Quick Overview
- 1#1: Harvest - Tracks time, manages expenses, and generates invoices specifically for consultants and agencies.
- 2#2: Toggl Track - Provides precise time tracking with detailed reports and integrations for consultant billing.
- 3#3: Clockify - Free unlimited time tracking and timesheets for consultants and teams with unlimited users.
- 4#4: FreshBooks - Combines time tracking with invoicing and accounting tailored for freelance consultants.
- 5#5: Everhour - Time tracking, budgeting, and scheduling integrated with project tools for consulting teams.
- 6#6: Paymo - All-in-one time tracking, task management, and invoicing for consultants and small agencies.
- 7#7: Timely - Automatic AI-powered time tracking that captures billable hours across apps for consultants.
- 8#8: Hubstaff - Robust time tracking with GPS, screenshots, and payroll features for remote consultants.
- 9#9: QuickBooks Time - Mobile time tracking and scheduling that integrates with QuickBooks for consultant payroll.
- 10#10: TimeCamp - Automatic time tracking with productivity insights and invoicing for consultants.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key factors like feature relevance (billable hour tracking, invoicing), usability, integration potential, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring they align with the practical demands of consulting professionals.
Comparison Table
Effective time tracking is critical for consultants to manage projects, bill clients accurately, and boost productivity. This comparison table explores top tools like Harvest, Toggl Track, Clockify, FreshBooks, Everhour, and more, outlining key features, usability, and cost to help readers find the best fit. By reviewing this guide, users can streamline their workflow and make informed choices to enhance business success.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvest Tracks time, manages expenses, and generates invoices specifically for consultants and agencies. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Toggl Track Provides precise time tracking with detailed reports and integrations for consultant billing. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 3 | Clockify Free unlimited time tracking and timesheets for consultants and teams with unlimited users. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | FreshBooks Combines time tracking with invoicing and accounting tailored for freelance consultants. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Everhour Time tracking, budgeting, and scheduling integrated with project tools for consulting teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Paymo All-in-one time tracking, task management, and invoicing for consultants and small agencies. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Timely Automatic AI-powered time tracking that captures billable hours across apps for consultants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Hubstaff Robust time tracking with GPS, screenshots, and payroll features for remote consultants. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | QuickBooks Time Mobile time tracking and scheduling that integrates with QuickBooks for consultant payroll. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | TimeCamp Automatic time tracking with productivity insights and invoicing for consultants. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
Tracks time, manages expenses, and generates invoices specifically for consultants and agencies.
Provides precise time tracking with detailed reports and integrations for consultant billing.
Free unlimited time tracking and timesheets for consultants and teams with unlimited users.
Combines time tracking with invoicing and accounting tailored for freelance consultants.
Time tracking, budgeting, and scheduling integrated with project tools for consulting teams.
All-in-one time tracking, task management, and invoicing for consultants and small agencies.
Automatic AI-powered time tracking that captures billable hours across apps for consultants.
Robust time tracking with GPS, screenshots, and payroll features for remote consultants.
Mobile time tracking and scheduling that integrates with QuickBooks for consultant payroll.
Automatic time tracking with productivity insights and invoicing for consultants.
Harvest
specializedTracks time, manages expenses, and generates invoices specifically for consultants and agencies.
The intelligent timer that runs unobtrusively in the background, auto-fills recent projects, and provides one-click time entry for maximum accuracy with minimal effort.
Harvest is a leading time tracking software designed for consultants, freelancers, and agencies to effortlessly log billable hours on projects using its intuitive desktop timer, mobile app, and browser extension. It combines time tracking with invoicing, expense management, and customizable reporting to streamline billing and profitability analysis. With seamless integrations to tools like Asana, QuickBooks, and Slack, it ensures accurate client reporting and team collaboration.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive timer with auto-tracking and project suggestions for quick entry
- Robust invoicing and reporting tools tailored for billable consultant work
- Extensive integrations with PM tools and accounting software
Cons
- Limited built-in task management (relies on integrations)
- Per-user pricing can become costly for larger teams
- Offline mode lacks full syncing capabilities
Best For
Freelance consultants and small-to-medium agencies needing simple, accurate time tracking tied directly to invoicing and client reports.
Pricing
Free for solopreneurs (up to 1 user, 2 projects); Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) with unlimited projects and advanced features; Enterprise custom pricing.
Toggl Track
specializedProvides precise time tracking with detailed reports and integrations for consultant billing.
One-click timer with idle detection and Pomodoro support for effortless, precise time capture
Toggl Track is a highly intuitive time tracking tool tailored for consultants, freelancers, and teams to effortlessly log hours on client projects, tasks, and billable work via a one-click timer or manual entry. It provides robust reporting features including profitability analysis, timesheets, and customizable dashboards to help optimize billing and productivity. With seamless integrations to tools like Asana, QuickBooks, and Google Workspace, it streamlines workflows for accurate invoicing and client management.
Pros
- Exceptionally simple one-click timer and mobile app for on-the-go tracking
- Comprehensive reports with profitability insights and export options
- Extensive integrations with PM tools, calendars, and accounting software
Cons
- Advanced profitability and team features locked behind Premium plan
- No native invoicing (relies on integrations)
- Limited automation in free tier for complex consultant workflows
Best For
Freelance consultants and small agencies seeking dead-simple, accurate time tracking for client billing and profitability analysis.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Starter $9/user/mo (billed annually); Premium $18/user/mo; Enterprise custom.
Clockify
specializedFree unlimited time tracking and timesheets for consultants and teams with unlimited users.
100% free plan with no limits on tracked time, users, or projects
Clockify is a user-friendly time tracking application designed for tracking billable hours across projects and clients via a simple timer or manual entry. It provides detailed reports, customizable categories, and export options ideal for consultants managing multiple engagements. With integrations to tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and QuickBooks, it supports seamless workflow for solo practitioners and small teams.
Pros
- Generous free plan with unlimited users, projects, and time tracking
- Intuitive one-click timer and straightforward manual entry
- Robust reporting and export capabilities for billing and analysis
Cons
- Advanced features like unlimited invoicing and expenses require Pro plan
- Interface can feel basic and less polished than premium competitors
- Limited built-in client collaboration tools
Best For
Freelance consultants and small agencies needing cost-effective, unlimited time tracking for client billing without complex setups.
Pricing
Free unlimited plan; Pro $3.99/user/month; Business $5.99/user/month (billed annually).
FreshBooks
enterpriseCombines time tracking with invoicing and accounting tailored for freelance consultants.
Seamless one-click conversion of time entries into customizable invoices
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform with integrated time tracking designed for freelancers, consultants, and small businesses. It allows users to track time using a simple start/stop timer, manual entry, or mobile app, and assign hours to specific projects or clients. Time entries can be easily converted into invoices, with reporting on billable hours and productivity. While versatile for overall business management, its time tracking shines in seamless billing workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive timer and manual time entry with project/client assignment
- Direct conversion of tracked time to professional invoices
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go time logging and approvals
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to dedicated time trackers
- Pricing scales with clients/bills, which may feel high for time tracking alone
- No robust team collaboration features like scheduling or GPS tracking
Best For
Freelance consultants and solo practitioners who need straightforward time tracking tightly integrated with invoicing and basic accounting.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited); billed annually for 50% off first 6 months.
Everhour
specializedTime tracking, budgeting, and scheduling integrated with project tools for consulting teams.
Visual timeline and auto-task population from PM integrations for precise, context-aware time entry
Everhour is a robust time tracking and project management solution that integrates seamlessly with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, and Monday.com, allowing consultants to log time directly against tasks without switching apps. It offers features like visual timelines, time budgets, workload forecasting, and profitability reports to help track billable hours accurately. Additionally, it supports invoicing, QuickBooks integration, and detailed analytics for client billing and project oversight.
Pros
- Deep, native integrations with popular PM tools for effortless time tracking
- Advanced budgeting, forecasting, and profitability reporting
- Invoicing capabilities with QuickBooks and Xero sync
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to integrated time tracking
- Team-oriented pricing less ideal for solo consultants
- Limited standalone features without PM tool integrations
Best For
Consulting teams and agencies using Asana, Jira, or similar tools who need integrated time tracking for billable hours and project profitability.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Team plan at $10/user/month (annual billing), Business at $20/user/month with advanced features.
Paymo
specializedAll-in-one time tracking, task management, and invoicing for consultants and small agencies.
Desktop Time@Work app with rule-based automatic time tracking and offline synchronization
Paymo is an all-in-one work management platform tailored for teams and freelancers, offering robust time tracking, task management, resource scheduling, and invoicing capabilities. Consultants can log time via web, mobile, or desktop apps, generate detailed reports for billing and productivity analysis, and automate invoicing based on tracked hours. It integrates project planning with time tracking to provide a comprehensive view of client work and team utilization.
Pros
- Precise time tracking with desktop app supporting offline mode and automatic timers
- Seamless invoicing and expense tracking directly from timesheets
- Advanced reporting with profitability insights and client-specific breakdowns
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered for users focused solely on time tracking
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive project management features
- Advanced reporting and scheduling locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Freelance consultants and small agencies seeking an integrated solution for time tracking, project management, and client billing.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; paid plans start at $9.95/user/month (Starter, billed annually) up to $29.95/user/month (Business plan).
Timely
specializedAutomatic AI-powered time tracking that captures billable hours across apps for consultants.
AI-powered Memory timeline that automatically tracks and categorizes your entire workday
Timely is an AI-powered time tracking software designed for automatic capture of work hours without manual timers, using its Memory feature to create a visual timeline of your day. It excels in categorizing time entries, tracking project profitability, and generating detailed reports for billing and insights. Perfect for consultants who need accurate time data for client invoicing and performance analysis.
Pros
- Seamless automatic time tracking with AI Memory for effortless logging
- Robust reporting and profitability insights for consultants
- Strong integrations with tools like Asana, Jira, and QuickBooks
Cons
- Desktop app required for full automatic tracking functionality
- Limited customization in free plan and basic reporting tiers
- Pricing scales per user, which can be costly for larger consulting teams
Best For
Freelance consultants and small agencies who prioritize automatic, non-intrusive time tracking to ensure accurate billable hours without manual effort.
Pricing
Free for solo users; Starter at $10/user/month, Unlimited at $20/user/month, Premium at $28/user/month (billed annually).
Hubstaff
enterpriseRobust time tracking with GPS, screenshots, and payroll features for remote consultants.
Automated screenshots and keystroke/mouse activity tracking for indisputable proof of work
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and productivity monitoring software designed for remote teams and consultants, offering automatic time tracking, activity monitoring via screenshots, and GPS location services. It enables precise billable hour logging, project management, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks for invoicing and payroll. Consultants benefit from detailed reports and proof-of-work features to justify time spent to clients.
Pros
- Comprehensive tracking with screenshots, activity levels, and GPS for verifiable billable hours
- Seamless integrations with payroll, invoicing, and project tools like Asana and Trello
- Customizable reports and client dashboards for transparent billing
Cons
- Screenshots and monitoring can raise privacy concerns for some users
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Pricing scales per user, which can get expensive for solo consultants
Best For
Consultants with remote teams or those needing detailed proof-of-work documentation for client billing.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Starter, annual billing) up to $20/user/month (Enterprise) with features like screenshots and payroll.
QuickBooks Time
enterpriseMobile time tracking and scheduling that integrates with QuickBooks for consultant payroll.
Native, real-time integration with QuickBooks Online for automatic time-to-invoice and payroll syncing
QuickBooks Time is a robust time tracking software that enables consultants to log hours via mobile app, track projects and clients, and generate detailed timesheets with GPS verification for accuracy. It excels in integrating directly with QuickBooks for seamless invoicing, payroll, and accounting, reducing manual data entry. The platform also supports scheduling, approvals, and customizable reports, making it suitable for billable hour tracking in consulting workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for automated invoicing and payroll
- GPS location tracking and geofencing for precise field time verification
- Comprehensive reporting and project/client tracking for billable hours
Cons
- Pricing includes a base fee that adds up for solo consultants
- Steeper learning curve for advanced scheduling and reporting features
- Limited free tier options compared to competitors
Best For
Consultants and small teams already using QuickBooks who need GPS-accurate time tracking tied directly to accounting and invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month base fee + $20/user/month (Premium, monthly billing); Elite at $40/user/month + base; annual discounts and free for select QuickBooks Payroll users.
TimeCamp
specializedAutomatic time tracking with productivity insights and invoicing for consultants.
AI-powered automatic time tracking that logs activities across apps without manual timers
TimeCamp is a versatile time tracking software tailored for consultants, freelancers, and teams, offering automatic time capture via desktop activity monitoring and keyword-based tracking. It includes project management, invoicing, detailed reporting, and productivity analytics to help bill clients accurately and optimize workflows. With integrations for tools like Google Workspace, QuickBooks, and Jira, it streamlines consultant operations from time entry to payment.
Pros
- Automatic AI-driven time tracking minimizes manual entry
- Comprehensive invoicing and client reporting tools
- Generous free plan with unlimited tracking for solo users
Cons
- Advanced productivity monitoring raises privacy concerns
- Interface can feel cluttered for simple time-only needs
- Some integrations and custom reports limited to premium tiers
Best For
Solo consultants or small agencies seeking automated billable hour tracking with built-in invoicing and project oversight.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited basic tracking; Pro at $7.99/user/month and Ultimate at $12.99/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
Among the top consultant time tracking tools, Harvest leads with its specialized focus on consultants and agencies, while Toggl Track impresses with precise reporting and Clockify offers free, unlimited use—each catering to different needs. Harvest stands out as the top choice, balancing functionality and ease, making it ideal for many consulting workflows.
Take the first step toward more efficient project management and billing by trying Harvest, the leading tool for consultants looking to streamline their processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison