10 Finest Time Monitoring Software program I Personally Examined for 2025

As somebody who’s walked the tightrope of being each a freelancer and has managed freelancers and groups, I do know firsthand that point monitoring isn’t nearly conserving tabs on hours.

It’s about creating stream in your day, conserving groups aligned throughout time zones, and, most significantly, making certain each effort contributes to the larger image.

Whether or not I’m managing advertising and marketing campaigns or coordinating with collaborators on a good deadline, I’ve skilled how the proper instruments can remodel chaos into readability and elevate a undertaking from respectable to distinctive.

Time monitoring software program is meant to make life simpler, however that’s not at all times true. Some instruments overcomplicate the method, turning a easy job right into a irritating expertise. I’ve been there, spending extra time wrestling with platforms than specializing in what issues.

That’s why I got down to check one of the best time-tracking instruments out there, pushing them to their limits in real-world eventualities. I revisited just a few platforms I’d used and dove into some brand-new ones, curious how they’d deal with the chaos of an precise workload. Assume intricate undertaking planning, coordinating collaborative workflows, managing freelance contracts, monitoring billable hours, dealing with back-to-back deadlines, and even boosting private productiveness on these meeting-packed days.

After placing numerous options to the check, I’m sharing those that stood out, those that fell brief, and the way the proper software can assist you are taking again what issues most: your time.

Finest 10 time monitoring software program in 2025 and my private assessment after testing

Regardless of the scale of your group or the business what you are promoting is in, time-tracking techniques offer you insights into which duties take up many of the workday. For me, these instruments empower me with the information of the way to be extra productive, it doesn’t matter what my to-do record has in retailer.

Time monitoring can be how firms document the working hours of hourly workers or contractors so that everybody is paid precisely for his or her time. The time period normally contains different HR-related duties, like monitoring attendance, billable hours, scheduling, and paid day without work administration.

When testing these instruments, I didn’t restrict myself to these solely centered on time monitoring. I dug deeper, on the lookout for choices that provided versatility and instruments to juggle varied skilled wants whereas remaining intuitive and seamless. The aim was to search out one thing that labored with me, not in opposition to me.

What I search for in one of the best time monitoring software program

Through the years, I’ve tried numerous platforms, some too fundamental for my wants and others so advanced they added extra stress than worth. By means of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the important options I search for within the good time monitoring app.

• Ease of use: That is non-negotiable. I would like software program that feels intuitive from the get-go. If it takes me hours to determine the way to log a job or observe a undertaking, it’s a tough cross. The most effective instruments really feel like a pure extension of how I already work—with a clear interface, clear directions, and minimal clicks to get issues finished.
• Flexibility to match my workflow: No two days are the identical for me. Some mornings are full of conferences, and different afternoons are devoted to deep artistic work. The software program I take advantage of should accommodate this selection. Customizable job classes, tagging techniques, and retroactive time monitoring are must-haves after I overlook to hit “begin”.
• Sensible integrations: I’m not trying to litter my tech stack. I would like a software that integrates easily with apps I already depend on, like my undertaking administration app, calendar, and even invoicing system. Seamless integration means I spend much less time switching between apps and extra time getting work finished.
• Insightful reporting: Information is all the pieces in the case of understanding the place my time goes. I like software program that provides clear, actionable insights by way of visible stories or dashboards. Whether or not it’s seeing how a lot time I’ve spent on consumer work versus admin duties or figuring out productiveness tendencies over weeks, reporting options are a sport changer.
• Automation and AI: Let’s face it—guide time monitoring isn’t at all times dependable. That’s why I like instruments with automation, or AI options that observe my time. Some even categorize duties or counsel changes primarily based on patterns. It looks like having an assistant who is aware of precisely the place my time goes, even after I don’t.
• Invoicing and export choices: A good time tracker doesn’t cease at monitoring—it helps me act on the information. Whether or not I’m creating invoices straight or exporting time logs for additional evaluation, I worth instruments that streamline this subsequent step.
• Affordability and scalability: Worth issues. Whether or not I’m working solo or managing a rising group, the software program ought to be financially wise at each stage. Free and budget-friendly choices are nice, however I’m additionally prepared to spend money on premium options in the event that they considerably enhance my workflow.

The record beneath additionally incorporates real consumer critiques from G2’s time-tracking software program class web page. To be included on this class, a time monitoring app should:

• Combine with current accounting or third-party payroll software program
• Monitor, report, and calculate time utilization
• Analyze work efficiency and generate stories and invoices
• Export knowledge into an invoicing software
• Scale in response to the scale of the corporate, group, undertaking, or particular person freelancers

I’ve had the prospect to make use of monday.com merchandise, and monday Work Administration stands out as a strong answer that goes past conventional time monitoring instruments.

I like how customizable monday Work Administration is. Whether or not it is logging time spent on duties or setting and monitoring deadlines, the platform does a unbelievable job of conserving issues organized. The customizable workflows are a standout. I may simply tailor the time-tracking columns and dashboards to match my group’s distinctive wants, making it really feel extra like a versatile companion in productiveness than a inflexible software.

One other standout characteristic is its visible readability, with timeline and calendar views. Automation capabilities—like deadline reminders and job notifications—are lifesavers for staying on high of priorities.

monday Work Administration’s integration capabilities are unbelievable, which made it straightforward for me to attach with instruments I frequently use, like Slack, Google Calendar, and Excel. The reporting instruments are additionally worthy of a shoutout. They supply detailed insights into time spent on initiatives, which empowered me with higher decision-making for useful resource allocation and productiveness enhancements.

One of many recurring frustrations I’ve had with monday Work Administration is the occasional slowness of the platform. Typically, after I’m in a rush and must replace a time entry or verify a deadline, it takes longer than I’d like for the platform to reply. 

Additionally, whereas the time-tracking options are strong, they’ll really feel overwhelming for those who handle a number of initiatives concurrently. It’s straightforward to get misplaced in all of the layers of customization. I’ve discovered that sticking to easier setups typically works higher for my group and me.

What I dislike about monday Work Administration:

• I’ve observed occasional slowness, particularly when updating time entries or accessing knowledge throughout busy intervals. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it surely’s value noting if pace is essential on your group.
• Whereas the platform’s flexibility is a energy, it will probably really feel overwhelming when managing a number of initiatives with intricate timelines. Customization choices, although highly effective, require some trial and error to get good.

What G2 customers dislike about monday Work Administration:

“The one draw back is really bias! I want the time monitoring software was within the lower-tiered model!”

– monday Work Administration Overview, Charlei H.

In case you are on the lookout for an all-in-one software on your HR, payroll, expertise, and time wants, then UKG Prepared is a superb option to spend money on. I’ve had the chance to check and use UKG Prepared extensively for time monitoring, and the platform makes it ridiculously straightforward to trace work hours, handle PTO, and even verify your schedule on the go. 

The mobile-friendly design is a big plus—pulling up my timesheet or monitoring time and attendance from my cellphone is so handy.

I’ve additionally discovered some challenges. Downtime on account of server upkeep can hit on the worst potential moments, which is particularly aggravating once you’re mid-task or want fast entry to your schedule. I can’t customise workflows or take away pointless steps. It’s extremely difficult after I must make even a tiny adjustment however must ask IT for assist. I simply want it had been extra versatile and simpler to handle independently.

What I dislike about UKG Prepared:

• Upkeep occurs at inconvenient instances, typically disrupting workflows after I want fast entry to my schedule or timesheet.
• Whereas fundamental duties like logging hours are easy, configuring superior settings will be daunting.

What G2 customers dislike about UKG Prepared:

“There have been instances when the employees can not go online on account of points with the Kronos servers or upkeep with out prior warning. This isn’t an excessive amount of of a problem as timesheets will be edited retrospectively, however this takes extra time for managers.”

– UKG Prepared Overview, Austin H.

ClickUp stood out to me for its versatility and performance in a single package deal. The software seamlessly integrates its time monitoring options with job and undertaking administration. Whether or not you’re managing a group or working solo, it’s a strong approach to monitor and optimize productiveness.

ClickUp enables you to tailor all the pieces, from customized fields for tagging time entries to integration with instruments like Google Calendar for scheduling. I additionally experimented with the Chrome extension, which allowed me to start out and cease timers straight from Gmail and even connect these logs to particular initiatives.

The stories characteristic grew to become a favourite, too, giving me a transparent view of the place our time was going and the way we may enhance. It’s filled with insights that enable you establish inefficiencies, all whereas conserving the interface comparatively user-friendly. That stated, the preliminary setup felt a bit overwhelming, with so many customization choices to navigate.

When you love tinkering with settings to create a novel workflow, ClickUp is value exploring for time monitoring. As soon as it’s up and operating, the advantages actually shine by way of.

What I dislike about ClickUp:

• The preliminary setup and customization require a big time funding, which might frustrate new customers.
• The free model contains fundamental time monitoring, and extra superior reporting and customization choices require a paid plan.

What G2 customers dislike about ClickUp:

“With varied options included, exploring what ClickUp presents will be overwhelming, however the questionnaire initially helps. I really feel slight enhancements may very well be made to make onboarding simpler for brand new customers or anybody unfamiliar with the undertaking administration software program.

I believe the largest enchancment wanted is the Cell App – it’s helpful however doesn’t fairly measure as much as the desktop model. Some options are more durable to make use of or don’t work nicely on cellular, which could be a trouble if you have to handle duties on the go. It’s good, however there’s room for enchancment. In fact, if it is to verify whether or not duties are finished, assessment information, and mark the standing of duties – it is nice. Its dwelling web page may enhance by way of what duties to show.

The notifications setting was in depth earlier than Clickup 3.0 newest replace and overwhelming, however now extra streamlined and simpler.”

– ClickUp Overview, Angelo T.

When you’re on the lookout for a time monitoring answer that integrates nicely with HR and payroll, Rippling is certainly value a glance. Spoiler alert: it’s a stable system with just a few bumps alongside the way in which, however general, it makes workforce administration a lot smoother. 

Certainly one of my favourite issues about Rippling is the way it effortlessly syncs time monitoring with payroll and HR. Time entries mechanically stream into payroll with no guide enter and no errors. This automation saves me hours and offers me peace of thoughts, understanding that my group will get paid precisely.

Rippling offers you choices, and I imply actual choices. Whether or not you want guide entry, biometric clock-ins, or GPS monitoring for distant staff, the platform covers all of it. This sort of flexibility is a lifesaver for hybrid groups like mine.

Plus, with the ability to customise stories is gold. I can shortly generate stories to observe productiveness, management labor prices, and spot inefficiencies. It’s like having a built-in enterprise analyst.

Whereas the core time-tracking options are rock stable, superior configurations, akin to advanced extra time guidelines or third-party app integrations, will be difficult with out extra help. 

The menu system isn’t as intuitive because it may very well be. I discover myself clicking by way of a number of layers to get the place I must go, which will be irritating after I’m pressed for time. I additionally discovered that whereas buyer help is useful, it’s not at all times as quick as I’d like when resolving points.

What I dislike about Rippling:

• The menu system isn’t as intuitive because it may very well be. I discover myself clicking by way of a number of layers to get the place I must go, which will be irritating after I’m pressed for time.
• When points come up, Rippling’s buyer help will be sluggish to reply. Faster help would make an enormous distinction for a time-sensitive software like this.

What G2 customers dislike about Rippling:

“I am unable to consider a single draw back to utilizing Rippling. The factor I take advantage of MOST is the time clock. It may very well be cool to have extra knowledge and monitoring round that – days labored, hours added, operating totals, and extra. 

For instance, in Time & Attendance, My Time, wanting on the timecards, as a substitute of JUST exhibiting the time per punch, reveals the totals per DAY. That may be useful.”

– Rippling Overview, Christie W.

Paylocity was one other wonderful choice for an all-in-one platform that integrates time-tracking processes with HR operations. I like how Paylocity’s Time & Labor module adapts to advanced enterprise wants. Whether or not you’re coping with intricate trip accrual guidelines or managing schedules, it’s constructed to deal with all of it. 

The mixing with time clocks is seamless, too. Punches go straight into payroll, reducing out guide steps and decreasing errors. That alone has saved me numerous hours.

However what stood out to me was the automated reporting. With out leaping by way of hoops, I can pull up detailed stories on extra time, labor prices, and compliance points. It’s been invaluable for managing undertaking budgets. Additionally, the cellular app is a lifesaver. Workers can clock out and in, submit time-off requests, and verify their schedules proper from their telephones. It’s made managing distant groups a lot simpler.

Paylocity felt overwhelming at first. The depth of options will be overwhelming, particularly for brand new customers. Studying the way to alter timecards or arrange stories took me some trial and error. Buyer help, whereas useful, has sometimes been sluggish to reply, which will be irritating once you’re on a good deadline.

What I dislike about Paylocity:

• I’ve encountered just a few system glitches that induced discrepancies in punch information. It’s uncommon, but it surely’s irritating when it occurs.
• I felt navigating the system can typically really feel unintuitive, particularly when modifying timecards or adjusting stories.

What G2 customers dislike about Paylocity:

“Not having a devoted account consultant or one that’s dependable. The expertise was missing in buyer help when a query did arrive. If you name buyer help, it’s hit and miss; some help employees are very educated, whereas others appear to wish extra coaching. Do not at all times reply in a well timed method. 

The implementation was considerably troublesome.”

– Paylocity Overview, Invoice N.

When you’re on the lookout for a no-nonsense time tracker that helps you handle your work hours and group productiveness, Hubstaff does many issues proper. However, like several software, it has its ups and downs.

So, right here’s what I like. First, beginning and stopping the timer is easy. The interface is clear and simple; you simply click on and go. The detailed stories and exercise logs clearly present the place my time goes. That is good for managing initiatives and making certain billable hours are accounted for. I additionally admire the automated timesheets, which simplify payroll and billing. No extra guide calculations!

One characteristic that stands out is productiveness monitoring. Hubstaff tracks exercise ranges by way of keyboard and mouse utilization, and whereas that sounds intense, it helps me keep centered. It’s a stable manner for groups to see who would possibly need assistance staying on job. 

However let’s discuss concerning the less-than-great elements. Typically, the timer glitches and doesn’t document the time after I thought it was operating. That’s irritating, particularly after I’m multitasking. And the frequent screenshots meant to maintain groups accountable can really feel intrusive. I perceive why they’re there, however it may be an excessive amount of.

Oh, and the cellular app? It looks like a stripped-down model of the desktop platform. I’ve tried managing duties on the go, but it surely’s not as easy or dependable as I’d like.

What I dislike about Hubstaff:

• Frequent screenshots really feel intrusive at instances. I perceive the intent, however it may be uncomfortable, particularly for group members.
• Notifications aren’t customizable sufficient, and I’ve missed vital updates.

What G2 customers dislike about Hubstaff:

“What I discover difficult about Hubstaff is that its detailed monitoring options can typically really feel too concerned, particularly with the frequent screenshots and exercise monitoring. Whereas these options are useful for productiveness, they’ll sometimes really feel like they add a bit of additional strain.”

– Hubstaff Overview, Agatha C.

I first stumbled upon Connecteam whereas serving to mates with their retail enterprise, and wow, it delivered greater than I anticipated.

Connecteam most accurately fits industries with cellular, field-based, or shift-oriented groups. If what you are promoting is within the development, retail, safety, healthcare, or hospitality sectors, you’ll be able to drastically profit from the platform’s versatile options that simplify workforce administration.

What stands out essentially the most is how ridiculously straightforward it’s to clock out and in. A couple of faucets and increase, you are logged in. Timesheets are a breeze to handle. No extra scrambling to search out lacking entries or stressing over whether or not shifts had been recorded appropriately. It’s all clear and arranged. 

One characteristic that has significantly streamlined our retail operations is payroll integration. It connects logged hours straight to payroll, shaving off hours of guide work. Automated reminders for clocking in/out be certain that nobody forgets to log their time, which was a serious difficulty for us earlier than. 

Nonetheless, it may positively be extra fluid. Typically, syncing isn’t as easy as I’d like. Additionally, the occasional glitch with clocking in/out will be irritating, particularly throughout peak hours.

What I dislike about Connecteam:

• The dearth of offline mode has been irritating. If the web goes down, clock-ins can fail, and I need to manually sort things later.
• Geofencing is great, however I’ve observed some lag in recognizing when my group arrives on-site. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it surely may very well be higher.

What G2 customers dislike about Connecteam:

“One factor I don’t like about Connecteam is that it appears to be arrange for use primarily on a pc. Our enterprise mannequin has virtually everybody engaged on the highway, so most individuals, together with directors, use the cellular model. The cellular model for directors isn’t very user-friendly. 

I really feel that that is the realm that Connecteam ought to enhance, as the principle comfort of Connecteam is to permit folks to make use of the app remotely whereas they’re working remotely. So the cellular model ought to be the number one precedence, particularly if you wish to develop your membership and signal on cellular companies that will profit essentially the most from this product.”

– Connecteam Overview, Joe S.

​​What bought me on Deel was the way it streamlines time monitoring alongside contract administration and funds.

You’ve obtained automated time monitoring, contract administration, fee processing, and even compliance administration all beneath one roof. No extra hopping between platforms or coping with sophisticated workflows. Logging hours is tremendous easy, and the platform offers seamless fee integration. It makes budgeting and expense planning easy.

One characteristic I like is the automated workflows for time monitoring. You’ll be able to log hours, generate timesheets, and observe funds hassle-free. It’s good for freelancers and distant staff who want readability on their earnings and time spent. Plus, Deel mechanically syncs logged hours with fee schedules, decreasing the danger of errors or missed funds.

Nonetheless, typically, the platform takes longer to load than I’d want, and the restricted customization choices for stories will be irritating.

What actually offers me peace of thoughts is Deel’s safety and compliance. I do know that each contract I signal, and each fee I obtain is dealt with with top-notch safety and meets worldwide compliance requirements. As somebody working with world groups, that further layer of safety makes me really feel safe and assured that nothing will slip by way of the cracks. I don’t have to fret about authorized compliance or knowledge safety—Deel covers all the pieces.

What I dislike about Deel:

• I’d love extra customization choices for time-tracking stories. Proper now, it feels a bit too restricted for my wants.
• I want Deel had deeper analytics for the way I spend my time throughout a number of initiatives. It might assist me plan higher.

What G2 customers dislike about Deel:

“The pricing will be considerably steep for smaller startups or freelancers who handle fewer contractors, and a few superior options are restricted to higher-tier plans. Moreover, whereas the platform is strong, there could also be occasional lags or downtime throughout peak hours, which may disrupt essential payroll actions. 

Increasing options for freelancers or offering extra customization choices may additional improve consumer expertise.”

– Deel Overview, Jayanta M.

HROne is one other all-in-one answer that integrates time-tracking processes with workforce administration. It bridges the hole between monitoring worker hours and managing broader HR capabilities with out the necessity for a number of instruments.

I like how straightforward it’s to approve depart requests or view attendance information. Certainly one of HROne’s finest options is its cellular accessibility. Whether or not I’m working remotely or touring, I can handle attendance and depart approvals proper from my cellphone. It’s extremely handy and retains me related with my group.

I additionally admire how HROne handles worker shift administration. Assigning shifts and monitoring attendance is simple, although I do suppose this characteristic may very well be much more user-friendly. 

Marking attendance can typically be glitchy, and I’ve observed the platform lags throughout peak hours, particularly throughout payroll processing. Whereas the cellular app is helpful, it doesn’t supply the total vary of desktop options. I want the app had extra strong functionalities to match the desktop expertise.

What I dislike about HROne:

• Attendance marking can typically be glitchy. There have been glitches the place punches don’t register appropriately, and I’ve needed to spend further time fixing these errors.
• Shift administration may use some enchancment. Whereas it really works, it doesn’t really feel as intuitive as different options, and I’ve frolicked determining the easiest way to make use of it.

What G2 customers dislike about HROne:

“The one factor I really feel which will be improved is their stories sections; they should add extra stories and, most significantly, consolidate stories in order that customers do not must obtain a number of stories and merge them manually.”

– HROne Overview, Arhant J.

The final one on this record is Justworks, an awesome software for centralizing worker administration. Past monitoring time, it integrates PTO administration, compliance documentation, and firm assets, so I need not juggle a number of apps. The whole lot associated to my work hours and day without work is true the place I would like it.

I like how easy it’s to clock out and in; navigating completely different options would not really feel overwhelming. Justworks streamlines time monitoring so I can concentrate on my precise work fairly than getting slowed down in administrative duties. Automated reminders for missed clock-ins and clock-outs are useful in making certain correct time information and decreasing the danger of payroll discrepancies.

On the draw back, the clock-in/clock-out characteristic typically feels clunky. There have been occasional syncing delays between the cellular and desktop platforms, inflicting discrepancies in recorded hours. I additionally discovered the dearth of seamless integration with third-party instruments a bit irritating. 

Having to create a separate username as a substitute of utilizing my Google login feels outdated. Plus, there have been instances when my time entries didn’t save correctly, which was inconvenient and made me double-check my hours.

I additionally consider that Justworks may gain advantage from extra detailed reporting options. At the moment, the system presents fundamental insights into logged hours, however the reporting instruments really feel restricted for managers wanting to research productiveness tendencies or project-specific time allocation.

What I dislike about Justworks:

• The reporting options really feel bare-bones. I’d admire extra customizable choices to dig into the information I would like.
• As somebody who typically forgets to log time, a real-time tracker with idle detection would make life a lot simpler.

What G2 customers dislike about Justworks:

“It is helpful to have Justworks’s time-tracking software program (Justworks Hours) out there, because it syncs pretty simply with the Justworks PEO. Nonetheless, I would like if the time-tracking had been absolutely built-in into the principle software program in order that it wasn’t crucial to make use of two completely different web sites to mix the 2.”

– Justworks Overview, Christopher F.

Sure, time monitoring is authorized. It’s a part of record-keeping necessities beneath the Truthful Labor Requirements Act (FLSA) and in some states.

As per FLSA, employers will need to have correct information of every hourly worker. These information should element the variety of hours labored per day and per workweek, the date and time the workweek started, every particular person’s hourly pay fee, common earnings, extra time hours, and extra time earnings. This regulation additionally requires employers to maintain a 3-year document of workers’ working hours.

3. What does time monitoring software program do?

Time monitoring software program helps groups log time spent on duties. It replaces old school timesheets with a digital answer and infrequently contains reporting to assist handle workloads and undertaking timelines. It is useful for billing and finances administration.

4. Which period monitoring app is finest for a small enterprise?

Based mostly on actual critiques from G2 customers and our in depth testing, monday Work Administration, ClickUp, and Connecteam are the highest three time monitoring apps for small companies. 

5. Are there any free time monitoring software program?

Sure, there are time monitoring software program instruments which have a free plan or a free trial out there. Some widespread choices embody monday Work Administration, ClickUp, Paylocity, and Toggl Monitor. These free plans are nice for those who’re simply beginning out or managing a small group. Positive, they’ve their limitations akin to fewer options or consumer restrictions, however they’ve helped me get a really feel for what I would like with out committing to a paid plan. When you’re a freelancer or a small enterprise proprietor, these choices are positively value exploring.

6. How do time monitoring instruments deal with knowledge privateness?

Most time trackers comply with strict safety requirements (like GDPR and CCPA). They use encryption, safe storage, and common audits. Many instruments additionally supply privateness settings so customers can management what knowledge is tracked and who can entry it.

Clock in with one of the best time-tracking apps and make each second depend!

I’ve examined one of the best time monitoring instruments; now it’s your flip. The correct software could make all of the distinction, whether or not optimizing your productiveness or managing a distant group. For me, discovering the proper time tracker meant fewer distractions, higher workflow administration, and extra time spent on significant work.

I hope this information helps you get one step nearer to reclaiming your time and reaching your objectives. Discover these instruments, see what clicks, and begin making each minute depend.

Work smarter, not more durable! Let free undertaking administration software program flip your to-do record into finished!