Quick Overview
- 1#1: UKG Pro - Enterprise-grade workforce management platform with advanced time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and compliance features.
- 2#2: ADP Workforce Now - Comprehensive HR solution offering precise time tracking, payroll integration, and mobile attendance punching for businesses of all sizes.
- 3#3: Rippling - All-in-one HR platform with automated time tracking, geofencing, and global payroll for streamlined staff attendance management.
- 4#4: Workday - Cloud-based HCM system providing sophisticated time tracking, absence management, and analytics for large organizations.
- 5#5: BambooHR - User-friendly HR software with intuitive time off tracking, timesheets, and mobile check-in for SMBs.
- 6#6: Deputy - Scheduling and time attendance tool with GPS verification, facial recognition, and labor cost forecasting.
- 7#7: When I Work - Employee scheduling app with built-in time clock, shift trades, and availability tracking for hourly staff.
- 8#8: Homebase - Free time tracking and scheduling software featuring geofencing, overtime alerts, and team communication for small businesses.
- 9#9: QuickBooks Time - GPS-enabled time tracker integrated with QuickBooks for accurate hour logging, invoicing, and attendance reports.
- 10#10: Hubstaff - Remote team time tracking with activity monitoring, screenshots, and GPS to ensure accurate staff attendance.
We evaluated tools based on core features (including time tracking, scheduling, and compliance), user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced assessment that prioritizes both functionality and practicality for diverse organizational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down key staff attendance software tools, including UKG Pro, ADP Workforce Now, Rippling, Workday, BambooHR, and more, to help users evaluate features, usability, and suitability. Readers will gain insights to match their team’s needs—from time tracking accuracy to scalability—with the right platform for efficient attendance management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UKG Pro Enterprise-grade workforce management platform with advanced time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and compliance features. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | ADP Workforce Now Comprehensive HR solution offering precise time tracking, payroll integration, and mobile attendance punching for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Rippling All-in-one HR platform with automated time tracking, geofencing, and global payroll for streamlined staff attendance management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Workday Cloud-based HCM system providing sophisticated time tracking, absence management, and analytics for large organizations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 5 | BambooHR User-friendly HR software with intuitive time off tracking, timesheets, and mobile check-in for SMBs. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | Deputy Scheduling and time attendance tool with GPS verification, facial recognition, and labor cost forecasting. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | When I Work Employee scheduling app with built-in time clock, shift trades, and availability tracking for hourly staff. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Homebase Free time tracking and scheduling software featuring geofencing, overtime alerts, and team communication for small businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | QuickBooks Time GPS-enabled time tracker integrated with QuickBooks for accurate hour logging, invoicing, and attendance reports. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Hubstaff Remote team time tracking with activity monitoring, screenshots, and GPS to ensure accurate staff attendance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
Enterprise-grade workforce management platform with advanced time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and compliance features.
Comprehensive HR solution offering precise time tracking, payroll integration, and mobile attendance punching for businesses of all sizes.
All-in-one HR platform with automated time tracking, geofencing, and global payroll for streamlined staff attendance management.
Cloud-based HCM system providing sophisticated time tracking, absence management, and analytics for large organizations.
User-friendly HR software with intuitive time off tracking, timesheets, and mobile check-in for SMBs.
Scheduling and time attendance tool with GPS verification, facial recognition, and labor cost forecasting.
Employee scheduling app with built-in time clock, shift trades, and availability tracking for hourly staff.
Free time tracking and scheduling software featuring geofencing, overtime alerts, and team communication for small businesses.
GPS-enabled time tracker integrated with QuickBooks for accurate hour logging, invoicing, and attendance reports.
Remote team time tracking with activity monitoring, screenshots, and GPS to ensure accurate staff attendance.
UKG Pro
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management platform with advanced time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and compliance features.
AI-driven Intelligent Workforce Management that proactively forecasts absences, optimizes schedules, and minimizes labor costs in real-time.
UKG Pro is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform with advanced staff attendance and timekeeping capabilities, enabling precise tracking of employee hours, schedules, and absences across global workforces. It integrates seamlessly with payroll, HR, and talent management modules, offering mobile apps for clock-ins, geofencing for location-based verification, and AI-driven insights for compliance and forecasting. Ideal for enterprises, it automates time-off requests, overtime calculations, and labor cost reporting to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Robust AI-powered forecasting and scheduling to predict staffing needs and absences
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR systems for end-to-end workforce management
- Advanced security features like biometrics, geofencing, and real-time compliance alerts
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-technical users
- High implementation costs and time, often requiring professional services
- Pricing is premium and may be overkill for small to mid-sized businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with distributed, hourly workforces needing integrated HCM and precise attendance tracking.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $20-$60 per employee/month depending on modules and scale, with minimums for large deployments.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseComprehensive HR solution offering precise time tracking, payroll integration, and mobile attendance punching for businesses of all sizes.
Geofencing and biometric clock-in for precise, tamper-proof attendance verification
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust staff attendance and time tracking features, enabling employees to clock in/out via mobile app, web portal, or kiosks. It supports scheduling, shift management, geofencing for location-based attendance, and compliance with labor laws through automated overtime calculations and integrations. The solution excels in scalability for mid-to-large enterprises, providing detailed reporting and analytics on attendance trends to optimize workforce management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payroll and HR modules for unified data management
- Advanced features like geofencing, facial recognition, and PTO tracking
- Scalable for large teams with robust compliance and reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for smaller teams
- Custom pricing can be expensive without transparent tiers
- Occasional glitches in mobile app syncing reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking an all-in-one HCM solution with advanced attendance tracking integrated into broader payroll and HR functions.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $20-50 per employee/month depending on modules and company size; free demo available.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one HR platform with automated time tracking, geofencing, and global payroll for streamlined staff attendance management.
Real-time attendance-to-payroll automation that eliminates manual data entry and reconciliation.
Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform that excels in staff attendance through mobile clock-in/out, geofencing, and time-off tracking. It automates time tracking data flow into payroll and compliance reporting, reducing manual errors. Designed for integrated HR operations, it supports shift scheduling, overtime calculations, and labor law adherence across global teams.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance data with payroll and HR systems
- Mobile app with GPS geofencing for accurate clock-ins
- Automated compliance with overtime rules and labor laws
Cons
- High pricing may not suit small businesses
- Initial setup can be complex for non-HR users
- Overkill for teams needing only basic attendance tracking
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies seeking an all-in-one HR platform with advanced attendance management.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per user/month for Essentials (billed annually), up to custom enterprise pricing with add-ons.
Workday
enterpriseCloud-based HCM system providing sophisticated time tracking, absence management, and analytics for large organizations.
Unified Time-to-Payroll automation that eliminates manual data entry across HR functions
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based enterprise platform primarily focused on HR and finance, with robust Time Tracking and Absence Management modules for staff attendance. It enables employees to clock in/out via mobile apps, web portals, or integrated kiosks, automates scheduling, shift management, and compliance tracking. The system integrates seamlessly with payroll, benefits, and HCM features for a unified workforce management experience.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full HCM, payroll, and finance suites
- Advanced analytics, forecasting, and compliance tools for large-scale attendance management
- Mobile-first design with geofencing and biometric options
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-enterprise users
- Prohibitively expensive for small to mid-sized businesses
- Overly complex for basic attendance tracking needs
Best For
Large enterprises with complex HR needs requiring integrated attendance, scheduling, and payroll management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-$200 per employee per year with minimum contracts; quotes required.
BambooHR
enterpriseUser-friendly HR software with intuitive time off tracking, timesheets, and mobile check-in for SMBs.
Integrated time tracking that automatically syncs with employee profiles, payroll, and benefits for streamlined HR workflows
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management platform that includes basic time tracking and attendance features for clocking in/out, timesheet approvals, and PTO management. It integrates attendance data with employee records, payroll, and performance tools, making it suitable for SMBs seeking an all-in-one HR solution. While not a dedicated attendance tool, it provides straightforward tracking via web and mobile apps with reporting capabilities.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full HR suite for holistic employee management
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for easy clock-ins and approvals
- Customizable reports and automation for time-off tracking
Cons
- Lacks advanced attendance features like geofencing, biometrics, or real-time GPS tracking
- Pricing scales per employee, which can get expensive for larger teams
- Time tracking is basic compared to specialized attendance software
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated HR tools with simple attendance and time-off management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $6-12 per employee per month depending on features and team size.
Deputy
specializedScheduling and time attendance tool with GPS verification, facial recognition, and labor cost forecasting.
Geofencing clock-ins that automatically verify employee location to ensure accurate attendance without manual oversight
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in staff scheduling, time and attendance tracking, and shift management for industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Employees can clock in/out via mobile app, kiosks, or web portals with geofencing to verify location and prevent buddy punching. It offers timesheet approvals, payroll integrations, and compliance tools to streamline attendance oversight and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Comprehensive mobile clocking with geofencing and kiosk support
- Seamless payroll and HR system integrations
- Real-time notifications for shift changes and absences
Cons
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Reporting customization can be limited for complex needs
- Occasional mobile app performance issues in low-connectivity areas
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing mobile-first attendance tracking for hourly workers.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $3.50/active user/month (Essential) up to Enterprise custom pricing, billed annually.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling app with built-in time clock, shift trades, and availability tracking for hourly staff.
GPS geofencing and photo clock-in verification to ensure accurate on-site attendance without buddy punching
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and attendance management, allowing staff to clock in/out via mobile app, kiosk, or SMS with GPS verification to prevent buddy punching. It offers features like shift confirmations, absence alerts, time-off requests, and real-time notifications to minimize no-shows and overtime issues. The software integrates with payroll systems like QuickBooks and Gusto, making it suitable for tracking attendance in dynamic environments.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick clock-ins with geofencing and photo verification
- Automated alerts for shift confirmations and absences reduce administrative burden
- Seamless shift trading and communication tools keep teams aligned
Cons
- Advanced reporting and custom integrations locked behind higher-tier plans
- Interface can become cluttered for very large teams or multi-location setups
- Customer support response times vary, especially on lower plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare that need mobile-first attendance tracking alongside flexible scheduling.
Pricing
Essentials at $2/user/month (annual), Elite at $3.50/user/month, Ultimate at $5/user/month; 14-day free trial, no free plan for larger teams.
Homebase
specializedFree time tracking and scheduling software featuring geofencing, overtime alerts, and team communication for small businesses.
Geofenced mobile time clock that prevents buddy punching and ensures on-site attendance verification
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses, focusing on staff scheduling, time tracking, and attendance management. Employees can clock in and out using a mobile app with geofencing to verify location accuracy, while managers gain insights into hours worked, overtime, and compliance. It also integrates scheduling, shift trading, team messaging, and payroll exports to streamline daily operations and reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core scheduling and time tracking
- Intuitive mobile app with geofencing for accurate clock-ins
- Seamless integrations with popular payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced reporting and forecasting locked behind paid tiers
- Per-location pricing model scales costs for multi-site businesses
- Limited customization options for complex attendance policies
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses with hourly workers seeking affordable, mobile-first attendance and scheduling tools.
Pricing
Free for basic features (1 location); Essentials at $24.95/location/month, Premium at $39.95/location/month (billed annually).
QuickBooks Time
specializedGPS-enabled time tracker integrated with QuickBooks for accurate hour logging, invoicing, and attendance reports.
GPS geofencing that auto-clocks employees in/out upon arriving at or leaving designated job sites
QuickBooks Time is a robust time tracking and attendance software that enables employees to clock in and out via mobile app, web, or kiosk, with GPS location verification to ensure accurate attendance. It features geofencing for automatic time tracking at specific job sites, photo capture to prevent buddy punching, and detailed timesheet approvals. Seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks payroll, it simplifies converting tracked hours into paychecks for small to medium businesses.
Pros
- GPS geofencing and location tracking for precise attendance verification
- Strong integration with QuickBooks for seamless payroll processing
- Flexible clock-in options including mobile app, kiosk, and photo verification
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with user count, less ideal for very large teams
- No native biometric authentication like fingerprints
- Some advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses using QuickBooks that need mobile-friendly time and attendance tracking with location accuracy.
Pricing
Free for one user; Premium at $8/user/month (billed annually), Elite at $10/user/month; monthly billing adds $3/user.
Hubstaff
specializedRemote team time tracking with activity monitoring, screenshots, and GPS to ensure accurate staff attendance.
Automated screenshots and keystroke/mouse activity tracking for verifiable proof of attendance and work
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring software that doubles as a staff attendance solution by logging clock-in/out times, activity levels, and location data via desktop, mobile, and web apps. It captures automated screenshots, tracks productivity through keyboard/mouse usage, and generates detailed timesheets and attendance reports for remote and hybrid teams. With integrations to payroll platforms like QuickBooks and Gusto, it streamlines attendance verification into payroll processing.
Pros
- Precise time tracking with activity monitoring and GPS for remote workers
- Automated screenshots provide proof of work and attendance verification
- Seamless integrations with payroll and project management tools
Cons
- Invasive monitoring features like screenshots raise privacy concerns
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customization
- Pricing scales per user, which can get expensive for large teams
Best For
Remote and distributed teams requiring detailed productivity and attendance oversight beyond basic clock-in/out.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic), $10 (Pro), $12 (Elite) billed annually.
Conclusion
After evaluating all 10 tools, UKG Pro emerges as the top choice, leading with its advanced enterprise-grade features for seamless attendance management. ADP Workforce Now follows closely, offering precise integration with payroll and mobile accessibility that suits businesses of all sizes, while Rippling completes the top three with its all-in-one approach and global capabilities. Each tool brings unique strengths, but UKG Pro stands out for its comprehensive set of features.
Don’t miss out—explore UKG Pro to unlock efficient, automated staff attendance tracking. If your needs lean toward payroll integration or global operations, ADP Workforce Now or Rippling are excellent alternatives to consider.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
