10 Greatest 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 holding tabs on hours.

It’s about creating movement in your day, holding groups aligned throughout time zones, and, most significantly, guaranteeing each effort contributes to the larger image.

Whether or not I’m managing advertising and marketing campaigns or coordinating with collaborators on a decent deadline, I’ve skilled how the fitting instruments can rework chaos into readability and elevate a mission 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 process 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 the very best time-tracking instruments accessible, 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 might deal with the chaos of an precise workload. Suppose intricate mission 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 fitting device can assist you are taking again what issues most: your time.

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

Irrespective of the scale of your workforce or the business your enterprise is in, time-tracking techniques provide you with insights into which duties take up many of the workday. For me, these instruments empower me with the information of easy methods to be extra productive, it doesn’t matter what my to-do record has in retailer.

Time monitoring can be how corporations file the working hours of hourly staff or contractors so that everybody is paid precisely for his or her time. The time period often contains different HR-related duties, like monitoring attendance, billable hours, scheduling, and paid time 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 purpose was to search out one thing that labored with me, not in opposition to me.

What I search for in the very best time monitoring software program

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

• Ease of use: That is non-negotiable. I want software program that feels intuitive from the get-go. If it takes me hours to determine easy methods to log a process or observe a mission, it’s a tough go. 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 carried out.
• Flexibility to match my workflow: No two days are the identical for me. Some mornings are crammed with conferences, and different afternoons are devoted to deep artistic work. The software program I exploit should accommodate this selection. Customizable process classes, tagging techniques, and retroactive time monitoring are must-haves once I overlook to hit “begin”.
• Good integrations: I’m not seeking to muddle my tech stack. I want a device that integrates easily with apps I already depend on, like my mission administration app, calendar, and even invoicing system. Seamless integration means I spend much less time switching between apps and extra time getting work carried out.
• Insightful reporting: Information is every thing in the case of understanding the place my time goes. I really like software program that provides clear, actionable insights by visible reviews 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 developments over weeks, reporting options are a sport changer.
• Automation and AI: Let’s face it—handbook time monitoring isn’t at all times dependable. That’s why I really like instruments with automation, or AI options that observe my time. Some even categorize duties or counsel changes based mostly on patterns. It appears like having an assistant who is aware of precisely the place my time goes, even once 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 instantly 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 workforce, the software program needs to be financially smart at each stage. Free and budget-friendly choices are nice, however I’m additionally prepared to put money into premium options in the event that they considerably enhance my workflow.

The record beneath additionally accommodates 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 present accounting or third-party payroll software program
• Monitor, report, and calculate time utilization
• Analyze work efficiency and generate reviews and invoices
• Export knowledge into an invoicing device
• Scale in accordance with the scale of the corporate, workforce, mission, or particular person freelancers

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

I really 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 improbable job of holding issues organized. The customizable workflows are a standout. I might simply tailor the time-tracking columns and dashboards to match my workforce’s distinctive wants, making it really feel extra like a versatile associate in productiveness than a inflexible device.

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

monday Work Administration’s integration capabilities are unimaginable, which made it simple for me to attach with instruments I commonly 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. Generally, once I’m in a rush and must replace a time entry or examine 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 if you happen to handle a number of initiatives concurrently. It’s simple to get misplaced in all of the layers of customization. I’ve discovered that sticking to easier setups usually works higher for my workforce and me.

What I dislike about monday Work Administration:

• I’ve seen occasional slowness, particularly when updating time entries or accessing knowledge throughout busy intervals. It’s not a dealbreaker, however it’s price noting if velocity is essential in your workforce.
• Whereas the platform’s flexibility is a energy, it might 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 actually bias! I want the time monitoring device was within the lower-tiered model!”

– monday Work Administration Evaluate, Charlei H.

If you’re on the lookout for an all-in-one device in your HR, payroll, expertise, and time wants, then UKG Prepared is a good option to put money into. I’ve had the chance to check and use UKG Prepared extensively for time monitoring, and the platform makes it ridiculously simple to trace work hours, handle PTO, and even examine your schedule on the go. 

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

I’ve additionally discovered some challenges. Downtime attributable to server upkeep can hit on the worst doable moments, which is very aggravating while 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 once I must make even a tiny adjustment however need to ask IT for assist. I simply want it have been extra versatile and simpler to handle independently.

What I dislike about UKG Prepared:

• Upkeep occurs at inconvenient instances, usually disrupting workflows once 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 workers can not go online attributable to points with the Kronos servers or upkeep with out prior warning. This isn’t an excessive amount of of a difficulty as timesheets will be edited retrospectively, however this takes further time for managers.”

– UKG Prepared Evaluate, Austin H.

ClickUp stood out to me for its versatility and performance in a single bundle. The device seamlessly integrates its time monitoring options with process and mission administration. Whether or not you’re managing a workforce or working solo, it’s a strong approach to monitor and optimize productiveness.

ClickUp permits you to tailor every thing, 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 reviews characteristic grew to become a favourite, too, giving me a transparent view of the place our time was going and the way we might enhance. It’s filled with insights that enable you to determine inefficiencies, all whereas holding the interface comparatively user-friendly. That stated, the preliminary setup felt slightly overwhelming, with so many customization choices to navigate.

In case you love tinkering with settings to create a singular workflow, ClickUp is price exploring for time monitoring. As soon as it’s up and working, the advantages actually shine by.

What I dislike about ClickUp:

• The preliminary setup and customization require a major time funding, which may 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 gives will be overwhelming, however the questionnaire initially helps. I really feel slight enhancements could possibly be made to make onboarding simpler for brand spanking new customers or anybody unfamiliar with the mission administration software program.

I believe the most important enchancment wanted is the Cellular App – it’s useful however doesn’t fairly measure as much as the desktop model. Some options are tougher to make use of or don’t work effectively on cellular, which is usually a problem if you want to handle duties on the go. It’s good, however there’s room for enchancment. In fact, if it is to examine whether or not duties are carried out, assessment recordsdata, and mark the standing of duties – it is nice. Its house web page might enhance when it comes to 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 Evaluate, Angelo T.

In case you’re on the lookout for a time monitoring resolution that integrates effectively with HR and payroll, Rippling is unquestionably price a glance. Spoiler alert: it’s a stable system with just a few bumps alongside the best way, however total, it makes workforce administration a lot smoother. 

One among my favourite issues about Rippling is the way it effortlessly syncs time monitoring with payroll and HR. Time entries mechanically movement into payroll with no handbook enter and no errors. This automation saves me hours and offers me peace of thoughts, figuring out that my workforce will get paid precisely.

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

Plus, with the ability to customise reviews is gold. I can rapidly generate reviews 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 time beyond regulation guidelines or third-party app integrations, will be difficult with out further assist. 

The menu system isn’t as intuitive because it could possibly be. I discover myself clicking by a number of layers to get the place I must go, which will be irritating once I’m pressed for time. I additionally discovered that whereas buyer assist 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 could possibly be. I discover myself clicking by a number of layers to get the place I must go, which will be irritating once I’m pressed for time.
• When points come up, Rippling’s buyer assist will be sluggish to reply. Faster assist would make a giant distinction for a time-sensitive device like this.

What G2 customers dislike about Rippling:

“I am unable to consider a single draw back to utilizing Rippling. The factor I exploit MOST is the time clock. It could possibly be cool to have extra knowledge and monitoring round that – days labored, hours added, working totals, and extra. 

For instance, in Time & Attendance, My Time, wanting on the timecards, as an alternative of JUST exhibiting the time per punch, exhibits the totals per DAY. That will be useful.”

– Rippling Evaluate, Christie W.

Paylocity was one other glorious possibility for an all-in-one platform that integrates time-tracking processes with HR operations. I really 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 instantly into payroll, chopping out handbook steps and lowering errors. That alone has saved me numerous hours.

However what stood out to me was the automated reporting. With out leaping by hoops, I can pull up detailed reviews on time beyond regulation, labor prices, and compliance points. It’s been invaluable for managing mission budgets. Additionally, the cellular app is a lifesaver. Staff can clock out and in, submit time-off requests, and examine 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 spanking new customers. Studying easy methods to modify timecards or arrange reviews took me some trial and error. Buyer assist, whereas useful, has sometimes been sluggish to reply, which will be irritating while you’re on a decent deadline.

What I dislike about Paylocity:

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

What G2 customers dislike about Paylocity:

“Not having a devoted account consultant or one that’s dependable. The expertise was missing in buyer assist when a query did arrive. If you name buyer assist, it’s hit and miss; some assist workers 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 tough.”

– Paylocity Evaluate, Invoice N.

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

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

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

However let’s speak concerning the less-than-great components. Generally, the timer glitches and doesn’t file the time once I thought it was working. That’s irritating, particularly once 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 appears like a stripped-down model of the desktop platform. I’ve tried managing duties on the go, however it’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 workforce members.
• Notifications aren’t customizable sufficient, and I’ve missed essential 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 stress.”

– Hubstaff Evaluate, 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 closely fits industries with cellular, field-based, or shift-oriented groups. If your enterprise is within the building, retail, safety, healthcare, or hospitality sectors, you may drastically profit from the platform’s versatile options that simplify workforce administration.

What stands out probably the most is how ridiculously simple it’s to clock out and in. Just a few faucets and growth, 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 have 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 handbook work. Automated reminders for clocking in/out be certain that nobody forgets to log their time, which was a significant problem for us earlier than. 

Nonetheless, it might undoubtedly be extra fluid. Generally, 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 make things better later.
• Geofencing is superb, however I’ve seen some lag in recognizing when my workforce arrives on-site. It’s not a dealbreaker, however it could possibly 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 street, so most individuals, together with directors, use the cellular model. The cellular model for directors will not be 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 needs to be the #1 precedence, particularly if you wish to develop your membership and signal on cellular companies that might profit probably the most from this product.”

– Connecteam Evaluate, Joe S.

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

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

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

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

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

What I dislike about Deel:

• I’d love extra customization choices for time-tracking reviews. 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 powerful, there could also be occasional lags or downtime throughout peak hours, which might disrupt essential payroll actions. 

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

– Deel Evaluate, Jayanta M.

HROne is one other all-in-one resolution 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 really like how simple it’s to approve go away requests or view attendance data. One among HROne’s finest options is its cellular accessibility. Whether or not I’m working remotely or touring, I can handle attendance and go away approvals proper from my telephone. It’s extremely handy and retains me related with my workforce.

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

Marking attendance can typically be glitchy, and I’ve seen the platform lags throughout peak hours, particularly throughout payroll processing. Whereas the cellular app is useful, it doesn’t provide the complete 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 additional time fixing these errors.
• Shift administration might use some enchancment. Whereas it really works, it doesn’t really feel as intuitive as different options, and I’ve frolicked determining one of the best ways to make use of it.

What G2 customers dislike about HROne:

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

– HROne Evaluate, Arhant J.

The final one on this record is Justworks, an important device for centralizing worker administration. Past monitoring time, it integrates PTO administration, compliance documentation, and firm sources, so I needn’t juggle a number of apps. Every thing associated to my work hours and time without work is true the place I want it.

I really like how easy it’s to clock out and in; navigating totally different options does not really feel overwhelming. Justworks streamlines time monitoring so I can give attention to my precise work slightly than getting slowed down in administrative duties. Automated reminders for missed clock-ins and clock-outs are helpful in guaranteeing correct time data and lowering 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 shortage of seamless integration with third-party instruments a bit irritating. 

Having to create a separate username as an alternative 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 imagine that Justworks may benefit from extra detailed reporting options. Presently, the system gives fundamental insights into logged hours, however the reporting instruments really feel restricted for managers wanting to research productiveness developments 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 want.
• 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) accessible, because it syncs pretty simply with the Justworks PEO. Nonetheless, I would favor if the time-tracking have been absolutely built-in into the principle software program in order that it wasn’t crucial to make use of two totally different web sites to mix the 2.”

– Justworks Evaluate, 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 should have correct data of every hourly worker. These data 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 charge, common earnings, time beyond regulation hours, and time beyond regulation earnings. This regulation additionally requires employers to maintain a 3-year file of staff’ working hours.

3. What does time monitoring software program do?

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

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

Primarily based 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 accessible. Some fashionable choices embody monday Work Administration, ClickUp, Paylocity, and Toggl Monitor. These free plans are nice if you happen to’re simply beginning out or managing a small workforce. Certain, they’ve their limitations akin to fewer options or consumer restrictions, however they’ve helped me get a really feel for what I want with out committing to a paid plan. In case you’re a freelancer or a small enterprise proprietor, these choices are undoubtedly price exploring.

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

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

Clock in with the very best time-tracking apps and make each second rely!

I’ve examined the very best time monitoring instruments; now it’s your flip. The fitting device could make all of the distinction, whether or not optimizing your productiveness or managing a distant workforce. 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 rely.

Work smarter, not tougher! Let free mission administration software program flip your to-do record into carried out!