Quick Overview
- 1#1: Connecteam - All-in-one employee management app with GPS time clock, scheduling, and attendance tracking for mobile and frontline teams.
- 2#2: Deputy - Employee scheduling and time tracking platform with mobile punch clock, GPS, and labor compliance features.
- 3#3: Hubstaff - Remote team time tracker with GPS location, activity monitoring, screenshots, and detailed attendance reports.
- 4#4: When I Work - Mobile scheduling and time tracking app allowing employees to clock in/out, request shifts, and track attendance.
- 5#5: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time clock, and team communication tool with geofencing for small businesses.
- 6#6: Time Doctor - Productivity and attendance tracking software with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and payroll integration.
- 7#7: BambooHR - Cloud HR platform with time off tracking, approvals, and attendance management integrated into employee records.
- 8#8: Rippling - Unified workforce platform automating HR, payroll, and time tracking with device-based attendance policies.
- 9#9: UKG Pro - Enterprise workforce management suite with biometric time clocks, scheduling, and advanced attendance analytics.
- 10#10: ADP - Comprehensive HR and payroll solution featuring time and attendance tracking with mobile check-in and compliance tools.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including feature breadth (e.g., time tracking, scheduling, and compliance support), user experience, reliability, and value across small to enterprise settings, ensuring a balanced assessment of both practicality and performance.
Comparison Table
Navigating employee attendance tracker software? Our comparison table breaks down top tools like Connecteam, Deputy, Hubstaff, When I Work, Homebase, and more. Readers will uncover each platform’s unique strengths, from scheduling flexibility to mobile accessibility, to find the best fit for their team’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecteam All-in-one employee management app with GPS time clock, scheduling, and attendance tracking for mobile and frontline teams. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Deputy Employee scheduling and time tracking platform with mobile punch clock, GPS, and labor compliance features. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Hubstaff Remote team time tracker with GPS location, activity monitoring, screenshots, and detailed attendance reports. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Mobile scheduling and time tracking app allowing employees to clock in/out, request shifts, and track attendance. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time clock, and team communication tool with geofencing for small businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | Time Doctor Productivity and attendance tracking software with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and payroll integration. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR Cloud HR platform with time off tracking, approvals, and attendance management integrated into employee records. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Rippling Unified workforce platform automating HR, payroll, and time tracking with device-based attendance policies. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | UKG Pro Enterprise workforce management suite with biometric time clocks, scheduling, and advanced attendance analytics. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | ADP Comprehensive HR and payroll solution featuring time and attendance tracking with mobile check-in and compliance tools. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
All-in-one employee management app with GPS time clock, scheduling, and attendance tracking for mobile and frontline teams.
Employee scheduling and time tracking platform with mobile punch clock, GPS, and labor compliance features.
Remote team time tracker with GPS location, activity monitoring, screenshots, and detailed attendance reports.
Mobile scheduling and time tracking app allowing employees to clock in/out, request shifts, and track attendance.
Free employee scheduling, time clock, and team communication tool with geofencing for small businesses.
Productivity and attendance tracking software with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and payroll integration.
Cloud HR platform with time off tracking, approvals, and attendance management integrated into employee records.
Unified workforce platform automating HR, payroll, and time tracking with device-based attendance policies.
Enterprise workforce management suite with biometric time clocks, scheduling, and advanced attendance analytics.
Comprehensive HR and payroll solution featuring time and attendance tracking with mobile check-in and compliance tools.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one employee management app with GPS time clock, scheduling, and attendance tracking for mobile and frontline teams.
GPS Geofencing with Photo and Facial Recognition for tamper-proof clock-ins/outs
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform with powerful attendance tracking capabilities designed for hourly and frontline workers. It features a mobile time clock app that supports GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition for accurate clock-ins and outs, preventing buddy punching. Managers can access real-time attendance data, automated timesheets, overtime alerts, and seamless payroll integrations to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Robust GPS geofencing, photo capture, and facial recognition ensure precise attendance tracking and prevent time theft
- Intuitive mobile app ideal for remote and field teams with real-time visibility and automated timesheets
- Comprehensive integrations with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto, plus scheduling tools for full workforce management
Cons
- Advanced features like facial recognition require premium plans, limiting free tier capabilities
- All-in-one platform may feel overwhelming for businesses needing only basic attendance tracking
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported in low-connectivity areas
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly, frontline, or mobile workforces seeking integrated attendance tracking, scheduling, and communication.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (Basic), scaling to $99/month for advanced features (Expert).
Deputy
specializedEmployee scheduling and time tracking platform with mobile punch clock, GPS, and labor compliance features.
GPS geofencing combined with photo capture on clock-in to verify employee location and identity accurately
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling and attendance tracking, ideal for shift-based industries. It features a mobile-first time clock with GPS geofencing and photo verification to ensure accurate clock-ins and outs, preventing buddy punching. Managers gain real-time visibility into attendance, automated timesheets, and seamless payroll integrations for compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- GPS geofencing and photo verification for secure clock-ins
- Real-time attendance dashboards and automated timesheets
- Strong integrations with payroll systems like Xero and QuickBooks
Cons
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams with premium features
- Steeper learning curve for advanced scheduling tools
- Occasional mobile app connectivity issues in low-signal areas
Best For
Medium to large shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated attendance tracking and scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually) for Essential plan; higher tiers up to $7+ for advanced features.
Hubstaff
specializedRemote team time tracker with GPS location, activity monitoring, screenshots, and detailed attendance reports.
Activity levels combined with optional periodic screenshots for verifiable proof of employee engagement and attendance.
Hubstaff is a robust employee monitoring and time tracking software designed to streamline attendance tracking, productivity monitoring, and payroll processes for remote and hybrid teams. It captures time entries via desktop, mobile, and web apps, with features like automatic screenshots, keystroke/mouse activity levels, and GPS location tracking for field workers. The platform integrates seamlessly with payroll providers, project management tools, and invoicing systems to provide comprehensive workforce insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive tracking with screenshots, activity levels, and GPS for accurate attendance verification
- Strong integrations with payroll and project tools for streamlined workflows
- Detailed reporting and productivity analytics to optimize team performance
Cons
- Privacy concerns due to invasive monitoring features like screenshots
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for full customization and reporting
Best For
Remote and distributed teams needing detailed proof of work and productivity monitoring alongside attendance tracking.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic) up to $20/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
When I Work
specializedMobile scheduling and time tracking app allowing employees to clock in/out, request shifts, and track attendance.
GPS geofencing on the mobile time clock that verifies employee location to prevent unauthorized punches and ensure compliance.
When I Work is a mobile-first platform specializing in employee scheduling and attendance tracking for hourly workforces in industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It allows managers to create flexible schedules, while employees use the app to clock in/out with GPS geofencing to prevent buddy punching and ensure accurate time tracking. Additional features include shift trading, time-off requests, and real-time attendance alerts, with integrations to payroll systems like QuickBooks and ADP.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for seamless clock-ins and schedule access
- GPS-enabled time clock with geofencing for reliable attendance tracking
- Built-in shift swapping and open shift features to reduce scheduling conflicts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
- Integrations with some payroll systems may require additional setup
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly shift workers in retail, restaurants, or services needing simple, mobile attendance tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Basic), $3/user/month (Pro), $5+/user/month (Elite); billed monthly or annually with a free trial.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time clock, and team communication tool with geofencing for small businesses.
Geofencing time clock with photo verification for location-accurate, tamper-proof attendance tracking
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses, with strong employee attendance tracking capabilities including mobile clock-in/out, geofencing, and photo verification. It integrates time tracking with scheduling, team messaging, and payroll to help managers monitor hours accurately and reduce payroll errors. The software supports multiple clock-in methods like kiosk, SMS, and web, making it flexible for hourly workers in retail, hospitality, and services.
Pros
- Generous free plan for one location and up to 20 employees
- Intuitive mobile app with geofencing and photo verification to prevent buddy punching
- Seamless integrations with payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind paid plans
- Limited scalability for businesses with multiple locations or large teams
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported in user reviews
Best For
Small businesses and hourly teams in retail or hospitality seeking affordable, mobile-first attendance tracking with basic scheduling.
Pricing
Free for one location (up to 20 employees); Essentials starts at $29.99/location/month; Premium at $49.99/location/month (billed annually).
Time Doctor
specializedProductivity and attendance tracking software with screenshots, app usage monitoring, and payroll integration.
Optional random screenshots with blur options for verifiable proof of work attendance
Time Doctor is a robust employee monitoring and time tracking platform designed to track attendance, productivity, and work hours for remote and hybrid teams. It automatically logs time via desktop apps, captures optional screenshots, monitors website and app usage, and detects idle periods to ensure accurate attendance records. The software provides detailed reports, payroll integrations, and productivity insights to help managers optimize workforce efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive attendance tracking with automatic online/offline status and idle detection
- Detailed productivity reports including screenshots and app usage analytics
- Seamless integrations with payroll tools like QuickBooks and project managers like Asana
Cons
- Privacy concerns due to screenshot and keystroke monitoring features
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customization
- Higher costs for premium plans with full attendance and monitoring capabilities
Best For
Remote and distributed teams requiring precise attendance tracking combined with productivity oversight.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Basic, billed annually) for core tracking; Standard at $9.99/user/month and Elite at $19.99/user/month for advanced features like screenshots and GPS.
BambooHR
enterpriseCloud HR platform with time off tracking, approvals, and attendance management integrated into employee records.
Integrated time tracking with automated PTO accrual and approval workflows
BambooHR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR management platform that includes time tracking and attendance features, allowing employees to clock in and out via web or mobile app, log hours, and manage PTO requests. It integrates attendance data with payroll and performance management for a unified HR experience. While not a standalone attendance tracker, it suits businesses seeking basic tracking embedded in broader HR tools.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile clock-in/out
- Seamless integration with HR, payroll, and PTO management
- Employee self-service portal for easy access
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like geofencing or biometric verification
- Higher cost for users needing only attendance tracking
- Limited customization for complex attendance reporting
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses wanting integrated HR tools with basic attendance tracking.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at about $6-12 per employee per month, billed annually.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified workforce platform automating HR, payroll, and time tracking with device-based attendance policies.
Direct payroll automation from tracked attendance data with global compliance support
Rippling is an all-in-one HR and workforce management platform that includes robust employee attendance tracking features such as mobile clock-in/out with geofencing, automated timesheets, and kiosk mode. It integrates attendance data directly with payroll, benefits, and compliance tools for streamlined operations. This makes it particularly effective for businesses seeking unified HR solutions beyond basic time tracking.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance data with payroll and HR workflows
- Advanced mobile and kiosk-based time tracking with geofencing
- Automated compliance reporting and PTO accrual management
Cons
- High cost may not suit small businesses focused only on attendance
- Steep learning curve due to the platform's comprehensive feature set
- Limited customization for standalone attendance needs
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing integrated HR, payroll, and attendance tracking in one platform.
Pricing
Core HR and time tracking starts at $8 per user/month; full platform pricing is custom and scales with features and employee count.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management suite with biometric time clocks, scheduling, and advanced attendance analytics.
AI-driven workforce analytics that predict attendance trends and optimize scheduling in real-time
UKG Pro is a robust enterprise-grade Human Capital Management (HCM) platform with advanced time and attendance tracking capabilities, enabling employees to clock in/out via mobile apps, kiosks, or web portals. It includes features like geofencing, biometric authentication, shift scheduling, and compliance with labor laws for accurate timekeeping and overtime management. The system integrates seamlessly with payroll and HR modules, providing real-time analytics and reporting to optimize workforce productivity.
Pros
- Highly customizable time tracking with geofencing and biometrics
- Deep integrations with HCM, payroll, and third-party systems
- Advanced analytics and compliance tools for large-scale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- Expensive pricing unsuitable for small businesses
- Overkill for basic attendance needs with excessive features
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring integrated HCM with sophisticated attendance and compliance tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $15-30 per employee/month for core modules, with minimums for enterprise contracts.
ADP
enterpriseComprehensive HR and payroll solution featuring time and attendance tracking with mobile check-in and compliance tools.
Automatic time-to-payroll integration that minimizes manual data entry and ensures accurate processing.
ADP offers comprehensive human capital management (HCM) software with robust time and attendance tracking features integrated into its Workforce Now platform. Employees can clock in and out via mobile apps, web portals, kiosks, or biometric devices, supporting geofencing, scheduling, and PTO management. It emphasizes compliance, real-time reporting, and seamless payroll integration for mid-to-large enterprises.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR modules
- Scalable for large organizations with advanced compliance tools
- Mobile and multi-device clocking options
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- Overkill for small businesses focused solely on attendance
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated HCM with reliable attendance tracking.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $10-25 per employee/month depending on modules and company size.
Conclusion
The review of top employee attendance trackers highlighted Connecteam as the leading choice, with its all-in-one design combining time tracking, scheduling, and management for mobile and frontline teams. Deputy and Hubstaff emerged as strong alternatives, excelling in labor compliance and remote monitoring respectively, each offering unique strengths to meet varied needs. In the end, Connecteam’s comprehensive features set it apart as the top performer.
Take the next step to streamline your team’s attendance—explore Connecteam today to unlock its full potential for efficient, hassle-free management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
