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 holding tabs on hours.

It’s about creating circulate 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 campaigns or coordinating with collaborators on a good deadline, I’ve skilled how the fitting instruments can remodel chaos into readability and elevate a venture from first rate 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 activity 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 take a look at the perfect time-tracking instruments accessible, pushing them to their limits in real-world situations. I revisited a couple of 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 venture 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 take a look at, I’m sharing those that stood out, those that fell brief, and the way the fitting device may also help you are taking again what issues most: your time.

Finest 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 programs offer you insights into which duties take up a lot of the workday. For me, these instruments empower me with the data of the best way 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 workers or contractors so that everybody is paid precisely for his or her time. The time period normally consists of different HR-related duties, like monitoring attendance, billable hours, scheduling, and paid day off 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 numerous skilled wants whereas remaining intuitive and seamless. The aim was to seek out one thing that labored with me, not towards me.

What I search for in the perfect time monitoring software program

Through the years, I’ve tried numerous platforms, some too primary 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 excellent 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 best way to log a activity or observe a venture, it’s a tough go. The very best instruments really feel like a pure extension of how I already work—with a clear interface, clear directions, and minimal clicks to get issues completed.
• 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 inventive work. The software program I exploit should accommodate this selection. Customizable activity classes, tagging programs, and retroactive time monitoring are must-haves once I overlook to hit “begin”.
• Good integrations: I’m not trying to litter my tech stack. I would like a device that integrates easily with apps I already depend on, like my venture administration app, calendar, and even invoicing system. Seamless integration means I spend much less time switching between apps and extra time getting work completed.
• Insightful reporting: Information is the whole lot with regards to understanding the place my time goes. I like software program that offers 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 like instruments with automation, or AI options that observe my time. Some even categorize duties or recommend changes based mostly on patterns. It seems 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 info. Whether or not I’m creating invoices immediately 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 keen to put money into 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
• Observe, report, and calculate time utilization
• Analyze work efficiency and generate reviews and invoices
• Export information into an invoicing device
• Scale based on the scale of the corporate, workforce, venture, 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 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 function is its visible readability, with timeline and calendar views. Automation capabilities—like deadline reminders and activity 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 often 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, 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 for those who 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 less complicated 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 information throughout busy durations. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it surely’s price noting if pace is vital in your workforce.
• Whereas the platform’s flexibility is a power, it may well 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.

In case you are on the lookout for an all-in-one device in your HR, payroll, expertise, and time wants, then UKG Prepared is a superb 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 big plus—pulling up my timesheet or monitoring time and attendance from my telephone is so handy.

I’ve additionally discovered some challenges. Downtime as a consequence of 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 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 occasions, usually disrupting workflows once I want fast entry to my schedule or timesheet.
• Whereas primary duties like logging hours are simple, configuring superior settings could be daunting.

What G2 customers dislike about UKG Prepared:

“There have been occasions when the workers can’t go browsing as a consequence of points with the Kronos servers or upkeep with out prior warning. This isn’t an excessive amount of of a problem as timesheets could be edited retrospectively, however this takes extra time for managers.”

– UKG Prepared Evaluate, Austin H.

ClickUp stood out to me for its versatility and performance in a single package deal. The device seamlessly integrates its time monitoring options with activity and venture administration. Whether or not you’re managing a workforce or working solo, it’s a robust strategy to monitor and optimize productiveness.

ClickUp enables you to tailor the whole lot, 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 function turned a favourite, too, giving me a transparent view of the place our time was going and the way we might enhance. It’s full of insights that assist you to determine inefficiencies, all whereas holding the interface comparatively user-friendly. That mentioned, the preliminary setup felt just a little overwhelming, with so many customization choices to navigate.

In case you love tinkering with settings to create a novel 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 consists of primary time monitoring, and extra superior reporting and customization choices require a paid plan.

What G2 customers dislike about ClickUp:

“With numerous options included, exploring what ClickUp affords could be overwhelming, however the questionnaire initially helps. I really feel slight enhancements could possibly be made to make onboarding simpler for brand new customers or anybody unfamiliar with the venture administration software program.

I feel the largest enchancment wanted is the Cellular App – it’s helpful however doesn’t fairly measure as much as the desktop model. Some options are tougher to make use of or don’t work nicely on cell, which generally is 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 completed, assessment recordsdata, and mark the standing of duties – it is nice. Its dwelling web page might enhance when it comes to what duties to show.

The notifications setting was intensive 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 answer that integrates nicely with HR and payroll, Rippling is unquestionably price a glance. Spoiler alert: it’s a stable system with a couple of bumps alongside the best way, however total, it makes workforce administration a lot smoother. 

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

Rippling offers you choices, and I imply actual choices. Whether or not you want handbook 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 reviews is gold. I can shortly 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, corresponding to advanced additional time guidelines or third-party app integrations, could be difficult with out extra 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 could 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 could be irritating once I’m pressed for time.
• When points come up, Rippling’s buyer assist could 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 information and monitoring round that – days labored, hours added, working totals, and extra. 

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

– Rippling Evaluate, 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 combination with time clocks is seamless, too. Punches go immediately into payroll, slicing out handbook 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 hoops, I can pull up detailed reviews on additional time, labor prices, and compliance points. It’s been invaluable for managing venture budgets. Additionally, the cell 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 could be overwhelming, particularly for brand new customers. Studying the best way to regulate timecards or arrange reviews took me some trial and error. Buyer assist, whereas useful, has sometimes been sluggish to reply, which could be irritating while you’re on a good deadline.

What I dislike about Paylocity:

• I’ve encountered a couple of system glitches that triggered discrepancies in punch information. It’s uncommon, but it surely’s irritating when it occurs.
• I felt navigating the system can generally 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. Whenever 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 every device, 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 easy; 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 recognize the automated timesheets, which simplify payroll and billing. No extra handbook calculations!

One function 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 means for groups to see who would possibly need assistance staying on activity. 

However let’s speak in regards to the less-than-great elements. Typically, 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 cell app? It seems like a stripped-down model of the desktop platform. I’ve tried managing duties on the go, but it surely’s not as clean or dependable as I’d like.

What I dislike about Hubstaff:

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

What G2 customers dislike about Hubstaff:

“What I discover difficult about Hubstaff is that its detailed monitoring options can generally 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 pals with their retail enterprise, and wow, it delivered greater than I anticipated.

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

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

One function 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 positively be extra fluid. Typically, syncing isn’t as clean as I’d like. Additionally, the occasional glitch with clocking in/out could be irritating, particularly throughout peak hours.

What I dislike about Connecteam:

• The shortage of offline mode has been irritating. If the web goes down, clock-ins can fail, and I have 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, but it surely 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 cell model. The cell model for directors is just not very user-friendly. 

I really feel that that is the world that Connecteam ought to enhance, as the primary comfort of Connecteam is to permit individuals to make use of the app remotely whereas they’re working remotely. So the cell model needs to be the #1 precedence, particularly if you wish to develop your membership and signal on cell companies that might profit essentially 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 acquired automated time monitoring, contract administration, fee processing, and even compliance administration all underneath one roof. No extra hopping between platforms or coping with sophisticated workflows. Logging hours is tremendous easy, and the platform supplies seamless fee integration. It makes budgeting and expense planning easy.

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

Nonetheless, generally, the platform takes longer to load than I’d want, and the restricted customization choices for reviews could 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 international groups, that further 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 information safety—Deel covers the whole lot.

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 will assist me plan higher.

What G2 customers dislike about Deel:

“The pricing could 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 vital 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 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 simple it’s to approve depart requests or view attendance information. One in every of HROne’s finest options is its cell accessibility. Whether or not I’m working remotely or touring, I can handle attendance and depart approvals proper from my telephone. It’s extremely handy and retains me related with my workforce.

I additionally recognize how HROne handles worker shift administration. Assigning shifts and monitoring attendance is easy, although I do assume this function could possibly be much more user-friendly. 

Marking attendance can generally be glitchy, and I’ve seen the platform lags throughout peak hours, particularly throughout payroll processing. Whereas the cell app is helpful, it doesn’t supply 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 generally be glitchy. There have been glitches the place punches don’t register accurately, and I’ve needed to spend further 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 the easiest way to make use of it.

What G2 customers dislike about HROne:

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

– HROne Evaluate, Arhant J.

The final one on this record is Justworks, an amazing device for centralizing worker administration. Past monitoring time, it integrates PTO administration, compliance documentation, and firm assets, so I needn’t juggle a number of apps. Every little thing associated to my work hours and day off is true the place I would like it.

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

On the draw back, the clock-in/clock-out function generally feels clunky. There have been occasional syncing delays between the cell 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 a substitute of utilizing my Google login feels outdated. Plus, there have been occasions 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 affords primary insights into logged hours, however the reporting instruments really feel restricted for managers wanting to investigate productiveness developments or project-specific time allocation.

What I dislike about Justworks:

• The reporting options really feel bare-bones. I’d recognize extra customizable choices to dig into the info I would like.
• As somebody who generally 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 had been totally built-in into the primary software program in order that it wasn’t mandatory to make use of two completely different web sites to mix the 2.”

– Justworks Evaluate, Christopher F.

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

As per FLSA, employers should 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 price, common earnings, additional time hours, and additional time earnings. This regulation additionally requires employers to maintain a 3-year file 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 consists of reporting to assist handle workloads and venture timelines. It is useful for billing and finances administration.

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

Primarily based on actual critiques from G2 customers and our intensive 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 in style choices embrace monday Work Administration, ClickUp, Paylocity, and Toggl Observe. These free plans are nice for those who’re simply beginning out or managing a small workforce. Positive, they’ve their limitations corresponding 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. In case you’re a freelancer or a small enterprise proprietor, these choices are positively price exploring.

6. How do time monitoring instruments deal with information 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 information is tracked and who can entry it.

Clock in with the perfect time-tracking apps and make each second depend!

I’ve examined the perfect time monitoring instruments; now it’s your flip. The suitable device could make all of the distinction, whether or not optimizing your productiveness or managing a distant workforce. For me, discovering the right 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 targets. Discover these instruments, see what clicks, and begin making each minute depend.

Work smarter, not tougher! Let free venture administration software program flip your to-do record into completed!