Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform with seamless employee time tracking and automated payroll processing.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Time - Accurate mobile time tracking software that integrates directly with QuickBooks for effortless payroll.
- 3#3: Rippling - Unified workforce platform automating time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT management.
- 4#4: ADP RUN - Scalable payroll and HR software with integrated time tracking and compliance tools for SMBs.
- 5#5: Paychex Flex - Comprehensive HCM solution offering payroll, time and attendance tracking, and HR analytics.
- 6#6: BambooHR - User-friendly HR platform with time off tracking, payroll integrations, and employee self-service.
- 7#7: Homebase - Free scheduling, time clock, and payroll software tailored for hourly and shift-based teams.
- 8#8: Deputy - Workforce management tool combining scheduling, time tracking, and global payroll capabilities.
- 9#9: When I Work - Employee scheduling and time tracking app with direct payroll integrations for shift workers.
- 10#10: Hubstaff - Advanced time tracking with GPS, activity monitoring, and automated payroll calculations.
Tools were ranked based on feature robustness (including time tracking precision and payroll automation), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring alignment with diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
Managing time tracking and payroll efficiently is key for businesses, and selecting the right software can streamline operations. This comparison table covers popular tools like Gusto, QuickBooks Time, Rippling, ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, and more, helping readers evaluate features, pricing, and integration to find their ideal fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform with seamless employee time tracking and automated payroll processing. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Time Accurate mobile time tracking software that integrates directly with QuickBooks for effortless payroll. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Rippling Unified workforce platform automating time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | ADP RUN Scalable payroll and HR software with integrated time tracking and compliance tools for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Paychex Flex Comprehensive HCM solution offering payroll, time and attendance tracking, and HR analytics. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | BambooHR User-friendly HR platform with time off tracking, payroll integrations, and employee self-service. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Homebase Free scheduling, time clock, and payroll software tailored for hourly and shift-based teams. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Deputy Workforce management tool combining scheduling, time tracking, and global payroll capabilities. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | When I Work Employee scheduling and time tracking app with direct payroll integrations for shift workers. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Hubstaff Advanced time tracking with GPS, activity monitoring, and automated payroll calculations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
All-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform with seamless employee time tracking and automated payroll processing.
Accurate mobile time tracking software that integrates directly with QuickBooks for effortless payroll.
Unified workforce platform automating time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT management.
Scalable payroll and HR software with integrated time tracking and compliance tools for SMBs.
Comprehensive HCM solution offering payroll, time and attendance tracking, and HR analytics.
User-friendly HR platform with time off tracking, payroll integrations, and employee self-service.
Free scheduling, time clock, and payroll software tailored for hourly and shift-based teams.
Workforce management tool combining scheduling, time tracking, and global payroll capabilities.
Employee scheduling and time tracking app with direct payroll integrations for shift workers.
Advanced time tracking with GPS, activity monitoring, and automated payroll calculations.
Gusto
enterpriseAll-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform with seamless employee time tracking and automated payroll processing.
Direct timesheet-to-payroll integration that automatically calculates wages, overtime, and deductions with one-click payroll runs
Gusto is a comprehensive payroll and HR platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, featuring integrated time tracking that allows employees to clock in and out via mobile or web apps. It automates timesheet approvals, overtime calculations, and feeds hours directly into payroll processing, including tax filings and compliance. With additional tools for benefits administration and employee self-service, Gusto streamlines workforce management from tracking time to getting paid.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with payroll and automated tax compliance
- Intuitive mobile app for employee clock-ins with GPS and photo verification
- Comprehensive HR tools including onboarding and benefits management
Cons
- Time tracking analytics are basic compared to dedicated tools
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count
- Primarily US-focused with limited international support
Best For
Small to medium-sized US businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for time tracking, payroll, and HR without needing multiple tools.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6 per person/month (Simple plan); Plus ($80 + $12/person) and Premium (custom) unlock advanced time tracking and HR features.
QuickBooks Time
specializedAccurate mobile time tracking software that integrates directly with QuickBooks for effortless payroll.
Automatic timesheet import to QuickBooks Payroll for instant, error-free wage calculations
QuickBooks Time is a comprehensive time tracking software that enables businesses to monitor employee hours through mobile apps, GPS tracking, and web-based timesheets. It excels in integrating directly with QuickBooks Online and Payroll, automating the transfer of time data for accurate payroll processing and invoicing. Additional features include scheduling, project tracking, and detailed reporting to optimize workforce management and compliance.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for effortless payroll syncing
- Robust GPS and geofencing for accurate field employee tracking
- Intuitive mobile app with photo capture for timesheet verification
Cons
- Higher pricing for teams without QuickBooks ecosystem
- Limited customization in reporting for complex enterprises
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses using QuickBooks that need reliable time tracking tied directly to payroll.
Pricing
Premium plan at $20 base + $8/user/month (billed annually); Elite at $40 base + $10/user/month; free trial available.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified workforce platform automating time tracking, payroll, benefits, and IT management.
Automatic flow of verified time entries straight into payroll calculations, eliminating manual data entry and errors
Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform that integrates time tracking, payroll, HR, and IT into a single system. Its Time module enables employees to clock in and out via mobile app or web with GPS verification, project tracking, and scheduling features. Time data flows seamlessly into automated payroll processing, ensuring accurate payments and compliance with labor laws across multiple countries.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking directly into payroll automation
- Robust compliance features including GPS time tracking and overtime rules
- Mobile app supports shift scheduling and PTO management
Cons
- Higher pricing makes it less ideal for small teams focused solely on time tracking
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Full value requires adopting the broader HR/IT suite
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one solution for time tracking integrated with global payroll and HR management.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per active employee/month for payroll (time tracking included); full platform pricing is custom and scales with features.
ADP RUN
enterpriseScalable payroll and HR software with integrated time tracking and compliance tools for SMBs.
Automatic synchronization of time and attendance data to payroll runs
ADP RUN is a robust payroll platform from ADP designed for small to mid-sized businesses, featuring integrated time tracking and attendance management. Employees can clock in/out via mobile app or kiosk with GPS geofencing, scheduling, and PTO tracking, while data seamlessly syncs to payroll for automated processing. It emphasizes compliance with labor laws, tax filings, and reporting, making it suitable for businesses needing all-in-one HR and payroll solutions.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking data directly into payroll processing
- Mobile app with geofencing and scheduling for accurate attendance
- Strong compliance tools and automated tax handling
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full time tracking features
- Steeper learning curve for setup and customization
- Customer support can be slow during peak payroll periods
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking scalable, compliant payroll with built-in time tracking for hourly workers.
Pricing
Starts at $59 base/month + $4-$11 per employee; time tracking in Enhanced ($99 base + $7-12/EE) and Complete plans.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseComprehensive HCM solution offering payroll, time and attendance tracking, and HR analytics.
Automated time-to-payroll sync with built-in compliance alerts
Paychex Flex is an all-in-one HR and payroll platform with integrated time tracking features designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It enables employees to clock in/out via mobile app, track hours, manage PTO, and handle scheduling, with data automatically syncing to payroll for accurate processing. The solution emphasizes compliance, reporting, and scalability, making it suitable for growing companies.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with payroll processing
- Robust mobile app with geofencing and scheduling tools
- Strong compliance features and detailed reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be expensive for small teams
- Steeper learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking an integrated time tracking and payroll solution with strong compliance support.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $59/month base plus $4-6 per employee; time tracking often bundled in higher plans.
BambooHR
enterpriseUser-friendly HR platform with time off tracking, payroll integrations, and employee self-service.
End-to-end workflow from timesheet approval to automated payroll processing within the same intuitive HR dashboard
BambooHR is a comprehensive HR management platform that includes time tracking for clocking in/out, timesheets, and PTO management, integrated with payroll processing for US-based companies. It enables employees to submit hours via mobile or web, managers to approve timesheets, and automates payroll calculations including taxes and direct deposits. While not a standalone time tracking payroll tool, it excels in embedding these functions within a broader HR ecosystem for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with full HR suite
- Intuitive mobile app for clocking and timesheet submission
- Automated payroll run with tax compliance for US users
Cons
- Lacks advanced time tracking like project billing or GPS
- Payroll limited primarily to US, with fewer international options
- Per-employee pricing can become expensive for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized US businesses needing an all-in-one HR platform with reliable basic time tracking and payroll integration.
Pricing
Custom quote, typically $6-$12 per employee/month for core HR plus time tracking; payroll add-on starts at $4.50/employee/month.
Homebase
specializedFree scheduling, time clock, and payroll software tailored for hourly and shift-based teams.
GPS geofencing and photo-verified time clock for fraud-proof time tracking
Homebase is an all-in-one employee management platform tailored for small businesses with hourly workers, focusing on scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration. It provides accurate time clock features like GPS geofencing, photo verification, and automatic overtime calculations to ensure precise tracking. The software integrates with popular payroll providers such as Gusto and QuickBooks, or offers its own payroll processing for streamlined wage payments and compliance.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core time tracking and scheduling
- Mobile-first interface that's intuitive for employees and managers
- GPS time clock prevents buddy punching and ensures location accuracy
Cons
- Advanced payroll requires costly add-ons or integrations
- Limited scalability for businesses with complex payroll needs
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small businesses in retail, restaurants, or hospitality managing shift-based hourly employees with straightforward payroll requirements.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan for basic scheduling and time tracking; Premium at $29.95/location/month (billed annually); Elite at $59.95/location/month; Payroll add-on starts at $39.95/month + $6/employee.
Deputy
specializedWorkforce management tool combining scheduling, time tracking, and global payroll capabilities.
Geofenced mobile time clocking that verifies employee location for accurate, tamper-proof time tracking
Deputy is a workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration, enabling businesses to manage shifts and track hours via mobile apps or kiosks. It automates timesheet approvals and syncs data directly with payroll providers like Xero, QuickBooks, and Gusto for seamless wage calculations. The software also includes features like geofencing, labor costing, and compliance tools to ensure accurate payroll processing and regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for clocking in/out with geofencing
- Seamless integrations with major payroll systems
- Real-time labor costing and shift management
Cons
- No built-in native payroll processing
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger teams
- Limited customization in reporting for complex payroll needs
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or field services that need mobile-first time tracking integrated with external payroll.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50 per active user/month (billed annually) for Essential plan; higher tiers like Plus ($5.25/user/month) add advanced features, with custom Enterprise pricing.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling and time tracking app with direct payroll integrations for shift workers.
GPS-enabled mobile time clock with shift reminders and auto-approval workflows
When I Work is a mobile-first workforce management tool primarily focused on employee scheduling with robust time tracking capabilities. It enables clock-ins via GPS-enabled mobile apps, generates timesheets, and offers overtime alerts and labor costing for payroll preparation. While it integrates with payroll providers like QuickBooks and Gusto, it does not process payroll taxes or payments directly.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for easy clock-ins and shift management
- Strong integrations with popular payroll systems for seamless timesheet exports
- Real-time overtime tracking and labor forecasting to control costs
Cons
- Lacks built-in payroll processing or tax calculations
- GPS clock-in verification can be unreliable in some environments
- Advanced reporting requires higher pricing tiers
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare that need combined scheduling and time tracking before exporting to payroll.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per active user/month (Basic), $3.50/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Hubstaff
specializedAdvanced time tracking with GPS, activity monitoring, and automated payroll calculations.
Automated screenshots and activity rate tracking providing visual proof of work
Hubstaff is a comprehensive time tracking and payroll software designed for remote and distributed teams, offering features like automatic screenshots, keyboard/mouse activity monitoring, GPS tracking, and productivity insights. It integrates payroll processing directly with its platform or via third-party services like QuickBooks and Gusto, enabling accurate timesheet-based payments. Additional tools include scheduling, invoicing, and project management to support full workforce management.
Pros
- Precise time tracking with screenshots and activity levels for verifiable productivity
- Seamless payroll integrations and built-in payroll service for efficient payments
- Robust mobile and GPS support ideal for field and remote teams
Cons
- Invasive monitoring features raise privacy concerns for some teams
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced payroll and features
- Steeper learning curve for setup and customization
Best For
Remote or hybrid teams requiring detailed proof-of-work tracking and integrated payroll processing.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Basic) up to $20/user/month (Ultra), billed annually; Hubstaff Payroll add-on at $2/user/month.
Conclusion
Reviewing top time tracking and payroll tools reveals Gusto as the standout choice, offering a seamless all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, and time tracking. QuickBooks Time and Rippling follow with strong alternatives—QuickBooks Time for tight integration with accounting, and Rippling for unifying workforce management. Each tool meets distinct needs, but Gusto leads with its comprehensive solution.
Don’t miss out—try Gusto to leverage its integrated tools and automated processes for efficient workflow management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison