10 Best Time Tracking Software for Employees in 2024

In today’s fast-paced, digital work environment, time tracking has become an essential tool for businesses looking to improve productivity, manage payroll, and keep track of tasks. Time tracking software enables companies to monitor employee work hours, ensure accountability, and provide insight into productivity patterns. As we head into 2024, the demand for effective time-tracking solutions is on the rise, especially with the growth of remote and hybrid work models. Whether you are a small business or an enterprise, finding the right tool to suit your needs can drastically improve your operations.

In this guide, we will take you through the top 10 best time-tracking software for employees in 2024. We’ll also explain the best way to track employee time and provide tips on how to choose the best software for your business.

List of Top 10 Employee Time Tracking Software in 2024

1. Toggl

Toggle is among the most sought-after employee time-tracking software in 2024. This tool is used by thousands of global companies, such as Amazon, Uber, LinkedIn, Wise, and more. We like that it is a flexible time-tracking tool with customizable reporting. This makes it easier for employers to know how much time their employees spend on their tasks.

The best element about this software is its free 30-day trial for all features. Plus, it is GDPR-compliant, which guarantees user safety.  We also like that any company, whether small or large, can efficiently use this software and witness increased productivity.

Key Features

• Timesheet Reports
• Automated Time Tracking
• Online and Offline Work Timer
• Invoicing
• Time Reporting and Analytics
• ATS Integrations
• Project and Team Management

2. Harvest

Harvest is another software we find reliable, especially for project and expense tracking. Trusted by thousands of teams across multiple industries, this time tracking software has all the features you need to track and manage your employees’ work progress. The software is intuitive, and you can use it on desktop and mobile devices. Plus, Harvest features custom reminders to ensure consistent time tracking.

This tool is easy to use, and you do not need guidance navigating through it. All you have to do is set up your project and add tasks and members to start tracking. The best part is that reporting is automated so you do not need to stick around your device wondering how your employees are managing their time.

Key Features

• ATS Integrations
• Reporting and Analytics
• Time Tracking
• Invoicing and Payment
• Custom Automated Reminders
• Project and team management

3. Clockify

Clockify is an excellent time-tracking software that continues to gain numerous positive user testimonials. It is trusted by millions of clients, such as Nestle, Siemens, Paysafe, Fujifilm, and more, primarily due to its flexibility. This software offers unlimited user access and it is free for usage. Besides tracking time and productivity, Clockify manages attendance and billable hours. This makes it easier for you to efficiently plan and assign tasks to your employees.

Clockify also has a time off feature that allows you to manage leaves and holidays. It is a user-friendly tool with customizable features to ensure every employer gets the best services for their business productivity needs.

Key Features

• Time and Attendance Management
• Compatible With Desktop and Mobile Devices
• Reporting and Analytics
• Online and Offline Work timer
• Timesheet Management
• ATS Integrations
• Activity Tracking
• Task Scheduling and Approval

4. Time Doctor

Time Doctor prides itself on offering actionable insights that boost productivity and long-term profitability. So far, the software is used by hundreds of thousands of global companies, including Capterra, RepStack, Boost, and more. It prides itself on helping companies to not only boost productivity but also increase employee retention while uncovering processes that slow their team down.

This software is best for employers managing remote teams. Using a one-people analytics dashboard, you will keep an eye on how they manage their time. It takes screenshots on their activity and also helps with payroll management.

Key Features

• Employee Monitoring
• Productivity Analysis
• Transparent Time Tracking
• Automated Reporting
• Work-Life Balance
• Workforce Analytics
• Operation Insights
• Daily Email Notifications

5. Timely

One unique element about Timely is its integration with artificial intelligence. The software makes time tracking for your company easily accessible, allowing your workers to focus on what’s more important. Moreover, Timely has a simple interface and its automated time tracking has enabled many organizations to reduce their timesheets by 75%.

Timely also has a memory tracker that is completely accurate and private. Its AI timesheets limit time spent on work management, allowing you to focus on other business tasks. Thousands of companies have embraced this tool for its unmatched performance in informing intelligent decision-making.

Key Features

• Automatic Time Tracking
• Project Dashboard
• Memory Tracker
• Timesheets Management
• Billable Rates
• Task Management
• Workplace Capacity
• Time Planning
• Billing and Invoicing
• ATS Integrations

6. Timeneye

If you are looking for reliable time-tracking software for general use, Timeneye is a viable choice. It offers a user-friendly and intuitive design interface for an exciting employer and employee experience. Moreover, this software features Microsoft integrations to ensure you get the best time-tracking solutions for your Microsoft office suite.

Besides offering individual timesheets, Timeneye also focuses on team management. With it, you can Collaborate seamlessly, assign projects, and monitor progress within the familiar team interface. And the best part is that you can customize it to fit your team size or industry.

Key Features

• Time Tracking
• Project Management
• Team Management
• Client Management
• Reports and Insights
• Billing and Invoicing

7. TimeCamp

TimeCamp is a reliable time tracking and expense management software that we find best for freelancers and contractors. Many companies have embraced the tool and it continues to gain positive reviews for its efficiency. The software prides itself on offering enhanced billing accuracy and quicker budgeting services for a streamlined business management.

TimeCamp is easy to navigate and use, allowing any user to manage their time. Employers can use it to manage employee attendance by logging work hours and creating payrolls. With multiple ATS integrations, managing your activities from a single dashboard has been made easy.

Key Features

• Multiple ATS Integrations
• Automatic Time Tracking
• Reporting and Analytics
• Budgeting and Invoicing
• Timesheets Management
• Apps and Websites Tracking
• Time-Off Management

8. Hubstaff

Workforce management has been streamlined thanks to time-tracking tools like Hubstaff. This tool is specifically tailored to Integrate time tracking, productivity metrics, and payroll for your distributed team. Its free 14-day trial allows you to explore its features and service before making a commitment decision. Plus, the software has flexible pricing to suit all teams and enterprises in various industries.

We like that Hubstaff is a multi-device time tracking software. It has proven to boost project completion by 30% and reduce book keeping period to a maximum of 2 days. Emplolyers can also use Hubstaff to automate their employees’ operations and benefit from 20+ customizable reports, user-friendly dashboards, and more.

Key Features

• Time Tracking
• Employee Activity management
• Workforce Management
• Online Timesheets
• Reporting and Analytics
• Employee Monitoring
• Invoicing and payroll
• ATS Integrations

9. ActiveTrak

ActivTrack serves all types of businesses across diverse industries. With advanced employee monitoring, workforce planning, and product activity management, rest assured of making smarter decisions that will keep you ahead of the competition. Note that thousands of companies trust this software, primarily due to its cutting-edge services and advanced security measures.

You can integrate ActivTrak with your favourrite app such as Outlook, Zendesk, and more. We also like that it hosts quality resources, including and ActivTrak Academy for training and guarded tour on how to use it in time tracking management.

Key Features

• Remote Workforce Management
• Productivity Management
• Employee Monitoring
• ATS Integrations
• Real-time Visibilitgy
• Time Tracking
• Contractor Billing Reconciliation
• Activity Based Alarms

10. TimeTrex

Over 3 million clients are using TimeTrex to manage and track their employees. While it has a demo version to familiarize yourself with its services, you can choose from a variety of plans depending on your business needs. These include Professional, Corporate, and Enterprise Editions. This software is user-friendly, and its superior features have been proven to elevate the management of various business workforces.

One unique feature of TimeTrex is its biometric facial recognition, which provides unparalleled accuracy without sacrificing user-friendliness. You no longer have to incur high costs and experience numerous hassles of buddy punching. We also like its reliable and responsive support service, plus a comprehensive FAQ section to maximize your experience.

Key Features

• Time and Attendance Tracking
• Comprehensive Payroll Solutions
• Biometric Facial Recognition Timeclocks**
• Quick Web Punch-In/Out
• Convenient Mobile App
• Efficient Employee Scheduling
• Leave & Absence Management
• Holistic HR Management

What is the Best Way to Keep Track of Employees Time?

There are several ways to keep track of employee time, but the best method will depend on the size of your organization, the type of work being performed, and the resources available. Here are some options to consider:

Timecards:
This traditional method involves employees filling out a paper or electronic form indicating when they started and ended their shift. This can be done manually or using a time clock. Timecards can be effective for small organizations or for employees who work consistent hours, but they may not be as accurate for employees who work varying shifts or remotely.

Time and attendance software:
These electronic systems allow employees to clock in and out using a computer or mobile device. They often include features such as automated overtime calculations, leave tracking, and real-time data tracking. Time and attendance software can be a more accurate and efficient option, but it may require a larger initial investment and ongoing maintenance.

GPS tracking:
For employees who work on the go or in multiple locations, GPS tracking can provide an accurate record of their time and location. This can be particularly useful for field technicians or delivery drivers. However, it may raise privacy concerns and may not be suitable for all types of work.

Project management software:
If your employees are working on specific projects or tasks, project management software can help you track their time and progress. These systems often include features such as time tracking, project budgeting, and task assignment. They can be useful for project-based organizations, but may not be as relevant for those with a more traditional hourly work structure.

Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to have clear policies and procedures in place for tracking employee time. This includes defining what should be recorded (such as work hours, breaks, and overtime), how time should be recorded (manually or electronically), and any deadlines for submitting time records.

In addition, it’s essential to have a system for reviewing and approving time records. This can help prevent errors or abuses, and ensure that employees are fairly compensated for their time. It’s also a good idea to involve employees in the process and provide them with the tools and training they need to accurately record their time.

Finally, consider using multiple methods to track employee time, such as a combination of timecards and time and attendance software like the ones we recommend above. This can provide a more complete and accurate record of employee time, and allow you to identify any discrepancies or areas for improvement.

Overall, the best way to keep track of employee time is to choose a method that is accurate, efficient, and cost-effective for your organization. By carefully considering your needs and resources, and implementing clear policies and procedures, you can ensure that your employees are fairly compensated for their time and that your business is running smoothly.

How to Pick the Best Time Tracking Software?

Several factors must be considered when choosing the best time-tracking software for your business. Whether you manage startup companies or recruiting firms, incorporate the elements below for a suitable choice.

1. Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring allows managers to see what employees are working on at any given moment, providing up-to-date insights into productivity. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with remote workers or multiple teams, as it offers immediate data on hours worked, project progress, and even activity levels.

2. Manual Time Feeding
While automation is preferred for accuracy, there are situations where employees need to manually input their work hours—such as when working offline or correcting a forgotten time entry. The ability to manually feed time gives employees the flexibility to ensure their records are complete and accurate.

3. Reporting
Comprehensive reporting is essential for analyzing employee performance, tracking project progress, and gaining insights into business operations. Time tracking software should offer customizable reports that break down time usage by task, employee, or project. This helps managers make informed decisions and optimize workflows.

4. Usability
If the software is too complicated or cumbersome, employees are unlikely to use it effectively. A user-friendly interface with intuitive features ensures that your team can quickly learn the system and adopt it without a steep learning curve. Look for software that offers simple navigation, clean design, and easy-to-use time-tracking features.

5. Accurate Tracking
Accuracy in time tracking is crucial for payroll, billing, and project management. Whether the tool relies on manual input, automatic timers, or project-based tracking, it’s important that every second of work is logged correctly. Some software offers advanced tracking features like activity monitoring, screenshots, and idle time detection, ensuring employees’ logged hours are productive.

6. Mobile Accessibility
With the rise of remote work and field employees, mobile accessibility has become a critical feature. The best time-tracking software offers mobile apps that allow workers to clock in, track hours, and manage tasks from their smartphones or tablets. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with employees who frequently work off-site.

7. Software Integrations
Integrations with other business tools, such as project management systems, payroll software, or accounting platforms, are key to ensuring a seamless workflow. Software that integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Trello, or Slack can simplify processes by automatically syncing time data, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving efficiency.

8. Pricing
Time tracking software comes with various pricing options, from free plans to enterprise-level subscriptions. When evaluating costs, consider what features you need. Basic tracking may be enough for small businesses, while larger companies may require more advanced functionalities like reporting, integrations, and invoicing. It’s important to weigh the price against the features provided and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Finding the right time-tracking software for your business is one of the best investments you could make. You no longer need to manually track your workers’ performance, as such tools offer the insights you need. All you have to do is select the one that best suits your business needs. After all, time-tracking tools have proven efficient and improved various organizations’ productivity. Plus, they have streamlined payroll processes, thus keeping employees satisfied and dedicated to delivering their best.