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 preserving tabs on hours.

It’s about creating circulate in your day, preserving 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 precise instruments can rework chaos into readability and elevate a undertaking from first rate to distinctive.

Time monitoring software program is meant to make life simpler, however that’s not all the time 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 one of the best time-tracking instruments obtainable, pushing them to their limits in real-world eventualities. I revisited a number of platforms I’d used and dove into some brand-new ones, curious how they might 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 precise software may help you’re taking again what issues most: your time.

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

Regardless of the scale of your staff or the trade your small business is in, time-tracking programs offer you insights into which duties take up many of the workday. For me, these instruments empower me with the information of learn how to be extra productive, it doesn’t matter what my to-do checklist has in retailer.

Time monitoring can be how firms report 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 break day 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 one of the best time monitoring software program

Over time, I’ve tried numerous platforms, some too primary 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 good 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 learn how to log a process or monitor a undertaking, 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 finished.
• Flexibility to match my workflow: No two days are the identical for me. Some mornings are stuffed with conferences, and different afternoons are devoted to deep inventive work. The software program I exploit should accommodate this selection. Customizable process classes, tagging programs, and retroactive time monitoring are must-haves once I overlook to hit “begin”.
• Sensible integrations: I’m not seeking to litter my tech stack. I want 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: Knowledge is all the pieces on the subject of understanding the place my time goes. I really like software program that provides clear, actionable insights by visible stories or dashboards. Whether or not it’s seeing how a lot time I’ve spent on shopper work versus admin duties or figuring out productiveness developments over weeks, reporting options are a recreation changer.
• Automation and AI: Let’s face it—handbook time monitoring isn’t all the time dependable. That’s why I really like instruments with automation, or AI options that monitor my time. Some even categorize duties or recommend changes primarily based 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 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 staff, the software program ought 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 checklist beneath additionally accommodates real person evaluations 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 stories and invoices
• Export information into an invoicing software
• Scale in response to the scale of the corporate, staff, undertaking, or particular person freelancers

I’ve had the possibility 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 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 incredible job of preserving issues organized. The customizable workflows are a standout. I might simply tailor the time-tracking columns and dashboards to match my staff’s distinctive wants, making it really feel extra like a versatile accomplice in productiveness than a inflexible software.

One other standout function 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 usually 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 sturdy, 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 staff and me.

What I dislike about monday Work Administration:

• I’ve observed occasional slowness, particularly when updating time entries or accessing information throughout busy durations. It’s not a dealbreaker, nevertheless it’s price noting if velocity is vital on your staff.
• Whereas the platform’s flexibility is a energy, it could 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 software was within the lower-tiered model!”

– monday Work Administration Assessment, Charlei H.

If you’re 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 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 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 whenever 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 have 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 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 difficulty as timesheets could be edited retrospectively, however this takes further time for managers.”

– UKG Prepared Assessment, Austin H.

ClickUp stood out to me for its versatility and performance in a single bundle. The software seamlessly integrates its time monitoring options with process and undertaking administration. Whether or not you’re managing a staff or working solo, it’s a robust solution to monitor and optimize productiveness.

ClickUp permits 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 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 enable you to establish inefficiencies, all whereas preserving the interface comparatively user-friendly. That mentioned, the preliminary setup felt slightly overwhelming, with so many customization choices to navigate.

If you happen to 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 big time funding, which might frustrate new customers.
• The free model contains 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 presents could be overwhelming, however the questionnaire initially helps. I really feel slight enhancements might be made to make onboarding simpler for brand new customers or anybody unfamiliar with the undertaking administration software program.

I believe the most important 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 effectively on cell, which could be a trouble if you might want to handle duties on the go. It’s good, however there’s room for enchancment. After all, if it is to examine whether or not duties are finished, evaluation information, 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 in depth earlier than Clickup 3.0 newest replace and overwhelming, however now extra streamlined and simpler.”

– ClickUp Assessment, Angelo T.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a time monitoring answer that integrates effectively with HR and payroll, Rippling is unquestionably price a glance. Spoiler alert: it’s a strong system with a number of bumps alongside the way in which, however general, it makes workforce administration a lot smoother. 

One in all my favourite issues about Rippling is the way it effortlessly syncs time monitoring with payroll and HR. Time entries robotically circulate into payroll with no handbook enter and no errors. This automation saves me hours and provides me peace of thoughts, understanding that my staff 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 stories is gold. I can rapidly 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 strong, superior configurations, corresponding to advanced additional time guidelines or third-party app integrations, could be difficult with out further help. 

The menu system isn’t as intuitive because it might 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 help is useful, it’s not all the time as quick as I’d like when resolving points.

What I dislike about Rippling:

• The menu system isn’t as intuitive because it might 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 help could be gradual 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 exploit MOST is the time clock. It might 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, wanting on the timecards, as an alternative of JUST displaying the time per punch, reveals the totals per DAY. That may be useful.”

– Rippling Assessment, 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 combination with time clocks is seamless, too. Punches go immediately into payroll, slicing 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 stories on additional time, labor prices, and compliance points. It’s been invaluable for managing undertaking 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 learn how to alter timecards or arrange stories took me some trial and error. Buyer help, whereas useful, has often been gradual to reply, which could be irritating whenever you’re on a good deadline.

What I dislike about Paylocity:

• I’ve encountered a number of system glitches that prompted discrepancies in punch information. It’s uncommon, nevertheless it’s irritating when it occurs.
• I felt navigating the system can generally 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 want extra coaching. Do not all the time reply in a well timed method. 

The implementation was considerably troublesome.”

– Paylocity Assessment, Invoice N.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a no-nonsense time tracker that helps you handle your work hours and staff productiveness, Hubstaff does many issues proper. However, like every software, 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 easy; 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 guaranteeing billable hours are accounted for. I additionally respect 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 strong means 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 report 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 appears like a stripped-down model of the desktop platform. I’ve tried managing duties on the go, nevertheless it’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 staff 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 generally really feel too concerned, particularly with the frequent screenshots and exercise monitoring. Whereas these options are useful for productiveness, they’ll often really feel like they add a bit of additional strain.”

– Hubstaff Assessment, Agatha C.

I first stumbled upon Connecteam whereas serving to associates 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 small business is within the development, retail, safety, healthcare, or hospitality sectors, you may enormously 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. A number of faucets and growth, 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 have been recorded appropriately. 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 make sure that nobody forgets to log their time, which was a serious situation for us earlier than. 

Nonetheless, it might positively be extra fluid. Generally, 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 dearth 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 great, however I’ve observed some lag in recognizing when my staff arrives on-site. It’s not a dealbreaker, nevertheless it might 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 just isn’t very user-friendly. 

I really feel that that is the realm that Connecteam ought to enhance, as the primary comfort of Connecteam is to permit folks to make use of the app remotely whereas they’re working remotely. So the cell model ought to be the #1 precedence, particularly if you wish to develop your membership and signal on cell companies that might profit probably the most from this product.”

– Connecteam Assessment, 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 sophisticated workflows. Logging hours is tremendous easy, and the platform gives seamless cost integration. It makes budgeting and expense planning easy.

One function I really like is the automated workflows for time monitoring. You may log hours, generate timesheets, and monitor funds hassle-free. It’s good for freelancers and distant staff who want readability on their earnings and time spent. Plus, Deel robotically syncs logged hours with cost schedules, lowering the chance of errors or missed funds.

Nonetheless, generally, the platform takes longer to load than I’d want, and the restricted customization choices for stories 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 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 information 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 a way I spend my time throughout a number of initiatives. It might 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 strong, 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 person expertise.”

– Deel Assessment, 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 really like how simple it’s to approve go away requests or view attendance information. One in all HROne’s finest options is its cell accessibility. Whether or not I’m working remotely or touring, I can handle attendance and go away approvals proper from my cellphone. It’s extremely handy and retains me linked with my staff.

I additionally respect how HROne handles worker shift administration. Assigning shifts and monitoring attendance is easy, although I do suppose this function might be much more user-friendly. 

Marking attendance can generally be glitchy, and I’ve observed the platform lags throughout peak hours, particularly throughout payroll processing. Whereas the cell app is helpful, it doesn’t provide the total vary of desktop options. I want the app had extra sturdy 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 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 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 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 Assessment, Arhant J.

The final one on this checklist is Justworks, an ideal software 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. The whole lot associated to my work hours and break day is true the place I want it.

I really like how simple it’s to clock out and in; navigating totally different options does not really feel overwhelming. Justworks streamlines time monitoring so I can concentrate on my precise work moderately than getting slowed down in administrative duties. Automated reminders for missed clock-ins and clock-outs are useful in guaranteeing correct time information and lowering the chance 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 an alternative 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 gain advantage from extra detailed reporting options. At present, the system presents primary 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 respect extra customizable choices to dig into the information I want.
• 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) obtainable, because it syncs pretty simply with the Justworks PEO. Nonetheless, I would like if the time-tracking have been totally built-in into the primary software program in order that it wasn’t obligatory to make use of two totally different web sites to mix the 2.”

– Justworks Assessment, 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 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 report 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 sometimes contains reporting to assist handle workloads and undertaking timelines. It is useful for billing and finances administration.

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

Primarily based on actual evaluations 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 obtainable. Some widespread choices embody monday Work Administration, ClickUp, Paylocity, and Toggl Observe. These free plans are nice if you happen to’re simply beginning out or managing a small staff. Certain, they’ve their limitations corresponding to fewer options or person restrictions, however they’ve helped me get a really feel for what I want with out committing to a paid plan. If you happen to’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 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 information 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 staff. 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 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 checklist into finished!