Running a business today means keeping a close eye on time. Missed punches, manual time sheets, and late payroll not only waste money but also drain your energy as a manager. Time tracking software solves this problem by providing accurate records, real-time insights, and seamless payroll integrations, all without requiring employees to be chased down or spreadsheets to be double-checked.
In this guide, I’ve reviewed the best time tracking software. Each tool was chosen based on the features that matter most: ease of use, accuracy, mobile access, integrations, and value for small and growing businesses. Whether you manage a construction crew, a remote journalism team, or a shift-based manufacturing plant, you’ll find the right fit here.
How We Evaluated the Apps
With so many time tracking apps available, it’s not enough to just look at price tags or brand names. To make this list, I focused on the features and qualities that actually matter for business owners and managers who need reliable, easy-to-use tools.
Here’s what I looked at:
- Ease of use – The software should be simple for employees to clock in and out, with minimal training required.
- Accuracy & controls – Features like GPS, geofencing, and photo verification prevent buddy punching and ensure hours are tracked correctly.
- Mobile access – A strong mobile app makes it easy for field teams, remote staff, and managers on the go.
- Scheduling & PTO – Built-in tools for shift scheduling, leave requests, and overtime alerts save hours of manual work.
- Payroll & integrations – Seamless connections to payroll and accounting platforms reduce errors and late-night math.
- Reporting & compliance – Clear, customizable reports help with labor costs, job costing, and legal record-keeping.
- Scalability & pricing – Flexible plans that grow with your business without locking you into unnecessary costs.
By weighing each app against these criteria, I narrowed down the list to six standout options that deliver the most value for small and mid-sized businesses in 2025.
The Best Time Clock Software
OnTheClock: Best for Small Business Management
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
OnTheClock is a cloud-based time tracking and workforce management platform built with small businesses in mind. It goes beyond basic punch-in/-out tools by giving owners and managers everything they need to oversee teams, simplify payroll, and stay compliant — all in one system.
Its powerful features and ease of use make it a standout option for small businesses aiming to efficiently manage their workforces. You don’t need an IT department or weeks of setup; most teams can get started in minutes. Managers gain visibility into where employees work, how hours are logged, and how and when time is assigned to specific jobs or projects. Employees benefit from mobile clock-ins with GPS, easy paid time off (PTO) requests, and clear schedules.
Unlike enterprise-focused systems that overwhelm with complexity, OnTheClock is built with simplicity in mind, aiming to help small businesses save time, reduce errors, and keep labor costs under control. It integrates with popular payroll platforms, like QuickBooks, ADP, and Gusto, so you can process wages with confidence instead of late-night math or spreadsheet headaches.
For business owners juggling multiple responsibilities, OnTheClock provides a straightforward way to manage time, scheduling, and payroll, giving you back the clarity and control you need to focus on growing your business.
Pros
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Easy to Use
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Reliable & Accurate
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Multi-Device Convenience
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Customer Support
Cons
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Limited Self-Service Editing
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Integration Limits
Pricing
- 30-day free trial available
- Plans start at $5/month base fee + $4 per user/month
Still Filling Out Time Sheets Manually?
OnTheClock tracks time for you, so you can stop filling time sheets
Deputy: Best for Shift-Based Teams
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
If you manage a shift-based team, you know the chaos that comes with last-minute schedule changes, missed punches, and payroll math that doesn’t add up. That’s where Deputy shines. It was built from the ground up for businesses that operate on shifts, such as restaurants, retail shops, health care clinics, and hospitality teams, where time tracking can’t be separated from scheduling and compliance.
Deputy goes beyond a simple time clock. It allows employees to clock in with location stamps; alerts managers when someone is late or absent; and automatically applies pay rules, such as overtime or meal breaks. At the same time, you can build and share schedules in minutes, offer open shifts, and swap staff without messy text threads. Everything flows straight into time sheets and payroll, which cuts down on after-hours spreadsheet work.
We selected Deputy for this list because it brings together three things shift-based teams struggle with most: accurate attendance, fair scheduling, and labor compliance. Instead of juggling multiple tools or hoping employees remember their shifts, Deputy gives you one system that keeps everyone on the same page and helps you avoid costly compliance mistakes. For managers who want control without micromanaging, it’s a strong fit.
Pros
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Easy Scheduling
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Simple Interface
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Quick Setup
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Payroll Integration
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Clear Shift View
Cons
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Occasional Lag
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Mobile Glitches
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Limited PTO Tools
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Slow Support
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Starts at $5 per user/month
QuickBooks Time: Best for Payroll
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
If payroll is your biggest headache, QuickBooks Time is built to take the stress out of that process. Formerly known as TSheets, this app focuses on capturing accurate hours and sending them straight into payroll without the messy manual entry that causes disputes and delays. For small businesses already using QuickBooks, it’s the most seamless option on the market.
Employees can clock in from their phones, a web browser, or a shared kiosk. The app uses GPS and geofencing to confirm where staff are working and even reminds them to clock in when they enter a job site. As a manager, you can track who’s on the clock in real time, review time sheets quickly, and export them directly to payroll with a few clicks. That level of integration is what makes QuickBooks Time stand out — it doesn’t just track hours, it finishes the job by ensuring everyone gets paid correctly and on time.
We selected QuickBooks Time as the best option for payroll-focused teams because it eliminates the gap between time tracking and payroll. You don’t have to juggle multiple systems, worry about missing hours, or chase down paper time sheets. For businesses where payroll accuracy is non-negotiable, QuickBooks Time brings confidence, compliance, and control.
Pros
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Easy Scheduling
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Easy, Intuitive Interface
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Quick Setup
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Bank Feeds & Reconciliation
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Strong Payroll/Accounting Integrations
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Invoicing & Payments Built-In
Cons
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Pricey; Add-On Costs
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Customer Support Issues
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Learning Curve for Advanced Use
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Glitches
Pricing
- Plans start at $20/month base fee + $8 per user/month
Connecteam: Best for Remote Workforces
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Managing remote workers isn’t just about tracking time; it’s about keeping everyone connected, aligned, and productive without being in the same place. That’s where Connecteam stands out. It was designed for businesses with dispersed teams that need more than a punch clock.
With Connecteam, employees can clock in from their phones, record jobs or projects, and communicate with managers all in one app. Features like GPS tracking, mobile forms, task checklists, and built-in chat help managers stay confident that work is being done, even when teams are spread across locations. It also includes scheduling and shift planning, so you don’t have to rely on group texts or spreadsheets to keep shifts covered.
We selected Connecteam as the best option for remote work because it brings everything into one hub — time tracking, communication, scheduling, and task management. That means fewer tools to juggle, less confusion for employees, and more visibility for managers. For businesses with field staff, contractors, or remote crews, Connecteam provides the structure and accountability that email and texts just can’t offer.
Pros
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Easy, User-Friendly Interface
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Strong Scheduling & Time Clock
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Built-In Chat & Communication
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All-in-One Platform (HR + ops)
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Helpful Customer Support
Cons
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Constant Upgrade Prompts
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Pricing/Add-On Costs
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Steep Learning Curve (at start)
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Occasional Glitches or Lags
Pricing
- 14-day free trial available
- Plans start at $ 29/month for the first 30 users (per module)
ClockShark: Best for Construction & Field Services
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Construction crews face a unique challenge: Most of the work happens out in the field, not behind a desk. That means tracking hours, jobs, and locations can get messy fast. ClockShark was built with this reality in mind. It’s a time tracking and scheduling app designed specifically for construction, field services, and other industries where employees are always on the move.
With ClockShark, workers clock in from their phones, and managers get accurate GPS-stamped time records. Features like geofencing, job codes, and crew scheduling make it easy to see who’s working where, what project they’re on, and how much time is being spent. Time sheets flow directly into payroll and job costing, helping contractors avoid disputes and keep projects profitable.
We selected ClockShark as the best option for construction teams because it solves the biggest pain points in the industry: missed punches, inaccurate job costing, and confusion over scheduling. By bringing time tracking, crew management, and reporting into one app, ClockShark gives construction businesses the visibility and control they need to keep projects on track and reduce wasted costs.
Pros
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Easy to Use
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GPS & Geofencing
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Great Support
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Payroll/Job Costing
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QuickBooks Sync
Cons
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Higher Price Point
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GPS Reliability Issues
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Limited Report Customization
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Sync and Integration Hiccups
Pricing
- 14-day free trial available
- Plans start at $ 29/month for the first 30 users (per module)
ExakTime: Best for Heavy-Duty Tracking
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
ExakTime is built with one thing in mind: the tough environments where construction and field crews actually work. Unlike lighter time clock apps, ExakTime thrives on heavy-duty job sites where dust, weather, and unreliable connectivity can wreck less durable systems. Its mobile and rugged hardware options are designed for outdoor use, ensuring accurate punches whether you’re in the mud, under blazing sun, or at a remote location.
What sets ExakTime apart is its strong anti-buddy-punching features, like biometric ID and photo verification. These tools make sure only the right person clocks in, saving companies thousands in labor costs over time. For contractors and construction managers, this isn’t just a convenience; it’s protection against fraud and payroll errors that can quickly eat into profits.
ExakTime is the best choice for heavy-duty industries because it combines durability with precision. The system is engineered to withstand the demands of crews in the field while still offering powerful integrations for payroll and compliance. If your team works in challenging conditions, and you need peace of mind that every punch is legitimate, ExakTime is built for you.
Pros
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Easy to Use
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Accurate GPS/Geofencing
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Job/Cost Codes
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QuickBooks Sync
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Helpful Support
Cons
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App Glitches/Lag
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Import/Integration Issues
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Limited Report Customization
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Price Concerns
Pricing
- Plans start at $9 per user/month + base fee
What Is Time Tracking Software?
Time tracking software is a digital tool that records your employees’ work hours, breaks, and overtime in one system. Instead of chasing paper time sheets or doing late-night payroll math, you can see everyone’s hours in real time. And, upon preparing payroll, everything's accurate, consistent, and ready for payroll.
At its core, time tracking software replaces outdated methods like punch clocks, spreadsheets, or handwritten notes. Employees clock in and out through a mobile app, computer, or kiosk, and the system stores all those records automatically. That means no more lost timecards, no more arguments about missing hours, and fewer mistakes when you run payroll.
Who Needs Time Tracking Software?
If you manage people who punch a clock, track shifts, or submit hours, you need time tracking software. It’s not just for big corporations—small businesses often feel the pain most when hours get lost or payroll errors pile up.
Here are a few situations where these tools make a real difference:
- Construction crews: Teams working at multiple job sites can clock in from their phones with GPS, giving you accurate records without chasing paper logs.
- Restaurants and retail: Shifts change quickly, and overtime sneaks up fast. Software keeps schedules, clock-ins, and labor costs aligned.
- Healthcare offices: Complex rotations, compliance requirements, and long hours demand precise records. A digital system cuts down on manual entry and mistakes.
- Remote and field teams: When employees work from home or on the road, mobile clock-ins ensure accountability and transparency.
- Small business owners: Even with only a handful of employees, automating hours saves you time—freeing you to run the business instead of chasing time sheets.
The common thread is simple: if payroll mistakes, compliance worries, or lost hours create stress, time tracking software gives you control and clarity.
How Time Tracking Software Works
At its simplest, time tracking software records when employees start and stop work. Instead of handing in slips of paper or sending texts about hours, your team clocks in and out through a computer, mobile app, or kiosk. The system captures the punch instantly and stores it in one place.
From there, the software does the heavy lifting:
- Centralizes hours: All records flow into a dashboard you can check anytime.
- Flags issues: Missed punches, overtime alerts, or schedule conflicts show up before payroll.
- Connects to payroll and HR tools: Time sheets can be sent directly to platforms like QuickBooks, ADP, or Gusto, cutting out manual entry.
Think of it as an automatic logbook that never forgets. Every hour is tracked, organized, and ready to use—saving you the back-and-forth of fixing mistakes at the end of the pay period.
Why Businesses Rely on Time Clock Software
Businesses turn to time clock software because it takes the uncertainty out of managing hours. When every shift, break, and overtime punch is tracked automatically, you don’t waste energy fixing errors or second-guessing payroll.
The biggest reasons companies rely on these tools include:
- Accuracy: Automatic tracking reduces mistakes that come from handwritten notes or forgotten punches.
- Compliance: Labor laws around overtime, breaks, and paid time off are easier to follow when records are precise and accessible.
- Cost control: Overtime alerts and clear reports help you spot problems before payroll gets too expensive.
- Transparency: Both managers and employees can see hours in real time, which prevents disputes and builds trust.
- Time savings: Less time spent chasing time sheets means more time to focus on running the business.
In short, time clock software creates consistency. Whether you manage five employees or fifty, it gives you confidence that every hour is recorded fairly and payroll is always backed by clean data.
Key Features Time Clock Software Should Have
Not every time clock app is built the same. The best tools share a set of features that make tracking hours reliable, compliant, and easy for everyone on your team. When you’re comparing options, here are the features that matter most:
- Mobile and GPS clock-ins: Let employees punch in from their phones while confirming they’re at the right location. Essential for crews working off-site.
- PTO and leave tracking: Requests, approvals, and balances all live in one place, so you don’t juggle emails or calendars.
- Overtime alerts: Real-time notifications help you spot labor costs before they spiral.
- Job and project tracking: Assign hours to a project or cost code to see where your budget is going.
- Photo or biometric verification: Stops buddy punching by confirming the right person is clocking in.
- Payroll and HR integrations: Clean data flows directly into payroll systems like ADP, QuickBooks, or Gusto, cutting out double entry.
- Reports and dashboards: Instant summaries of hours, overtime, or costs give managers the visibility they need.
Strong features don’t just make the software useful—they make it trusted. When the system handles compliance, accuracy, and accountability for you, it becomes the backbone of your payroll process.
How to Choose the Time Clock App for Your Business
Follow this simple process to pick a tool that fits your team and budget, without guesswork.
Step 1: Set Your Goals and Constraints
Start by defining what you need the software to achieve. Are you trying to cut payroll errors, prevent buddy punching, or track labor costs by project? Be clear about your main goal. Then, outline your limits—like budget, the devices your team uses, or how quickly you need it running. These boundaries help you filter options early and avoid wasting time on tools that don’t fit.
Step 2: Map Your Team and Work Patterns
Think about how your employees actually work. Do you manage one location or several? Do shifts change daily, or are they consistent? Are some workers remote, while others clock in on-site? Understanding these patterns ensures you choose a system that fits reality instead of forcing your team to adapt to a tool.
Step 3: Separate Must-Haves from Nice-to-Haves
Create a simple checklist. Must-haves might include GPS clock-ins, PTO tracking, or payroll integration. Nice-to-haves could be things like job costing dashboards or biometric verification. This list keeps you focused on the essentials and prevents you from being swayed by flashy but unnecessary features.
Step 4: Build a Shortlist of Vendors
Narrow your options down to three to five providers that meet your goals and must-have features. Skim their pricing, device compatibility, and integrations. Cutting the list early saves you from demo fatigue and helps you compare more meaningfully.
Step 5: Test the Core Workflow
Don’t just watch a demo—simulate a real pay period. Clock in and out, approve time sheets, fix a missed punch, and run a payroll export. If those steps feel clunky during testing, they’ll be even worse when your team is using it every day.
Step 6: Verify Accuracy and Compliance
Set up your overtime, breaks, and rounding rules. Then check if the software applies them correctly. Confirm that changes are logged with an audit trail so you always know who edited what. This step ensures you won’t face compliance headaches later.
Step 7: Confirm Integrations and Data Flow
If you use payroll or HR tools, test how the time clock connects. Run a sample export and verify the data matches. Clean integration eliminates double entry and saves hours of manual work.
Step 8: Pilot With a Small Group
Start with one team or location for one to two pay periods. Track how many corrections are needed, how easily employees adapt, and how much time managers spend on approvals. Gather feedback before rolling it out company-wide.
Step 9: Calculate Total Cost and ROI
Look beyond the monthly subscription. Add up per-user fees, base fees, add-ons, and the time you’ll save on admin work. Compare those costs against the price of errors, disputes, and payroll delays. That’s your real ROI.
Step 10: Score Vendors and Make Your Decision
Use a simple scorecard. Rate each tool on ease of use, features, integrations, support, security, and price. Weight the categories based on what matters most to your business. The highest total is usually the best choice.
Step 11: Plan Rollout and Training
Once you choose, prepare your team. Write a short policy, schedule a quick training session, and explain why the change helps everyone—accurate hours mean fair pay and fewer disputes. End with a clear go-live date so everyone knows when the new system starts.
Tips for Implementing Time Clock Software Successfully
The best time clock tool won’t help if your team doesn’t use it correctly. Success comes from more than just turning it on—you need a plan that gets everyone on board.
- Explain the “why” upfront: Show employees this is about accuracy and fairness, not surveillance. Clean records mean fewer disputes and faster paychecks.
- Keep training simple: A quick demo on clocking in, requesting PTO, and fixing punches is usually enough.
- Start small with a pilot group: Test with one team first, gather feedback, and adjust.
- Check reports early: Review hours and overtime closely during the first cycles to catch issues.
- Address resistance quickly: Coach employees who struggle early to prevent long-term problems.
Rolling out new software can feel disruptive, but when you introduce it clearly and support your team, payroll stops being a weekly battle.
Conclusion: Why the Right Time Clock Pays Off
Choosing the right time clock isn’t about adding another piece of software—it’s about removing daily headaches. With accurate records, clear overtime alerts, and built-in compliance, payroll stops being a guessing game and becomes a smooth, predictable process.
For employees, it means fair pay and transparent hours. For managers, it means less time fixing mistakes and more time leading the team. And for business owners, it means lower costs, fewer disputes, and peace of mind knowing every hour is accounted for.
When a tool saves time, builds trust, and keeps payroll clean, it quickly pays for itself. That’s why the right time clock becomes more than a system—it becomes part of how your business runs confidently every week.
Frequently asked questions
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Absolutely. Mobile apps with GPS verification are common, giving both managers and employees flexibility without sacrificing accuracy.
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Yes. Many systems let you assign hours to specific jobs, cost codes, or projects. This helps you see exactly where labor dollars are going.
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The best tools connect directly with payroll providers like QuickBooks, ADP, and Gusto. That way, hours flow into payroll automatically—no more manual entry.
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Good systems support multiple time zones. Each employee can have a default time zone, ensuring hours are accurate no matter where they clock in.
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Yes. Employers can track hours as long as they follow labor laws and communicate clearly with employees. In fact, accurate records help with compliance.
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Pricing depends on team size and features. Most providers charge a base fee plus a per-user fee, usually ranging from $2–$6 per employee per month.
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Most time clock apps flag missed punches. Managers can adjust them manually, and the system records who made the change for accountability.
