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Save time and make payroll effortless with our easy-to-use, affordable employee time tracking app.
Try It FreeChoosing a time tracking solution directly impacts payroll accuracy, workforce visibility, and the efficiency of your day-to-day operations. For businesses managing mobile crews or distributed teams, two platforms that often come up are ClockShark and OnTheClock.
Key Takeaways: ClockShark vs. OnTheClock
- ✔Choose ClockShark for field teams: ClockShark works best for construction and service businesses that need GPS tracking, job costing, and project-based labor visibility.
- ✔Choose OnTheClock for all-in-one management: OnTheClock includes time tracking, scheduling, PTO, and reporting in one subscription, with separately priced full-service payroll available alongside required time tracking.
- ✔Compare pricing as teams grow: ClockShark charges a larger base fee and per-user rate, while OnTheClock time tracking costs $5/month base plus $4 per active employee without higher-priced time tracking tiers.
- ✔Match features to business needs: ClockShark specializes in field crews and job management, while OnTheClock bundles scheduling, PTO, reporting, and location controls for businesses across industries.
Both systems allow employees to clock in through mobile apps or web browsers, while managers can review timecards, track attendance, and prepare hours for payroll processing.
Where they begin to differ is in how they approach GPS tracking, job and project management features, reporting depth, integrations, and their ability to support businesses as they grow.
Companies exploring alternatives to ClockShark are often searching for a platform that balances mobile functionality with broader workforce management needs, without being overly focused on job-site tracking. Solutions like OnTheClock deliver core features such as GPS-enabled time tracking, mobile clock-ins, and payroll integrations, while also including tools for scheduling, PTO tracking, and comprehensive reporting across multiple industries.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the strengths and limitations of both ClockShark and OnTheClock so you can determine which option best fits your business.
Quick Comparison: ClockShark vs. OnTheClock
| Category | ClockShark | BEST VALUE OnTheClock |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Construction and field service businesses | Small and mid-sized businesses across multiple industries |
| Starting Price | $42 base fee + $9.50/user/month | $4/employee/month + $5 monthly base fee |
| Feature Access | Standard includes GPS, scheduling, and job/task management; Pro adds PTO, advanced job costing controls, mileage tracking, and compliance forms. | Time tracking includes scheduling, PTO, GPS, geofencing, reporting, and payroll exports/integrations |
| GPS & Location Tracking | GPS-enabled punches, geofencing, and field crew location visibility | GPS tracking and geolocation tools |
| Payroll | No built-in full-service payroll; supported third-party exports and integrations | Separately priced full-service payroll (time tracking required) + supported payroll exports/integrations |
| Customer Support | Phone, email, and chat support | Live U.S.-based phone, chat, and email support |
| Mobile App | Designed heavily for field crews and job tracking | Mobile clock-ins and available scheduling/PTO features; access varies by role |
* Pricing reviewed November 2026. ClockShark published pricing requires a three-year contract; OnTheClock time tracking is month-to-month. Payroll and other separately priced services are excluded.
What Is ClockShark?
ClockShark is a cloud-based time tracking platform designed primarily for construction, field service, and mobile workforce businesses. The software helps companies track employee hours across job sites while improving visibility into labor costs and project progress.
Employees typically clock in using the mobile app while managers track time by job, task, or project. Standard includes GPS tracking, geofencing, job and task management, and drag-and-drop scheduling. Pro adds PTO, advanced job costing controls, compliance forms, mileage tracking, and multi-department controls.
ClockShark integrates with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and offers job-tracking capabilities that help construction or service businesses monitor labor costs more closely.
The platform generally includes two pricing tiers:
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Standard: $42 monthly base fee + $9.50 per user/month
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Pro: $63 monthly base fee + $11.50 per user/month
Both published ClockShark plans require a three-year contract. ClockShark offers strong tools for field crews, but businesses outside construction and field service may find some features more specialized than necessary.
Best for: Construction companies, contractors, and field service businesses that need job-based time tracking.
What Is OnTheClock?
OnTheClock combines time tracking, scheduling, PTO management, and reporting in a standard subscription. Separately priced full-service payroll is also available and requires OnTheClock time tracking.
Employees clock in from web browsers, mobile devices, or shared kiosks while managers monitor attendance, approve timecards, and manage schedules in real time.
More than 16,000 companies trust OnTheClock for employee time tracking and workforce management.
Unlike platforms that distribute capabilities across multiple pricing tiers, OnTheClock includes features like GPS tracking, PTO management, reporting, and payroll integrations at the base plan level.
OnTheClock full-service payroll adds $40/month base plus $6 per paid employee/month, on top of required time tracking, and has a standard one-time $250 onboarding fee. For other providers, OnTheClock supports exports and integrations with services such as QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and Gusto; transfer methods vary by provider.
Another distinguishing factor is support: OnTheClock offers live, U.S.-based phone, chat, and email support to all customers.
Best for: Small and mid-sized businesses that want a workforce management platform for time tracking, scheduling, and payroll preparation.
Stop managing your workforce across multiple tools.
OnTheClock includes time tracking, scheduling, and PTO in one standard subscription. Full-service payroll costs extra and requires OnTheClock time tracking.
Setup and Ease of Use
Both platforms are designed to help businesses begin tracking employee time quickly with minimal setup.
ClockShark
ClockShark is designed with field teams in mind. Businesses can add employees, assign job sites, and begin tracking time relatively quickly.
Employees typically clock in using the mobile app, which records their locations and associates time entries with specific jobs or tasks. Managers can then review labor reports and job costing data from the dashboard.
For companies with crews working across multiple job sites, these tools help keep project labor organized.
However, organizations that do not require job costing or field management tools may find parts of the interface more specialized than necessary.
OnTheClock
OnTheClock follows a similarly streamlined setup process but provides more operational flexibility as businesses scale.
Administrators can configure overtime rules, PTO policies, and employee roles during setup. The dashboard highlights active employees, upcoming schedules, and timecards requiring approval.
Employees can clock in on desktops, mobile devices, and shared kiosks, and access applicable schedule and PTO functions based on permissions. Managers review timecards and manage administrative workflows through the administrative platform.
Both platforms are relatively easy to learn. ClockShark focuses on construction and field workflows, while OnTheClock bundles scheduling, PTO, and reporting for a wider range of businesses.
What Are Users Saying?
The following selected customer reviews illustrate individual experiences. Displayed platform ratings and review counts are historical snapshots from the original article research, not newly verified November 2026 averages.
ClockShark
Selected ClockShark reviewers describe benefits related to GPS tracking, job costing, and mobile use, while others report frustrations.
“My employees are able to clock in and out, adjust their time, add note and pictures. I can see GPS pins of their locations 2-3 times an hour.”
— Angela D. · March 2026
"Why do I have to get 11 notifications to remember to clock in at 8 a.m? I have notifications turned off, and I clock in at 5 a.m. not 8. Very annoying. Went from four to eight now I get 11 notifications in a row!"
— Wolves of the Beyond · September 2025
"I use ClockShark every single day for work. What I really like most is the ease of use! Literally anyone can use it, there are no complicated steps, it's all just there. The access to information is so quick. I also really like how it is very mobile friendly. Our crews are able to clock in from the field, since we don't have them come to the office they clock in at a job site and being able to have them do that is amazing!"
— Samantha H. · March 2026
OnTheClock
Selected OnTheClock reviews highlight ease of use and quick employee clock-ins.
"Was very easy to log in, and it's very fast and straight to the point. I really like that I can see my hours right away."
— Korey M. · Jan. 23, 2026
"I like how simple the interface is and how convenient it is to clock in rather than walking inside to work in the morning and standing in line waiting to punch in."
— Alan M. · Feb. 28, 2026
"Simple, easy, and efficient. Exactly what I needed to keep up with payroll!"
— Tia E. · Dec. 14, 2025
Feature-By-Feature Comparison
| Feature | ClockShark | BEST VALUE OnTheClock |
|---|---|---|
| Time Tracking | Mobile and web clock-ins tied to jobs or projects | ✔ Web, mobile, and kiosk clock-ins |
| Scheduling | Crew scheduling and job assignments | ✔ Drag-and-drop employee scheduling |
| Timecards & Approvals | Job-based time tracking and approvals | ✔ Real-time timecards with overtime calculations |
| Mobile App | Designed for field workers and job tracking | ✔ Mobile clock-ins with available scheduling and PTO features; permissions vary |
| GPS & Geofencing | GPS-enabled punches, geofencing, and field location visibility | ✔ GPS tracking and geolocation tools |
| PTO Tracking | PTO included with Pro; not available on Standard | ✔ Built-in PTO tracking and accrual management |
| Payroll Integration | No in-house payroll; third-party exports/integrations vary by provider | ✔ Separate paid full-service payroll requiring time tracking; exports/integrations also supported |
| Reporting | Job costing and labor reports | ✔ Time, labor, and payroll-preparation reports; payroll-specific tools require enrollment |
| User Roles | Standard role controls | ✔ Flexible role-based permissions |
| Customer Support | Phone, chat, and email support | ✔ Live U.S.-based phone, chat, and email support |
| Pricing Model | Standard $42 + $9.50/user; Pro $63 + $11.50/user/month; three-year contract | $5/month base + $4/active employee/month for time tracking |
Both platforms support time tracking. ClockShark specializes in field-service job and task management, while OnTheClock bundles scheduling, PTO, and reporting with standard time tracking. Payroll is separately priced and requires OnTheClock time tracking.
ClockShark: Pros and Cons
Pros
- GPS tracking for field crews. ClockShark records punch locations and associates time entries with jobs or tasks; enforcement depends on settings.
- Built for field service and construction teams. The platform’s interface and reporting tools are designed specifically for businesses managing crews across job sites.
- Job costing and project tracking tools. Managers can analyze labor hours by project, helping improve cost visibility.
- Mobile-first design. The mobile app allows field employees to clock in, view schedules, and log job activity from the field.
- Integration with accounting tools. ClockShark supports payroll and accounting connections, including QuickBooks; the transfer method depends on the provider.
Cons
- Higher per-user costs and a three-year contract. Standard is $42/month plus $9.50/user; Pro is $63/month plus $11.50/user. Both list a three-year commitment.
- Pro required for several advanced features. Standard includes scheduling, GPS, and job management, but PTO, mileage tracking, advanced job costing, and multi-department tools require Pro. Payroll requires a separate provider.
- Specialized focus on field service. Companies outside of construction or service sectors may find some features overly specialized.
- Some reporting customization limitations. Advanced reporting needs may require exports or additional analysis.
OnTheClock: Pros and Cons
- All-in-one workforce management platform. OnTheClock combines time tracking, employee scheduling, PTO management, reporting, and payroll integrations into a single system that streamlines workforce operations.
- Transparent pricing with core features included. Most key tools — including GPS tracking, reporting, and PTO management — are available within the base plan, helping businesses avoid feature-based upgrades as their needs evolve.
- Easy to learn for employees and managers. The platform emphasizes straightforward employee clock-ins and gives managers tools to review timecards and schedules.
- Multiple clock-in methods, including mobile and kiosks. Employees can clock in using desktops, mobile devices, or shared kiosks. Compatible fingerprint hardware is also supported and may involve separate equipment costs.
- Live U.S.-based support available for all users. OnTheClock provides phone, chat, and email support to every customer, ensuring businesses can get help quickly during setup and ongoing operations.
Cons
- Advanced enterprise analytics are limited. While OnTheClock provides strong reporting for most small and mid-sized businesses, organizations requiring highly customized forecasting or enterprise-level analytics may need additional tools.
- Full-service payroll costs extra. Payroll requires the time tracking subscription and adds $40/month base plus $6 per paid worker/month, with a standard $250 one-time onboarding fee.
- Some automation features require manual configuration. Depending on the organization’s workflow, certain alerts, approval rules, or time policies may require additional setup to fully automate workforce processes.
Pricing Comparison
What Will You Actually Pay?
Compare published ClockShark Standard and Pro plans with OnTheClock time tracking. Payroll, onboarding, and other separately priced services are excluded. ClockShark pricing requires a three-year contract.
Pricing reviewed November 2026. ClockShark Standard: $42/month base + $9.50/user; Pro: $63/month base + $11.50/user, both with a published three-year contract. OnTheClock time tracking: $5/month base + $4/active employee, month-to-month. The 12-month view multiplies monthly estimates by 12 and does not imply annual billing or a discount. Payroll and other separately priced services are excluded.
Final Verdict
ClockShark is a strong choice for construction and field-service businesses prioritizing job-based time tracking, scheduling, and GPS punch-location visibility. Standard includes core field tools; Pro adds PTO and several advanced workforce features. Both published plans require a three-year contract.
OnTheClock can be the lower-cost choice for businesses prioritizing bundled time tracking, scheduling, PTO, reporting, and month-to-month flexibility. For 10 active employees, OnTheClock time tracking is $45/month versus ClockShark Standard at $137/month or Pro at $178/month. Full-service OnTheClock Payroll costs extra.
Choose based on your workflow: ClockShark emphasizes construction job management, while OnTheClock provides standard scheduling and PTO alongside time tracking with separately priced payroll available. Compare required features, contract terms, and any payroll costs before deciding.
Try OnTheClock time tracking free for 30 days, including scheduling, PTO, and reporting. Full-service payroll requires separate enrollment and fees. No credit card is required to start. Start your free trial at www.ontheclock.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ClockShark and OnTheClock?
ClockShark focuses heavily on job-site tracking and labor management for construction and field service companies. OnTheClock provides broader workforce management tools, including time tracking, scheduling, PTO management, reporting, and payroll integrations.
Is ClockShark good for construction companies?
Yes. ClockShark is designed specifically for construction, contracting, and field service teams that need job-based time tracking and GPS verification.
Is OnTheClock better than ClockShark?
It depends on the business. ClockShark works well for field crews and job tracking. OnTheClock may be a better fit for businesses prioritizing month-to-month time tracking with scheduling, PTO, and an available separately priced payroll service.
Does ClockShark include payroll?
ClockShark does not provide in-house full-service payroll. Businesses use an external payroll provider and supported exports or integrations, with setup and transfer methods varying by provider.
Does OnTheClock include payroll?
Yes, as a separately priced service that requires OnTheClock time tracking. Payroll adds $40/month base plus $6 per paid employee/month and a standard $250 one-time onboarding fee. Supported third-party integrations and exports also vary by provider.
Which platform is easier to use?
Both systems are relatively easy to learn. ClockShark focuses on job-site tracking for field crews, while OnTheClock supports everyday time tracking, scheduling, and PTO workflows across industries.
Does ClockShark offer GPS tracking?
Yes. ClockShark offers GPS-enabled punches and location visibility for field teams; geofence enforcement depends on configuration.
Does OnTheClock include GPS time tracking?
Yes. OnTheClock includes GPS tracking and location controls at the base plan level.
Does OnTheClock offer a free trial?
Yes. OnTheClock offers a 30-day time tracking trial with scheduling, PTO management, and reporting tools. No credit card is required. Full-service payroll requires separate enrollment and fees.
