Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Time - Comprehensive time tracking with GPS location, geofencing, scheduling, timesheet approvals, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration.
- 2#2: Hubstaff - Robust time card software featuring GPS tracking, activity monitoring, screenshots, automated payroll, and kiosk mode for clock in/out.
- 3#3: Deputy - Employee time clock and scheduling tool with facial recognition, timesheet approvals, labor costing, and mobile punch-in capabilities.
- 4#4: When I Work - Shift scheduling and time tracking app with GPS time clock, overtime alerts, timesheet approvals, and team messaging.
- 5#5: Homebase - Free time clock for hourly workers with scheduling, GPS verification, break tracking, and payroll integrations for small teams.
- 6#6: Time Doctor - Productivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, idle detection, timesheets, payroll export, and app/website usage reports.
- 7#7: Toggl Track - Intuitive time tracker for teams with one-click timing, detailed reporting, billable hours, and integrations for project-based time cards.
- 8#8: Clockify - Unlimited free time tracking and timesheet software with kiosk mode, approvals, reports, and payroll-ready exports for any team size.
- 9#9: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing tool with expense tracking, team timesheets, budgeting, and integrations for accurate time card billing.
- 10#10: Everhour - Time tracking integrated with tools like Asana and Jira, featuring capacity planning, timesheet approvals, and budget tracking.
We curated these tools by evaluating features that address modern needs (from automated approvals to cross-platform flexibility), prioritizing technical excellence, ease of use, and value to deliver a list that balances performance with accessibility for diverse teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading time card software, including QuickBooks Time, Hubstaff, Deputy, When I Work, Homebase, and more, to help streamline work hour tracking and team management. Readers will learn about key features, pricing models, and optimal use cases to select the best tool for their business, whether for small teams or larger operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Time Comprehensive time tracking with GPS location, geofencing, scheduling, timesheet approvals, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Hubstaff Robust time card software featuring GPS tracking, activity monitoring, screenshots, automated payroll, and kiosk mode for clock in/out. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Employee time clock and scheduling tool with facial recognition, timesheet approvals, labor costing, and mobile punch-in capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Shift scheduling and time tracking app with GPS time clock, overtime alerts, timesheet approvals, and team messaging. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Homebase Free time clock for hourly workers with scheduling, GPS verification, break tracking, and payroll integrations for small teams. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 6 | Time Doctor Productivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, idle detection, timesheets, payroll export, and app/website usage reports. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Toggl Track Intuitive time tracker for teams with one-click timing, detailed reporting, billable hours, and integrations for project-based time cards. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Clockify Unlimited free time tracking and timesheet software with kiosk mode, approvals, reports, and payroll-ready exports for any team size. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing tool with expense tracking, team timesheets, budgeting, and integrations for accurate time card billing. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Everhour Time tracking integrated with tools like Asana and Jira, featuring capacity planning, timesheet approvals, and budget tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
Comprehensive time tracking with GPS location, geofencing, scheduling, timesheet approvals, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration.
Robust time card software featuring GPS tracking, activity monitoring, screenshots, automated payroll, and kiosk mode for clock in/out.
Employee time clock and scheduling tool with facial recognition, timesheet approvals, labor costing, and mobile punch-in capabilities.
Shift scheduling and time tracking app with GPS time clock, overtime alerts, timesheet approvals, and team messaging.
Free time clock for hourly workers with scheduling, GPS verification, break tracking, and payroll integrations for small teams.
Productivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, idle detection, timesheets, payroll export, and app/website usage reports.
Intuitive time tracker for teams with one-click timing, detailed reporting, billable hours, and integrations for project-based time cards.
Unlimited free time tracking and timesheet software with kiosk mode, approvals, reports, and payroll-ready exports for any team size.
Time tracking and invoicing tool with expense tracking, team timesheets, budgeting, and integrations for accurate time card billing.
Time tracking integrated with tools like Asana and Jira, featuring capacity planning, timesheet approvals, and budget tracking.
QuickBooks Time
enterpriseComprehensive time tracking with GPS location, geofencing, scheduling, timesheet approvals, and seamless QuickBooks payroll integration.
Native QuickBooks integration that auto-syncs time data to payroll and invoices without manual entry
QuickBooks Time is a comprehensive time tracking software that enables businesses to monitor employee hours through mobile clock-ins, GPS tracking, and automated timesheets. It facilitates easy time approvals, scheduling, and project tracking, with seamless integration into QuickBooks for payroll processing and invoicing. Ideal for field services, remote teams, and office-based operations, it ensures accurate time cards and compliance with labor regulations.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated payroll and invoicing
- Robust mobile app with GPS, geofencing, and photo clock-in verification
- Advanced reporting and timesheet approval workflows
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with multiple users
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
- Limited customization for complex enterprise needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses already using QuickBooks that require precise time tracking and effortless payroll integration.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; Premium at $8/user/month (billed annually); Elite at $10/user/month (billed annually), based on active users.
Hubstaff
enterpriseRobust time card software featuring GPS tracking, activity monitoring, screenshots, automated payroll, and kiosk mode for clock in/out.
Automated screenshots and activity rate monitoring providing visual proof of work time
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring software designed for remote teams, freelancers, and agencies, offering precise time card functionality through desktop, web, and mobile apps. It captures billable hours with activity levels, optional screenshots, GPS tracking, and detailed timesheets for accurate payroll and invoicing. The platform integrates seamlessly with project management tools, accounting software, and payroll systems to streamline workforce management.
Pros
- Comprehensive tracking with screenshots, activity monitoring, and GPS for verifiable time cards
- Seamless integrations with 50+ tools like QuickBooks, Asana, and payroll providers
- User-friendly mobile and desktop apps with automated timesheet generation and reporting
Cons
- Screenshots and monitoring can raise privacy concerns for some teams
- Advanced features may overwhelm users needing only basic time card functionality
- Higher-tier plans can become expensive for larger teams
Best For
Remote teams, agencies, and freelancers requiring detailed, proof-backed time tracking with productivity insights.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; Starter at $7/user/month, Grow at $10/user/month, Business at $20/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Deputy
enterpriseEmployee time clock and scheduling tool with facial recognition, timesheet approvals, labor costing, and mobile punch-in capabilities.
Facial recognition clock-in for secure, accurate time tracking without buddy punching
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in time tracking, scheduling, and employee communication. It enables employees to clock in and out using mobile apps, kiosks, or web portals, with advanced features like GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition to prevent time theft. Managers can review and approve timesheets, run compliance reports, and integrate directly with popular payroll systems for efficient time card processing.
Pros
- Advanced anti-fraud tools like facial recognition and GPS tracking
- Seamless mobile and kiosk clock-in options
- Strong integrations with payroll and HR systems
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full feature access
- Steeper learning curve for complex scheduling
- Limited customization in basic plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses with hourly workers needing reliable time tracking integrated with scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $3.50 per active user/month (Essential) up to custom Enterprise pricing.
When I Work
specializedShift scheduling and time tracking app with GPS time clock, overtime alerts, timesheet approvals, and team messaging.
Geofenced clock-ins with photo verification and real-time schedule adherence alerts
When I Work is a versatile workforce management platform primarily focused on employee scheduling with integrated time tracking capabilities, allowing users to clock in/out via mobile app, kiosk, or web. It generates timesheets for approval, supports payroll integrations like QuickBooks and ADP, and includes features like geofencing to ensure accurate time card entries. While robust for shift-based operations, it excels as time card software when paired with its scheduling tools for comprehensive workforce oversight.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile clock-in/out with GPS and photo verification to prevent time theft
- Automatic timesheet generation from schedules and approvals workflow
- Strong integrations with popular payroll systems for seamless hour exports
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced features
- More scheduling-focused, so pure time card users may find it bloated
- Reporting is solid but lacks deep customization for complex time card analytics
Best For
Shift-based businesses like restaurants, retail, and hospitality needing integrated scheduling and reliable time tracking.
Pricing
Essentials at $2/user/month, Advanced at $3.50/user/month (billed annually); free for up to 75 users at one location, with 14-day trial.
Homebase
specializedFree time clock for hourly workers with scheduling, GPS verification, break tracking, and payroll integrations for small teams.
Geofencing-enabled time clock that automatically verifies employee location to ensure compliant and accurate time tracking.
Homebase is a workforce management platform designed for small businesses, offering robust time tracking features including mobile clock-in/out with geofencing and photo verification to prevent buddy punching. It generates accurate timesheets, supports shift approvals, and integrates with popular payroll providers like Gusto and QuickBooks for seamless processing. Beyond time cards, it includes scheduling, team communication, and hiring tools, making it a versatile solution for hourly workforces in retail, restaurants, and services.
Pros
- Generous free plan for one location and up to 20 employees
- Intuitive mobile app with GPS geofencing and photo clock-in for accuracy
- Strong payroll integrations and timesheet export capabilities
Cons
- Free plan limited to single location; multi-location requires upgrade
- Advanced reporting and analytics locked behind higher tiers
- Less suited for complex enterprise-level time tracking needs
Best For
Small businesses with hourly employees in retail, hospitality, or services needing simple, affordable time cards alongside scheduling.
Pricing
Free for 1 location (up to 20 employees); Essentials $29.99/location/month; Premium $59.99/location/month; Elite $99.99/location/month (billed annually).
Time Doctor
specializedProductivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, idle detection, timesheets, payroll export, and app/website usage reports.
Screenshot capture with optional video recording for visual proof of work activity
Time Doctor is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring software that automatically logs time spent on tasks, applications, and websites while capturing periodic screenshots for verification. It provides detailed reports for payroll, invoicing, and productivity analysis, making it suitable for time card management in remote and hybrid teams. The platform includes features like idle detection, activity levels, and integrations with payroll systems to streamline time card approvals and compliance.
Pros
- Comprehensive time tracking with screenshots and activity monitoring
- Detailed reports and payroll integrations for accurate time cards
- Offline tracking and cross-platform support
Cons
- Invasive monitoring features raise privacy concerns
- Steeper learning curve for advanced settings
- Higher cost for smaller teams without full monitoring needs
Best For
Remote teams and managers seeking productivity insights alongside precise time card tracking for payroll.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Basic), $9.99/user/month (Standard), $19.99/user/month (Premium); annual discounts available, free trial.
Toggl Track
specializedIntuitive time tracker for teams with one-click timing, detailed reporting, billable hours, and integrations for project-based time cards.
Timeline feature that automatically logs and screenshots app usage for verifiable activity audits.
Toggl Track is a user-friendly time tracking tool designed for effortless hour logging via one-click timers, manual entries, or its unique Timeline feature that automatically records computer activity. It categorizes time by projects, clients, and tags, offering robust reporting, invoicing, and integrations with tools like Asana, Google Workspace, and QuickBooks. While versatile for productivity and billing, it serves time card needs through detailed audits and exports but lacks native payroll processing or strict compliance tools.
Pros
- Intuitive one-click timer and mobile app for quick tracking
- Powerful customizable reports and export options for payroll
- Generous free plan with unlimited tracking for small teams
Cons
- Lacks built-in time approval workflows or overtime calculations
- No geofencing or photo verification for compliance-heavy time cards
- Advanced features like profitability tracking require premium plans
Best For
Freelancers, agencies, and small teams tracking project-based hours for billing and basic time card reporting.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 users; Starter at $9/user/month, Premium at $18/user/month (billed annually).
Clockify
specializedUnlimited free time tracking and timesheet software with kiosk mode, approvals, reports, and payroll-ready exports for any team size.
Unlimited free time tracking with no restrictions on users or projects
Clockify is a user-friendly time tracking platform that enables precise time logging via one-click timers, manual entries, or kiosk mode for time cards. It generates detailed timesheets, reports, and exports for payroll and billing, supporting teams with project categorization and approvals. As a versatile solution, it scales from solo freelancers to large teams without usage limits on the free plan.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited plan for users and tracking
- Intuitive timer and kiosk mode for easy time card punching
- Robust reporting and timesheet exports for payroll
Cons
- Limited native payroll integrations (requires exports)
- Advanced features like scheduling locked behind paid plans
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Small teams and freelancers needing simple, cost-free time card tracking for billing and basic payroll reporting.
Pricing
Free forever (unlimited users/projects); Pro $3.99/user/mo; Essentials $5.49/user/mo; Elite $9.99/user/mo (annual billing).
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing tool with expense tracking, team timesheets, budgeting, and integrations for accurate time card billing.
One-click invoicing directly from approved time entries
Harvest is a versatile time tracking and invoicing platform designed for freelancers, agencies, and small teams to log hours against projects effortlessly via desktop, web, or mobile apps. It excels in converting tracked time into invoices, managing expenses, and generating insightful reports on productivity and profitability. While not a full payroll solution, it integrates well with accounting tools for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick timer start/stop and manual entry
- Seamless integration with tools like QuickBooks, Asana, and Slack
- Robust reporting for time, expenses, and profitability insights
Cons
- No native payroll processing or time card approvals workflow
- Per-user pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Limited advanced customization in scheduling and budgeting features
Best For
Freelancers and small creative agencies needing simple time tracking tied to invoicing.
Pricing
Free for solopreneurs (2 projects); Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) includes unlimited projects and invoicing.
Everhour
specializedTime tracking integrated with tools like Asana and Jira, featuring capacity planning, timesheet approvals, and budget tracking.
Embedded time tracking directly within project management tools, eliminating app-switching for timesheet creation.
Everhour is a robust time tracking and time card software designed for teams and freelancers, offering timer-based tracking, manual entry, and automated time capture through integrations with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, and Monday.com. It enables the creation of detailed timesheets, approval workflows, and payroll-ready time cards with export options to CSV, PDF, and QuickBooks. The platform also provides budgeting, forecasting, and invoicing features to help manage project profitability.
Pros
- Deep integrations with 50+ project management tools for seamless time tracking
- Comprehensive reporting, budgeting, and timesheet approval workflows
- Offline tracking and mobile app for on-the-go time card entry
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users not already using integrated PM tools
- No free plan, only a 14-day trial
- Limited customization in time card templates compared to dedicated HR software
Best For
Teams and agencies relying on Asana, Jira, or Trello who need integrated time tracking and approval for accurate time cards.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (billed annually) for Team plan; higher tiers up to $15/user/month; 14-day free trial, no free plan.
Conclusion
The reviewed time card software provides a range of powerful options, with QuickBooks Time leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive tracking, GPS capabilities, and seamless payroll integration. Hubstaff stands out for its activity monitoring and automated payroll features, while Deputy impresses with facial recognition and mobile punch-in functionality, each offering unique strengths to suit different team needs. Together, these tools simplify time management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in various work settings.
Start optimizing your time tracking by trying QuickBooks Time—its robust features and user-friendly design make it a standout option. For distinct needs, Hubstaff or Deputy also deliver excellence, so explore the top choices to find the best fit for your team.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
