, manual entry adjustments, and real-time reporting. This is perfect if you need all the features of a time tracking tool without any financial commitment.

Harvest

Harvest combines time tracking and invoicing in one tool, making it perfect for freelancers who need to manage both aspects seamlessly. With one-click tracking, visual reports, and integration with other apps, it helps you keep track of all the data and time spent on projects efficiently.

FAQs

What is the best free app for tracking freelance hours?

Toptracker is considered the best completely free time tracker app for freelancers, offering unlimited users and projects with desktop tracking, manual entry, billable hours, and real-time reporting.

How do I track my time as a freelancer?

You can use free time tracking apps like Toggl, Timecamp, or Toptracker. These allow you to easily start/stop timers, manually enter hours, categorize billable time, and generate reports.

Is there a free time tracker like Upwork?

While Upwork does not offer a free standalone time tracker, Toptracker is a free alternative with similar features like desktop tracking, manual adjustments, and reporting on billable hours.

Are time tracking apps secure?

Reputable time tracking apps prioritize data security and privacy. However, it’s always advisable to review their security policies and practices before using them, especially if handling sensitive client information.