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.
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:
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 2026.
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.
Easy to Use
Reliable & Accurate
Multi-Device Convenience
Customer Support
Limited Self-Service Editing
Integration Limits
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.
GPS-Enabled time clock
Drag-and-Drop Scheduling
Automated Pay Rules
Geofenced Clock-Ins
Real-Time Attendance Alerts
ADP
BambooHR
Gusto
Lightspeed
NetSuite
Easy Scheduling
Simple Interface
Quick Setup
Payroll Integration
Clear Shift View
Occasional Lag
Mobile Glitches
Limited PTO Tools
Slow Support
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.
GPS & Geofence Tracking
Mobile Time Tracking
Real-Time “Who’s Working”
Payroll & Accounting Integration
Simple Time Sheets & Approvals
Gusto
BigTime
QuickBooks Time
Shopify
Square
Easy Scheduling
Easy, Intuitive Interface
Quick Setup
Bank Feeds & Reconciliation
Strong Payroll/Accounting Integrations
Invoicing & Payments Built-In
Pricey; Add-On Costs
Customer Support Issues
Learning Curve for Advanced Use
Glitches
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.
Time Clock & Tracking
Shift Scheduling Automation
Task & Checklist Workflows
Team Communication Hub
Training & Onboarding Tools
Gusto
Xero
Paychex
ADP
Wix
Easy, User-Friendly Interface
Strong Scheduling & Time Clock
Built-In Chat & Communication
All-in-One Platform (HR + ops)
Helpful Customer Support
Constant Upgrade Prompts
Pricing/Add-On Costs
Steep Learning Curve (at start)
Occasional Glitches or Lags
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Beebole keeps time tracking refreshingly simple. Its clean, intuitive interface makes it easy for teams to log hours accurately from anywhere, helping project managers spend less time chasing updates and more time using real data to guide decisions.
Beebole's flexibility is one of its biggest strengths. Beebole adapts to any workflow, letting managers customize projects, roles, multiple billing rates, and approvals. With fully configurable dashboards and reports, teams always have the exact insights they need—whether that’s cost trends, billable vs. non-billable hours, budget status, capacity, or overall project health.
For project managers focused on controlling costs and improving profitability, Beebole provides clear, actionable visibility. Its detailed tracking and customizable reporting make it easy to spot risks early, measure performance against budgets, and steer projects toward stronger financial results.
Project time tracking
PTO Managment
Custom reports for project costs and profits
Billable and non-billable hours tracking
Roles, permissions, approvals
Live customer support
Free API
Microsoft 365
GoogleWorkspace
HR and payroll software via Zapier
Accurate, flexible tracking
Custom, real-time reports
Global-ready integrations
Secure, compliant platform
Flexibility can be overwhelming at first as team leaders do initial setup
Mobile app isn't as fully functional as desktop version
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.
GPS Location Tracking
Photo ID Verification
Job Cost Tracking
Rugged On-Site Clocks
Payroll System Integration
Sage
QuickBooks
Viewpoint
ADP
Procore
Easy to Use
Accurate GPS/Geofencing
Job/Cost Codes
QuickBooks Sync
Helpful Support
App Glitches/Lag
Import/Integration Issues
Limited Report Customization
Price Concerns
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.
GPS tracking & Geofencing
Job & Task Tracking
Drag-and-Drop Scheduling
Time & Attendance Tracking
Advanced Job Costing & PTO (on Pro Plan)
QuickBooks
ADP
SAGE
Xero
Zapier
Easy to Use
GPS & Geofencing
Great Support
Payroll/Job Costing
QuickBooks Sync
Higher Price Point
GPS Reliability Issues
Limited Report Customization
Sync and Integration Hiccups
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.
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:
The common thread is simple: if payroll mistakes, compliance worries, or lost hours create stress, time tracking software gives you control and clarity.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
Follow this simple process to pick a tool that fits your team and budget, without guesswork.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rolling out new software can feel disruptive, but when you introduce it clearly and support your team, payroll stops being a weekly battle.
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.
Absolutely. Mobile apps with GPS verification are common, giving both managers and employees flexibility without sacrificing accuracy.
Yes. Many systems let you assign hours to specific jobs, cost codes, or projects. This helps you see exactly where labor dollars are going.
The best tools connect directly with payroll providers like QuickBooks, ADP, and Gusto. That way, hours flow into payroll automatically—no more manual entry.
Good systems support multiple time zones. Each employee can have a default time zone, ensuring hours are accurate no matter where they clock in.
Yes. Employers can track hours as long as they follow labor laws and communicate clearly with employees. In fact, accurate records help with compliance.
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.
Most time clock apps flag missed punches. Managers can adjust them manually, and the system records who made the change for accountability.
