Tired of chasing timesheets at the end of every pay period? An employee clocks in late. Another forgets to log hours. Someone swaps shifts without telling anyone. By Friday, payroll is a mess.
Time and attendance tracking software handles all of it automatically. Clock-ins, overtime, PTO, payroll sync- done without a single spreadsheet.
We tested the most popular tools on the market, ran them through real workforce scenarios, and ranked every option so the right choice is easy to spot.
This blog covers the best tools for businesses of all sizes, from small teams to large enterprises. Keep reading. The payroll headaches stop here.
What is Time and Attendance Tracking Software?
Time and attendance software records when employees start work, stop work, take breaks, and request time off. It replaces paper timesheets, manual punch cards, and messy spreadsheets.
There are three main types:
- Time Tracking Software: Logs hours worked per employee, project, or client. Built for freelancers, agencies, and remote teams who bill by the hour or manage project budgets.
- Attendance Management Software: Tracks who showed up, who didn’t, and who was late. Flags absences, manages PTO balances, and maintains clean records for compliance.
- Workforce Management Platforms: A full package: scheduling, time tracking, attendance, payroll sync, and HR tools all in one place. Built for mid-sized and large businesses.
Each type solves a different problem. But they all save one thing: time. Businesses that use automated time tracking report saving up to 4 hours per week per manager on manual timesheet processing alone.
Best Time and Attendance Tracking Software
Today’s platforms automate payroll, flag overtime violations, track GPS locations, and sync with HR tools in real time. These are the best options available right now.
1. Clockify
Clockify is the most widely used free time tracking tool in the world. It tracks hours across projects and users without a time limit and without a monthly bill.
Best for: Freelancers, small teams, and agencies tracking billable hours
Key Features:
- Unlimited time tracking for unlimited users on the free plan
- Timesheet management and project budgeting
- GPS tracking and kiosk clock-in
- Screenshot monitoring for remote teams
- Payroll and invoicing reports
- 80+ integrations, including QuickBooks and Asana
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free for unlimited users | Advanced features locked behind paid plans |
| Simple and fast to set up | No automated payroll on the free tier |
| Strong reporting tools | Screenshot monitoring can feel invasive |
Pricing: Free forever plan available. Paid plans start at $4.99/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.8/5; The best free time tracking tool on the market. Hard to beat for small teams that need reliable hour tracking without spending a cent.
2. Toggl Track
Toggl Track is built for speed. It focuses on a clean, fast experience that gets out of the way and lets people track time without friction.
Best for: Freelancers, consultants, and teams that prioritize ease of use
Key Features:
- One-click time tracking
- Detailed reporting and revenue tracking
- Team scheduling and workload views
- No screenshots or invasive monitoring
- Integrates with 100+ tools, including Asana, Jira, and Slack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest daily tracking experience available | No GPS or screenshot monitoring |
| Clean and simple interface | Paid plans are pricier than Clockify |
| Great mobile app | Limited attendance management features |
Pricing: Free plan for up to 5 users. Paid plans start at $10/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.7/5; The go-to tool for teams that want fast, clean time tracking without any surveillance features.
3. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is built for remote and field teams that need more than just hour logs. It tracks GPS locations, monitors productivity, and syncs directly with payroll.
Best for: Remote teams, field workers, and businesses that need activity-level visibility
Key Features:
- GPS tracking and geofencing
- Screenshot and activity monitoring
- Automated payroll via Hubstaff Pay
- Project budgeting and cost tracking
- Integrates with QuickBooks, Gusto, ADP, and BambooHR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best GPS and location tracking available | Screenshots can feel intrusive for some teams |
| Automated payroll built in | Not ideal for office-only teams |
| Strong integrations | Steeper learning curve than simpler tools |
Pricing: Free plan for 1 user. Paid plans start at $4.99/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.6/5; The strongest tool for remote and field-based teams that need accurate location-based time tracking plus payroll.
4. Homebase
Homebase is built for small businesses with hourly workers. It handles scheduling, time tracking, and team communication in one app, and the free plan is genuinely useful.
Best for: Restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses with shift-based staff
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop shift scheduling
- Time clock with GPS and photo verification
- Automatic overtime alerts
- Team messaging
- Free plan for up to 10 employees at one location
- Payroll integrations with Gusto and QuickBooks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very generous free plan | The free plan is single-location only |
| Built-in scheduling and messaging | Not designed for remote or desk-based teams |
| Easy for non-technical managers | Reporting is limited on lower tiers |
Pricing: Free for up to 10 employees at 1 location. Paid plans start at $25/month/location.
Our Verdict: 4.6/5; The best time and attendance tool for small, shift-based businesses. The free plan alone covers everything most small teams need.
5. Deputy
Deputy combines workforce scheduling with time and attendance tracking. It’s especially strong for businesses that need to stay compliant with labor laws across multiple locations.
Best for: Multi-location businesses in retail, healthcare, and hospitality
Key Features:
- AI-powered demand forecasting for auto-scheduling
- Compliance tools for meal breaks and overtime
- GPS clock-in and facial recognition
- Integrates with 300+ payroll and POS providers
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best compliance tools in its class | Not a full HR platform |
| Demand forecasting saves scheduling time | Can get pricey for larger teams |
| 300+ integrations | Setup takes time for complex rosters |
Pricing: Free trial available. Paid plans start at $4.50/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5; The top choice for multi-location businesses that need airtight scheduling, compliance, and attendance in one place.
6. QuickBooks Time
QuickBooks Time is the natural choice for businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting or payroll. Approved hours sync directly; no manual exports needed.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses already in the QuickBooks ecosystem
Key Features:
- Direct sync with QuickBooks payroll and invoicing
- GPS tracking and mobile clock-in
- Job costing and project time allocation
- Overtime and PTO tracking
- Kiosk mode for shared devices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tightest QuickBooks integration available | Requires a QuickBooks account to use |
| Strong mobile app | Expensive compared to standalone tools |
| Accurate GPS tracking | Not ideal outside the QuickBooks ecosystem |
Pricing: Paid plans start at a $20/month base fee + $10/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5; The smartest pick for QuickBooks users who want time tracking and payroll in one seamless workflow.
7. Rippling
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce platform that connects HR, payroll, IT, and time tracking on a single employee record. Change one detail and everything updates automatically.
Best for: Growing mid-sized businesses that want HR, payroll, and time tracking unified
Key Features:
- Time and attendance with automatic payroll sync
- Compliance management across multiple states
- App and device provisioning for new hires
- Custom workflows and automation
- Integrates with 500+ tools
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Everything syncs from one employee record | Pricing adds up quickly with multiple modules |
| Extremely powerful automation | Steeper setup than simpler tools |
| Scales well as the business grows | Overkill for very small teams |
Pricing: Starts at $8/user/month for the core platform. Full packages typically run $15–$25/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.7/5; The most powerful all-in-one platform for growing businesses that are done managing HR, payroll, and time tracking in three separate tools.
8. Connecteam
Connecteam is a mobile-first platform built for deskless and frontline workers. Everything runs through the app: scheduling, time tracking, task management, and team messaging.
Best for: Construction, hospitality, retail, and any team without a fixed desk
Key Features:
- Mobile-first time clock with GPS
- Custom scheduling templates
- Task management and checklists
- In-app team messaging
- Free forever plan for up to 10 users
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best mobile experience for frontline teams | The desktop experience is less polished |
| All-in-one operations platform | Can feel like too much for simple needs |
| Free forever for small teams | Limited features on the free plan |
Pricing: Free forever for up to 10 users. Paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users.
Our Verdict: 4.6/5; The best time and attendance platform for managing frontline and deskless teams entirely from a mobile device.
9. OnTheClock
OnTheClock does a few things very well: clock-ins, overtime, PTO, and payroll exports. No bloat, no steep learning curve, and no big monthly bill.
Best for: Small businesses that want reliable basics at a low price
Key Features:
- Web, mobile, and kiosk clock-in options
- GPS tracking and PTO management
- Overtime calculation
- Payroll integrations
- Free for up to 2 employees
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free for up to 2 users | The interface feels dated |
| Very affordable for small teams | Limited advanced features |
| Easy to set up and use | Fewer integrations than competitors |
Pricing: Free for up to 2 employees. Paid plans start at $ 3 per user per month.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; The most affordable option for small teams that just need reliable clock-ins, overtime tracking, and clean payroll exports.
10. BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR platform with built-in time and attendance tools. It’s best for teams that care as much about people management as they do about tracking hours.
Best for: HR teams at small to mid-sized companies focused on people operations
Key Features:
- Time tracking and PTO management
- Absence calendar and visual leave overview
- Performance reviews and goal tracking
- Employee self-service portal
- Integrates with payroll, ATS, and benefits tools
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong HR and people features | Time tracking is not as deep as dedicated tools |
| Clean and easy to use | No advanced scheduling or shift management |
| Great employee self-service | Pricing not publicly listed |
Pricing: Custom pricing based on team size. Contact BambooHR for a quote.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5; The best option for HR-first teams who want time tracking built into a broader people management platform.
Here are the 11 new tools to add to the existing 10. Drop these in as entries 11 through 21 in the blog:
11. Jibble
Jibble is one of the few free tools that packs facial recognition and geofencing into its core plan. It’s a strong pick for teams that need to prevent time fraud without buying extra hardware.
Best for: Teams of all sizes looking for a feature-rich free attendance tool
Key Features:
- Facial recognition clock-in on any device
- GPS tracking and geofencing
- Offline tracking with automatic sync
- Kiosk mode using existing mobile devices
- Productivity monitoring with screenshot capture
- Open API on all plans
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Facial recognition available on the free plan | Reporting less advanced than enterprise tools |
| Hardware-free kiosk setup | Limited payroll integrations on the free tier |
| Strong anti-buddy-punching controls | Not built for complex scheduling |
Pricing: Free for unlimited users. Paid plans start at $2.49/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.6/5; The best free attendance tool for teams that need facial recognition and fraud prevention without spending on extra hardware.
12. Buddy Punch
Buddy Punch gives managers multiple clock-in options: PIN, QR code, facial recognition, or password. It’s flexible, easy to set up, and built to keep payroll clean.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses that need flexible clock-in options
Key Features:
- Clock in via PIN, QR code, facial recognition, or password
- GPS tracking and job code management
- Overtime and break automation
- Real-time attendance dashboard
- Integrates with QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and Gusto
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple clock-in methods in one tool | Base fee on top of per-user pricing |
| Easy for employees to use from day one | Not ideal for large enterprise teams |
| Strong payroll integrations | Limited advanced reporting |
Pricing: Paid plans start at $3.99/user/month + $19 base fee/month.
Our Verdict: 4.5/5; A reliable, flexible time clock for small businesses that want multiple punch options and clean payroll exports without a complicated setup.
13. When I Work
When I Work combines employee scheduling with built-in time tracking and team messaging. Managers build schedules and staff respond, all inside the same app.
Best for: Restaurants, retail, and healthcare businesses managing hourly workers
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop shift builder
- Photo clock-in to prevent buddy punching
- GPS-verified time clock
- Shift swap and coverage requests
- Team messaging and announcements
- Payroll integrations
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Photo clock-in reduces time theft | No free plan for teams |
| Scheduling and time tracking in one app | Seats must be purchased in groups of five |
| Clean mobile app | Limited job and task tracking |
Pricing: Scheduling starts at $2.50/user/month. Time and attendance add-on starts at $4/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; A solid all-in-one tool for shift-based businesses that need scheduling, time tracking, and team communication without switching between apps.
14. ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is one of the most established HR platforms on the market. It connects time and attendance, payroll, benefits, and compliance inside a single system built for mid-sized businesses.
Best for: Mid-sized to large businesses with 50–1,000 employees needing full HCM
Key Features:
- Geofenced mobile clock-in
- Real-time scheduling and overtime visibility
- Automated payroll sync
- AI-powered anomaly detection in payroll
- Multi-state compliance management
- Employee self-service portal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Trusted platform with 75+ years in the market | No public pricing — requires a sales call |
| Native payroll and compliance sync | Time and attendance locked to premium tiers |
| AI-powered payroll anomaly detection | Can feel complex for smaller teams |
Pricing: Custom quote only. Estimated $19–$30/user/month depending on modules and team size.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; The most trusted enterprise-grade option for mid-sized businesses that need time tracking tightly connected to payroll and HR in one platform.
15. TimeClock Plus (TCP)
TimeClock Plus is built for growing businesses with complex scheduling and compliance needs. It offers more flexibility in plan structure than almost any competitor on this list.
Best for: Growing businesses with evolving workforce and compliance requirements
Key Features:
- Automated timekeeping with real-time exception tracking
- Overtime management and dynamic accrual forecasting
- Flexible job codes and labor tracking
- Real-time leave management
- Biometric and touchscreen time clock hardware available
- Payroll integration
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Most flexible plan structure in its class | Pricing not publicly listed |
| Scales well as business needs evolve | Setup can take time for complex rules |
| Strong leave and accrual management | Interface less modern than some competitors |
Pricing: Custom quote. Contact TCP for pricing based on team size and features.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; The top choice for businesses that need highly customizable timekeeping rules and a platform that grows with them.
16. Workyard
Workyard is built for the construction and field service industry. It combines GPS time tracking with job costing tools so managers know exactly where time and money are going.
Best for: Construction, landscaping, and field service businesses
Key Features:
- GPS time tracking with mileage logging
- Geofencing for job site clock-ins
- Job costing and cost code tracking
- Crew scheduling
- Integrates with QuickBooks, ADP, and Procore
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Purpose-built for field and construction teams | Not designed for office or desk-based teams |
| Accurate GPS and job cost reporting | Pricier than general-purpose tools |
| Strong Procore and QuickBooks integration | Fewer HR features than all-in-one platforms |
Pricing: Paid plans start at $8/user/month + $50 base fee/month.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; The best time and attendance tool for construction and field service teams that need GPS accuracy and job costing in one place.
17. Time Doctor
Time Doctor tracks not just hours but exactly how employees spend their time, including the websites visited, apps used, and screenshots captured. It’s built for businesses that manage remote teams and need productivity data alongside attendance.
Best for: Remote teams and BPO companies that need productivity visibility
Key Features:
- Automatic time tracking with idle detection
- Website and app usage monitoring
- Screenshot capture at set intervals
- Productivity ratings per employee
- Payroll integration with PayPal, Gusto, and ADP
- Detailed reporting and analytics
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deepest productivity monitoring available | Monitoring features can feel invasive |
| Works well for distributed global teams | Not ideal for in-person or field teams |
| Strong reporting and analytics | Setup and configuration take time |
Pricing: Paid plans start at $ 7 per user per month.
Our Verdict: 4.3/5; The strongest choice for remote-first businesses and BPOs that need both time tracking and detailed productivity data in one platform.
18. Sling
Sling focuses on making shift scheduling and time tracking simple for hourly workforces. It also includes labor cost forecasting tools, which most tools at this price point skip entirely.
Best for: Restaurants, hotels, and retail businesses managing complex shift schedules
Key Features:
- Shift scheduling with conflict alerts
- Time clock with GPS verification
- Labor cost forecasting and budget tracking
- Team messaging and task management
- Newsfeed for company-wide announcements
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Labor cost forecasting at an affordable price | Limited payroll integrations |
| Scheduling and messaging in one app | Reporting is based on lower tiers |
| Free plan available | Some features feel underdeveloped |
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $ 2 per user per month.
Our Verdict: 4.3/5; A smart, affordable option for hospitality and retail businesses that want scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost tools without paying enterprise prices.
19. Harvest
Harvest is a time-tracking and invoicing tool built for agencies and professional services teams. Every tracked hour connects directly to project budgets, client invoices, and profitability reports.
Best for: Agencies, consultants, and professional services teams billing by the hour
Key Features:
- Time and expense tracking per project and client
- Automatic invoice generation from tracked hours
- Budget alerts when projects approach the limit
- Team capacity and workload reporting
- Integrates with Asana, Basecamp, Slack, and QuickBooks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best invoicing workflow for agencies | Not built for attendance or shift management |
| Budget alerts prevent project overruns | No free plan beyond the trial |
| Clean and fast daily tracking | Limited employee monitoring features |
Pricing: Free for 1 user, 2 projects. Paid plan at $10.80/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; The top pick for agencies and consultants that need accurate time tracking tied directly to client billing and project profitability.
20. Gusto
Gusto is a payroll-first platform with built-in time tracking. For small businesses that want to run payroll and track hours in one place, it removes the need for a separate time tool entirely.
Best for: Small businesses looking for payroll and time tracking in one tool
Key Features:
- Time tracking is synced directly with payroll
- PTO and leave management
- Employee self-service portal
- Automated tax filing and compliance
- Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and BambooHR
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Payroll and time tracking are fully unified | Time tracking is basic compared to dedicated tools |
| Easy to use for non-HR users | Not built for shift scheduling or field teams |
| Strong compliance and tax automation | Pricier than standalone time trackers |
Pricing: Paid plans start at $49/month base + $6/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.4/5; The best option for small businesses that want payroll and time tracking unified without managing two separate tools.
21. Zoho People
Zoho People is an HR platform with a built-in, solid time-and-attendance module. It’s part of the broader Zoho ecosystem, making it a natural fit for businesses already using Zoho tools.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses already invested in the Zoho ecosystem
Key Features:
- Attendance tracking with shift management
- IP and geo-based clock-in restrictions
- Leave management and accrual tracking
- Timesheet approvals and project time tracking
- Integrates with Zoho Payroll, Zoho CRM, and third-party tools
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable for the feature set | Best value only within the Zoho ecosystem |
| Strong leave and shift management | The interface feels dated compared to newer tools |
| IP-based clock-in adds security | Limited third-party integrations outside Zoho |
Pricing: Free for up to 5 users. Paid plans start at $1.50/user/month.
Our Verdict: 4.3/5; A smart, affordable pick for Zoho users who want attendance and HR tools without switching to a separate platform.
Features to Look for Before Buying Any Time and Attendance Tool
Picking the wrong software wastes money and creates more admin work. Check these seven features before committing.
- Multiple clock-in options: The software should support mobile, web browser, kiosk, and GPS clock-in. A team that works across locations needs flexible options, not just one method.
- Automated overtime and break tracking: Manual overtime calculations lead to payroll errors. Look for tools that flag overtime automatically and track paid versus unpaid breaks without extra steps.
- Payroll integration: Time data needs to flow directly into the payroll system. Without this, hours get re-entered manually, and errors follow. Check whether the integration is native or requires a third-party connector.
- PTO and absence management: A solid tool tracks vacation days, sick leave, and personal time automatically. Employees should be able to submit requests and check balances without emailing HR.
- GPS and geofencing: For field teams or multi-location businesses, GPS tracking confirms that employees clocked in at the correct location. Geofencing takes it further by automatically clocking workers in and out when they enter or leave a job site.
- Compliance tools: Labor law compliance is not optional. The software should handle state-specific overtime rules and mandatory break requirements and automatically maintain audit-ready records.
- Mobile app quality: If the mobile app is slow or hard to use, employees won’t use it consistently. Test the app before committing to a plan; a poor mobile experience leads to missed clock-ins and inaccurate data.
Conclusion
The best time and attendance software is the one that fits the team, not the one with the longest feature list.
Growing companies that want HR and payroll in one place will get the most out of Rippling or BambooHR. For freelancers and agencies tracking billable hours, Clockify and Toggl Track remain the top choices.
Stop losing hours to manual timesheets. Pick the right tool and let it handle the rest.
Which time-and-attendance tool is the team currently using or considering switching to? Drop it in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Time Tracking and Attendance Tracking Software?
Time tracking logs how long tasks or projects take. Attendance tracking records whether an employee showed up, clocked in on time, and completed their shift.
Is There a Free Time-and-Attendance Tracking Tool?
Yes. Clockify offers free unlimited time tracking for unlimited users. Homebase has a free plan for up to 10 employees. OnTheClock is free for up to 2 users.
Can Employees Clock in From Their Phones?
Yes. Most tools, including Clockify, Hubstaff, Deputy, and Connecteam, have mobile apps that let employees clock in from anywhere, with GPS verification available on most paid plans.
