Quick Overview
- 1#1: Deputy - Deputy offers mobile check-in/out with GPS verification, scheduling, and timesheets for efficient employee attendance tracking.
- 2#2: Connecteam - Connecteam provides a mobile app for employee check-ins, time tracking, communication, and task management in one platform.
- 3#3: Homebase - Homebase delivers free scheduling and time clock software with geofencing check-ins for small to medium teams.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Time - QuickBooks Time enables GPS-enabled mobile check-ins, timesheets, and payroll integration for accurate attendance.
- 5#5: Hubstaff - Hubstaff tracks employee check-ins with GPS, activity monitoring, and screenshots for remote and field teams.
- 6#6: When I Work - When I Work supports shift scheduling and mobile time clock check-ins with notifications for hourly workers.
- 7#7: Clockify - Clockify offers unlimited free time tracking with one-click check-ins and reporting for teams of any size.
- 8#8: Jibble - Jibble provides free facial recognition check-ins, GPS tracking, and timesheets for precise employee attendance.
- 9#9: Buddy Punch - Buddy Punch features photo and facial verification for kiosk and mobile check-ins to prevent buddy punching.
- 10#10: OnTheClock - OnTheClock delivers online time clocks with GPS check-ins, biometric options, and payroll exports for businesses.
We ranked these tools based on key factors including feature depth (check-in methods, integration capabilities, and additional utilities), usability (intuitive design, accessibility), and value (cost-effectiveness, scalability, and unique benefits like biometric security or payroll integration), ensuring optimal utility for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparison of top employee check-in software, featuring tools like Deputy, Connecteam, Homebase, QuickBooks Time, Hubstaff and more, which focus on simplifying scheduling, time tracking, and team coordination. This table outlines key features, usability, and practical benefits, guiding readers to choose the most suitable option for their business’s specific needs and scale.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy Deputy offers mobile check-in/out with GPS verification, scheduling, and timesheets for efficient employee attendance tracking. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Connecteam Connecteam provides a mobile app for employee check-ins, time tracking, communication, and task management in one platform. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Homebase delivers free scheduling and time clock software with geofencing check-ins for small to medium teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Time QuickBooks Time enables GPS-enabled mobile check-ins, timesheets, and payroll integration for accurate attendance. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Hubstaff Hubstaff tracks employee check-ins with GPS, activity monitoring, and screenshots for remote and field teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | When I Work When I Work supports shift scheduling and mobile time clock check-ins with notifications for hourly workers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Clockify Clockify offers unlimited free time tracking with one-click check-ins and reporting for teams of any size. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 8 | Jibble Jibble provides free facial recognition check-ins, GPS tracking, and timesheets for precise employee attendance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 9 | Buddy Punch Buddy Punch features photo and facial verification for kiosk and mobile check-ins to prevent buddy punching. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | OnTheClock OnTheClock delivers online time clocks with GPS check-ins, biometric options, and payroll exports for businesses. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
Deputy offers mobile check-in/out with GPS verification, scheduling, and timesheets for efficient employee attendance tracking.
Connecteam provides a mobile app for employee check-ins, time tracking, communication, and task management in one platform.
Homebase delivers free scheduling and time clock software with geofencing check-ins for small to medium teams.
QuickBooks Time enables GPS-enabled mobile check-ins, timesheets, and payroll integration for accurate attendance.
Hubstaff tracks employee check-ins with GPS, activity monitoring, and screenshots for remote and field teams.
When I Work supports shift scheduling and mobile time clock check-ins with notifications for hourly workers.
Clockify offers unlimited free time tracking with one-click check-ins and reporting for teams of any size.
Jibble provides free facial recognition check-ins, GPS tracking, and timesheets for precise employee attendance.
Buddy Punch features photo and facial verification for kiosk and mobile check-ins to prevent buddy punching.
OnTheClock delivers online time clocks with GPS check-ins, biometric options, and payroll exports for businesses.
Deputy
enterpriseDeputy offers mobile check-in/out with GPS verification, scheduling, and timesheets for efficient employee attendance tracking.
Advanced GPS geofencing combined with photo verification and dynamic compliance checklists for tamper-proof, regulation-ready check-ins
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in employee check-in solutions via its intuitive mobile app, enabling GPS-verified clock-ins/outs, photo capture, and customizable compliance checklists to ensure accurate attendance and regulatory adherence. It integrates seamlessly with scheduling and communication tools, providing real-time visibility for managers to approve shifts and monitor compliance. Perfect for shift-based industries, it minimizes buddy punching and administrative overhead while supporting multi-location operations.
Pros
- Precise GPS geofencing and photo/facial recognition prevent fraudulent check-ins
- Customizable checklists for safety, hygiene, and compliance on every shift start
- Real-time alerts, manager approvals, and seamless integration with scheduling
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced analytics and unlimited locations
- Initial setup and customization can require admin training
- Limited free plan features for larger teams
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and field services requiring secure, compliant employee check-ins with minimal administrative effort.
Pricing
Free for small teams (1 location); paid plans start at $3.50/user/month (billed annually) for Shift Ready, up to enterprise custom pricing.
Connecteam
enterpriseConnecteam provides a mobile app for employee check-ins, time tracking, communication, and task management in one platform.
Facial recognition and multi-verification time clock that minimizes buddy punching and ensures precise location-based check-ins.
Connecteam is a comprehensive mobile-first workforce management platform designed for deskless and frontline teams, with strong employee check-in capabilities via its GPS-enabled time clock app. Employees can clock in and out using geofencing, photo capture, facial recognition, and QR codes to ensure accuracy and prevent time theft. It integrates check-ins with scheduling, task checklists, and real-time communication, providing managers with detailed attendance reports and insights.
Pros
- Robust time clock with GPS geofencing, facial recognition, and photo verification for secure check-ins
- Intuitive mobile app tailored for non-desk workers with offline support
- All-in-one platform combining check-ins with scheduling, tasks, and communication
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams and advanced features require higher tiers
- Customization options can feel overwhelming for basic check-in needs
- Customer support response times vary for free/basic plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses with mobile or field-based teams needing reliable, verifiable employee check-ins integrated with daily operations.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for the first 30 users (Operations plan), with Advanced ($49/month) and Expert ($99/month) tiers adding features, billed per user/month.
Homebase
enterpriseHomebase delivers free scheduling and time clock software with geofencing check-ins for small to medium teams.
GPS geofencing combined with photo and facial recognition to verify employee location and identity during check-ins
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses, with strong employee check-in features via its mobile app. It enables GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition for accurate clock-ins and outs, minimizing time theft. The tool integrates time tracking with scheduling, communication, and payroll, streamlining operations for shift-based teams.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with GPS geofencing and photo verification for secure check-ins
- Free plan for single-location businesses with unlimited employees
- Seamless integration of time tracking with scheduling and team messaging
Cons
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid upgrades
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users during peak hours
- Limited customization options for time clock policies
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, and service businesses with hourly shift workers needing simple, affordable check-in and scheduling tools.
Pricing
Free for one location (unlimited employees); paid plans start at $29.99/month per location (billed annually) for premium features.
QuickBooks Time
enterpriseQuickBooks Time enables GPS-enabled mobile check-ins, timesheets, and payroll integration for accurate attendance.
Geofencing for automatic clock-in/out when employees enter or leave predefined job sites
QuickBooks Time is a robust time tracking and employee check-in solution that enables workers to clock in and out via a mobile app with GPS location verification and geofencing for automatic time capture at job sites. It includes features like photo verification on clock-in, timesheet approvals, scheduling, and seamless integration with QuickBooks for payroll processing. Designed primarily for mobile and field-based teams, it ensures accurate attendance tracking while minimizing time theft through location-based controls.
Pros
- Precise GPS tracking and geofencing for automatic check-ins at specific locations
- Photo capture and facial verification options to prevent buddy punching
- Deep integration with QuickBooks for streamlined payroll and invoicing
Cons
- Pricing scales per user, which can become expensive for large teams
- Less ideal for purely office-based check-ins without mobile needs
- Advanced features like unlimited GPS history require premium plans
Best For
Field service, construction, and remote teams requiring location-verified employee check-ins with accounting integration.
Pricing
Starts at $20 base/month + $8/user/month for Premium (GPS, scheduling); Elite at $10/user/month adds advanced alerts and payroll.
Hubstaff
specializedHubstaff tracks employee check-ins with GPS, activity monitoring, and screenshots for remote and field teams.
Automated screenshots and activity levels providing visual proof of employee check-ins and productivity
Hubstaff is a comprehensive time tracking and employee monitoring platform that enables check-ins through automated time tracking, activity monitoring, and attendance logging. It captures screenshots, keyboard/mouse activity, and GPS locations to verify employee presence and productivity. Ideal for remote and hybrid teams, it integrates with payroll and project management tools for seamless workflow management.
Pros
- Robust activity tracking with screenshots and app usage monitoring
- GPS and geofencing for location-based check-ins
- Strong integrations with payroll and productivity tools
Cons
- Privacy concerns from invasive monitoring features
- Steeper learning curve for advanced settings
- Higher costs for premium features in larger teams
Best For
Remote or field-based teams requiring detailed proof-of-work and location verification.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic) up to $20/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
When I Work
enterpriseWhen I Work supports shift scheduling and mobile time clock check-ins with notifications for hourly workers.
GPS geofencing combined with photo and facial recognition for tamper-proof mobile check-ins
When I Work is a versatile workforce management platform that excels in employee scheduling while offering robust check-in features via its mobile app. Employees can clock in and out with GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition (in premium plans) to ensure accurate attendance tracking and prevent buddy punching. It integrates time tracking with shift scheduling, real-time notifications, and compliance tools, making it suitable for hourly workforces. Managers gain visibility into who's on-site and can handle time-off requests seamlessly.
Pros
- GPS geofencing and photo verification for secure, fraud-proof check-ins
- Intuitive mobile app simplifies clocking in/out for employees
- Strong integration of check-ins with scheduling and shift swaps
Cons
- Core check-in features are bundled with broader scheduling tools, which may overwhelm simple needs
- Advanced verification like facial recognition requires higher-tier plans
- Reporting and customization can feel limited for complex enterprises
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services needing integrated scheduling and verified attendance tracking.
Pricing
Free for single-location teams (up to 75 users); Professional plan at $2/user/month; Elite at $3.50/user/month with advanced features.
Clockify
otherClockify offers unlimited free time tracking with one-click check-ins and reporting for teams of any size.
Kiosk mode for shared devices enabling touchless check-in/out on iPads or tablets
Clockify is a free time tracking tool that doubles as an employee check-in solution through its simple start/stop timers, manual time entries, and dedicated Kiosk mode for shared devices. It enables teams to log work hours across web, desktop, and mobile apps, with customizable projects and detailed attendance reports for payroll and productivity insights. While versatile for basic check-ins, it shines for remote and hybrid teams needing straightforward time logging without complex setup.
Pros
- Unlimited free plan for any team size with robust time tracking
- Intuitive one-click timer and Kiosk mode for quick check-ins
- Comprehensive reports and integrations with payroll tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like geofencing, biometrics, or facial recognition
- GPS tracking and screenshots require paid Pro plan
- No native shift scheduling or real-time attendance alerts
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking a simple, no-cost solution for basic employee check-ins and time tracking in remote or hybrid environments.
Pricing
Free plan for unlimited users; Pro starts at $3.99/user/month (billed annually), with Unlimited and Enterprise tiers for advanced needs.
Jibble
specializedJibble provides free facial recognition check-ins, GPS tracking, and timesheets for precise employee attendance.
Facial recognition and location selfies for tamper-proof check-ins
Jibble is a comprehensive time tracking and attendance software that allows employees to check in and out via mobile apps, web timers, desktop clients, Slack/Teams bots, or kiosks. It emphasizes secure verification with features like facial recognition, GPS geofencing, location selfies, and screenshot capture to prevent buddy punching and ensure accurate records. The platform provides detailed reports, productivity insights, and integrations with payroll systems like Gusto and QuickBooks.
Pros
- Generous free plan supporting unlimited users and core check-in features
- Multiple verification methods including facial recognition and GPS for secure attendance
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup and cross-device support
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom alerts locked behind paid tiers
- Some users report occasional mobile app glitches or sync delays
- Limited scalability for very large enterprises without custom plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with remote, hybrid, or field teams needing affordable, verifiable employee check-ins.
Pricing
Free forever for unlimited users; Pro at $4.99/user/month; Elite at $6.99/user/month (monthly billing).
Buddy Punch
specializedBuddy Punch features photo and facial verification for kiosk and mobile check-ins to prevent buddy punching.
Photo capture and facial recognition on every punch to verify employee identity and prevent time theft.
Buddy Punch is a cloud-based time clock software focused on preventing 'buddy punching' through GPS geofencing, photo capture, and facial recognition during clock-ins. Employees can punch in/out via mobile app, web portal, or physical kiosks, with features like scheduling, PTO tracking, and payroll integrations including QuickBooks. It emphasizes simplicity and accuracy for hourly workforce management in small to medium businesses.
Pros
- Strong anti-fraud measures like photo verification and GPS tracking
- Intuitive mobile app and quick setup
- Seamless integrations with payroll systems
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting in lower tiers
- No native full payroll processing
- Support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers needing reliable, fraud-proof time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $3.99 per active user/month (Basic), $4.99 (Pro), $6.99 (Elite), billed annually with 14-day free trial.
OnTheClock
otherOnTheClock delivers online time clocks with GPS check-ins, biometric options, and payroll exports for businesses.
Photo verification on clock-in/out to confirm employee identity and prevent fraudulent punches
OnTheClock is a cloud-based employee time tracking and check-in software that enables workers to clock in and out via mobile apps, web browsers, kiosks, or QR codes. It offers features like GPS geofencing, photo verification to prevent buddy punching, scheduling, PTO tracking, and integrations with payroll systems such as QuickBooks and Gusto. The platform generates detailed reports for attendance and payroll, making it suitable for accurate time management in small to medium businesses.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free basic plan for small teams
- User-friendly mobile app and kiosk mode for quick check-ins
- GPS geofencing and photo capture to reduce time theft
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and custom reporting
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing a straightforward, cost-effective solution for employee time tracking and check-ins.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Standard plan at $3.50/user/month (billed annually); Premium at $7.50/user/month with advanced features.
Conclusion
The reviewed employee check-in software offers diverse solutions, with top-ranked tools distinguishing themselves through key features. Deputy leads as the top choice, excelling in mobile check-in with GPS verification and scheduling, while Connecteam stands out for its all-in-one platform combining check-ins, communication, and task management, and Homebase provides free, user-friendly tools perfect for small to medium teams. Each offers unique strengths, but Deputy clearly emerges as the best overall option.
To elevate your team’s attendance tracking and management, start using Deputy today—its intuitive mobile check-in, efficient scheduling, and robust features make it the ideal choice for streamlining operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
