Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Time - Cloud-based time tracking with GPS, geofencing, and mobile clock in/out for accurate employee attendance.
- 2#2: Homebase - Free employee time clock and scheduling app with GPS time tracking and photo verification for small teams.
- 3#3: Deputy - Workforce management platform featuring mobile clock in/out, geofencing, and timesheet approvals.
- 4#4: When I Work - Employee scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and shift reminders for hourly workers.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one employee app with time clock, GPS, and facial recognition for easy clock in/out.
- 6#6: Hubstaff - Time tracking tool with GPS location, kiosk mode, and activity monitoring for remote and on-site clock ins.
- 7#7: Clockify - Free unlimited time clock and attendance tracker with kiosk timer and mobile punching.
- 8#8: BambooHR - HR platform with integrated time tracking, clock in/out, and PTO management for growing businesses.
- 9#9: Rippling - Unified HR and payroll system featuring GPS time tracking and automated clock in/out compliance.
- 10#10: Jibble - Free time clock app with facial recognition, GPS, and kiosk mode for simple employee attendance.
Tools were ranked based on key features (including GPS tracking, mobile accessibility, and secondary functionalities like scheduling or verification), reliability, ease of use, and overall value for businesses of varying sizes and needs.
Comparison Table
Efficient employee time tracking is vital for productivity and payroll accuracy, and selecting the right clock-in/out software can streamline operations. This comparison table features top tools—such as QuickBooks Time, Homebase, Deputy, When I Work, Connecteam, and more—highlighting their key features, pricing, and usability. Readers will learn how to match software to their team’s size, industry, and specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Time Cloud-based time tracking with GPS, geofencing, and mobile clock in/out for accurate employee attendance. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Homebase Free employee time clock and scheduling app with GPS time tracking and photo verification for small teams. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Workforce management platform featuring mobile clock in/out, geofencing, and timesheet approvals. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Employee scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and shift reminders for hourly workers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one employee app with time clock, GPS, and facial recognition for easy clock in/out. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Hubstaff Time tracking tool with GPS location, kiosk mode, and activity monitoring for remote and on-site clock ins. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Clockify Free unlimited time clock and attendance tracker with kiosk timer and mobile punching. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | BambooHR HR platform with integrated time tracking, clock in/out, and PTO management for growing businesses. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 9 | Rippling Unified HR and payroll system featuring GPS time tracking and automated clock in/out compliance. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Jibble Free time clock app with facial recognition, GPS, and kiosk mode for simple employee attendance. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based time tracking with GPS, geofencing, and mobile clock in/out for accurate employee attendance.
Free employee time clock and scheduling app with GPS time tracking and photo verification for small teams.
Workforce management platform featuring mobile clock in/out, geofencing, and timesheet approvals.
Employee scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and shift reminders for hourly workers.
All-in-one employee app with time clock, GPS, and facial recognition for easy clock in/out.
Time tracking tool with GPS location, kiosk mode, and activity monitoring for remote and on-site clock ins.
Free unlimited time clock and attendance tracker with kiosk timer and mobile punching.
HR platform with integrated time tracking, clock in/out, and PTO management for growing businesses.
Unified HR and payroll system featuring GPS time tracking and automated clock in/out compliance.
Free time clock app with facial recognition, GPS, and kiosk mode for simple employee attendance.
QuickBooks Time
enterpriseCloud-based time tracking with GPS, geofencing, and mobile clock in/out for accurate employee attendance.
GPS-powered geofencing and photo clock-in to eliminate time theft and ensure compliance
QuickBooks Time is a leading employee time tracking software that allows workers to clock in and out effortlessly via mobile app, web browser, or kiosk stations. It features GPS tracking, geofencing for location verification, and photo capture to prevent buddy punching, ensuring accurate time entries. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for automated payroll, timesheet approvals, and project-based tracking, making it ideal for field and office teams.
Pros
- Seamless mobile clock in/out with GPS geofencing and photo verification
- Direct QuickBooks integration for instant payroll syncing
- Real-time alerts, scheduling, and customizable timesheets
Cons
- Higher cost for teams not using QuickBooks ecosystem
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium businesses using QuickBooks that need precise, mobile-friendly employee time tracking with location verification.
Pricing
Starts at $20 base + $8/user/month (Premium); $20 base + $10/user/month (Elite); free for one user.
Homebase
specializedFree employee time clock and scheduling app with GPS time tracking and photo verification for small teams.
GPS geofencing that restricts clock ins/outs to approved work locations, with photo verification to eliminate buddy punching.
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses, with robust employee clock in and out functionality via its mobile app. It supports GPS geofencing, photo verification, and offline clocking to prevent buddy punching and ensure accurate time tracking. Managers benefit from real-time timesheets, automated scheduling integration, and payroll exports, making it ideal for hourly workforces.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app with GPS geofencing and photo verification for secure clock ins
- Free plan includes core time tracking for one location
- Seamless integration with scheduling, messaging, and popular payroll providers
Cons
- Free plan limited to one location and basic features
- Advanced reporting and multi-location support require paid upgrades
- Occasional app glitches reported during peak usage
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or service industries with hourly employees needing simple, mobile time tracking.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (basic time clock and scheduling); Essentials $29.95/location/month (billed annually); Premium $59.95/location/month; Elite custom pricing.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management platform featuring mobile clock in/out, geofencing, and timesheet approvals.
GPS Geofencing that restricts clock-ins to approved locations only
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform with robust employee clock in and out features, accessible via a user-friendly mobile app. It supports GPS geofencing, facial recognition, and photo verification to ensure accurate time tracking and prevent buddy punching. Beyond basic clocking, it integrates seamlessly with scheduling, timesheets, and compliance tools for full shift management.
Pros
- Advanced anti-fraud measures like GPS geofencing and facial recognition
- Real-time notifications and integrations with payroll systems
- Mobile-first design for easy clocking on the go
Cons
- Pricing can add up for small teams with multiple add-ons
- Feature-rich interface may overwhelm users needing only basic clocking
- Limited free tier for advanced time tracking capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare requiring integrated scheduling and secure time attendance tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month for Essentials plan; higher tiers up to $5.99/user/month, billed annually with add-ons available.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling and time clock software with GPS tracking and shift reminders for hourly workers.
GPS-enabled time clock with facial recognition to accurately verify employee locations and identities, minimizing time theft.
When I Work is a mobile-first workforce management platform that excels in employee scheduling and time tracking, allowing staff to clock in and out via an intuitive app with GPS geofencing and photo verification. It integrates time clock data directly with shift schedules, enabling real-time attendance monitoring, overtime alerts, and automated payroll exports. Designed for shift-based industries, it reduces administrative hassle while preventing buddy punching through robust security features.
Pros
- GPS geofencing and photo/facial recognition for secure, fraud-proof clocking
- Seamless integration of time tracking with scheduling and shift trading
- User-friendly mobile app accessible for both employees and managers
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Reporting and analytics are basic in lower-tier plans
- Occasional app glitches reported during peak usage
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated scheduling and reliable time clock functionality.
Pricing
Essential plan at $2/user/month, Plus at $3/user/month, Pro at $4/user/month (billed annually; free trial available).
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one employee app with time clock, GPS, and facial recognition for easy clock in/out.
GPS Geofencing for automatic, location-based clock in/out without manual punches
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee management platform with robust time clock features for seamless clock in and out via mobile app. It supports GPS location verification, geofencing for automatic punches, photo selfies to prevent buddy punching, and offline mode for reliable tracking in remote areas. Beyond basic time tracking, it integrates scheduling, task assignment, and team communication to enhance overall workforce management.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface simplifies clock in/out for non-desk workers
- GPS geofencing and photo verification ensure time accuracy and compliance
- Offline functionality and integrations with scheduling boost productivity
Cons
- Advanced time reports and analytics locked behind premium plans
- Web dashboard is functional but less polished than mobile app
- Best suited for smaller teams; scales but gets pricey for large enterprises
Best For
Small to medium businesses with hourly, field, or frontline employees seeking mobile time tracking integrated with communication and scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Operations plan starts at $29/month for 30 users, with Advanced at $49/month; scales per user with custom enterprise options.
Hubstaff
specializedTime tracking tool with GPS location, kiosk mode, and activity monitoring for remote and on-site clock ins.
Automated screenshots and keyboard/mouse activity tracking for verifiable productivity without manual oversight
Hubstaff is a comprehensive time tracking and employee monitoring software that enables easy clock in/out via desktop, mobile apps, or web kiosks, with GPS location verification for field workers. It captures screenshots, tracks keyboard/mouse activity for productivity insights, and integrates with payroll systems for seamless invoicing. Beyond basic time punching, it offers scheduling, task management, and reporting to help manage remote and hybrid teams effectively.
Pros
- Robust time tracking with screenshots and activity monitoring for accountability
- GPS and geofencing for accurate clock in/out in field services
- Strong integrations with payroll, project management, and accounting tools
Cons
- Privacy concerns due to screenshots and constant monitoring
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Higher pricing for small teams needing only basic clock in/out
Best For
Remote or distributed teams requiring detailed monitoring and proof-of-work alongside simple clock in/out functionality.
Pricing
Free for solo users; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $20/user/month (Enterprise), with a 14-day free trial.
Clockify
otherFree unlimited time clock and attendance tracker with kiosk timer and mobile punching.
Kiosk mode for password-free clock in/out on shared devices
Clockify is a user-friendly time tracking tool that supports employee clock in and out through timers, manual entries, and a dedicated kiosk mode for shared devices. It excels in categorizing time by projects, clients, and tasks, with robust reporting for payroll and productivity analysis. Suitable for teams of any size, its freemium model offers unlimited free users, making it accessible for startups and small businesses managing attendance and billable hours.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited users and projects with core clock in/out functionality
- Intuitive one-click timer and kiosk mode for effortless time tracking
- Detailed reports, exports, and team dashboards for oversight
Cons
- Advanced features like GPS tracking and scheduling require Pro plan
- Limited native payroll integrations compared to HR-focused tools
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to medium-sized teams needing a cost-free, simple solution for employee clock in/out and project-based time tracking.
Pricing
Free forever for unlimited users with basics; Pro at $3.99/user/month (annual) for kiosk, scheduling, and advanced reports; Enterprise custom.
BambooHR
enterpriseHR platform with integrated time tracking, clock in/out, and PTO management for growing businesses.
Seamless integration of time tracking with full HRIS for unified employee management
BambooHR is a comprehensive HR management platform that includes built-in time tracking features for employee clock in and out via web or mobile app. It supports hour logging, time off requests, and approvals, with seamless integration into payroll and other HR functions. While effective for basic time tracking in small to mid-sized teams, it lacks advanced capabilities like geofencing or project-based tracking found in dedicated solutions.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile and web clock in/out with approvals
- Full integration with HR, payroll, and reporting
- User-friendly interface reduces training time
Cons
- Limited advanced time tracking (no geofencing or GPS)
- Pricing scales per employee, expensive for time-only use
- Not ideal for complex shift scheduling or projects
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one HR platform with basic clock in/out functionality.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $6-12 per employee per month (billed annually); no free tier.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified HR and payroll system featuring GPS time tracking and automated clock in/out compliance.
GPS geofencing and facial recognition for fraud-proof mobile clock-ins
Rippling is a comprehensive HR and payroll platform that includes a robust employee clock in and out feature via its Time Tracking module. Employees can clock in/out using a mobile app with geofencing, GPS verification, and photo capture to prevent buddy punching. It offers real-time tracking, shift scheduling, timesheet approvals, and seamless integration with payroll for accurate wage calculations and compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll, HR, and IT tools for unified workflows
- Advanced security features like geofencing, facial recognition, and kiosk mode
- Real-time reporting and automated overtime/compliance tracking
Cons
- Higher pricing makes it less ideal for standalone time tracking needs
- Overkill for small businesses not using the full HR suite
- Customization limited outside the broader Rippling ecosystem
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies needing integrated HR, payroll, and time tracking in one platform.
Pricing
Quote-based; core HR starts at ~$8/user/month, time tracking included but scales with add-ons and employee count.
Jibble
specializedFree time clock app with facial recognition, GPS, and kiosk mode for simple employee attendance.
100% free plan for unlimited users with facial recognition clock-ins
Jibble is a comprehensive time tracking and employee attendance software that allows seamless clock in/out via web, mobile apps, desktop timers, and integrations like Slack and Microsoft Teams. It includes advanced features such as GPS geofencing, facial recognition, random screenshots, and automated timesheets for accurate tracking and productivity monitoring. With robust reporting, invoicing, and project management tools, Jibble suits businesses seeking reliable employee time logging without complex setups.
Pros
- Unlimited users on the free plan with core clock in/out features
- Multi-device support and easy integrations for flexible workflows
- Advanced verification like facial recognition and GPS for accountability
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom permissions locked behind paid plans
- Mobile app can have occasional sync issues during poor connectivity
- Limited native payroll integrations compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and remote teams needing a free, intuitive clock in/out solution with strong verification features.
Pricing
Free forever for unlimited users; Pro $4.99/user/month; Elite $8.99/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
The top 10 employee clock-in and out software offer a mix of features, from GPS tracking to photo verification, each suited to different team needs. Leading the pack is QuickBooks Time, a standout with its precise cloud-based tools for accurate attendance management. Homebase and Deputy follow closely, strong alternatives—Homebase for small teams with free access and photo verification, Deputy for seamless workforce coordination. Together, they highlight the best in efficiency and reliability.
Take the first step toward smoother operations: explore QuickBooks Time to experience robust, intuitive clock-in functionality that simplifies attendance tracking for your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison