GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE
HR In IndustryTop 10 Best Time Tracking Payroll Software
Compare the top time tracking payroll tools to streamline payroll, boost accuracy, and save time. See our best picks—start now!
How we ranked these tools
Core product claims cross-referenced against official documentation, changelogs, and independent technical reviews.
Analyzed video reviews and hundreds of written evaluations to capture real-world user experiences with each tool.
AI persona simulations modeled how different user types would experience each tool across common use cases and workflows.
Final rankings reviewed and approved by our editorial team with authority to override AI-generated scores based on domain expertise.
Score: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy
Editor picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Paylocity
Workforce management that ties time collection to scheduling and compliance controls, including rule-based scheduling and smart geofencing clock-in, within the broader HR and payroll platform.
Built for organizations that need an integrated time tracking and payroll/HR platform with robust workforce management controls and self-service workflows..
ADP
The tight integration of time and attendance data into ADP’s payroll and broader HR ecosystem—enabling pay calculations and reporting to flow from tracked hours with strong configuration and compliance support.
Built for best for mid-market to enterprise employers that need integrated time tracking and payroll processing with strong governance and compliance across multiple locations or payroll complexities..
Gusto
Seamless payroll and benefits/HR management in one platform—allowing teams to connect time data to pay runs while handling onboarding and compliance from a single system.
Built for companies that want an easy-to-manage payroll and HR system with time tracking handled through integrations rather than a full standalone time clock..
Comparison Table
This comparison table breaks down popular time tracking and payroll software—such as Paylocity, ADP, Gusto, Rippling, and UKG—side by side for easier evaluation. Review key features, pricing considerations, integrations, and usability factors to find the best fit for your team’s payroll and workforce management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paylocity Unified HR, finance, and IT platform that simplifies payroll while connecting workforce management, compliance, and employee experiences in one system. | enterprise | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 2 | ADP Provides integrated time and attendance tracking with payroll and HR services for businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 3 | Gusto Combines payroll with simple time tracking and scheduling for small to mid-sized teams. | general_ai | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 4 | Rippling Unifies HR, time tracking, and payroll in a single platform with automation and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | UKG Delivers enterprise workforce management including time tracking, attendance, and payroll integrations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Workday Enterprise HR and payroll suite with workforce/time management capabilities and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Kronos Workforce Ready (Kronos) Workforce management for time tracking and scheduling that supports payroll workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Square Payroll & Time Tracking Offers payroll with time tracking tools tailored to hourly and retail/service businesses. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | OnPay Payroll platform with employee time tracking features to streamline pay runs. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Zenefits HR platform with time tracking and payroll administration for small to mid-sized organizations. | general_ai | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 |
Unified HR, finance, and IT platform that simplifies payroll while connecting workforce management, compliance, and employee experiences in one system.
Provides integrated time and attendance tracking with payroll and HR services for businesses.
Combines payroll with simple time tracking and scheduling for small to mid-sized teams.
Unifies HR, time tracking, and payroll in a single platform with automation and reporting.
Delivers enterprise workforce management including time tracking, attendance, and payroll integrations.
Enterprise HR and payroll suite with workforce/time management capabilities and compliance reporting.
Workforce management for time tracking and scheduling that supports payroll workflows.
Offers payroll with time tracking tools tailored to hourly and retail/service businesses.
Payroll platform with employee time tracking features to streamline pay runs.
HR platform with time tracking and payroll administration for small to mid-sized organizations.
Paylocity
enterpriseUnified HR, finance, and IT platform that simplifies payroll while connecting workforce management, compliance, and employee experiences in one system.
Workforce management that ties time collection to scheduling and compliance controls, including rule-based scheduling and smart geofencing clock-in, within the broader HR and payroll platform.
Paylocity is a unified platform for HR, payroll, finance, and IT that aims to streamline payroll processing and connect workforce operations across the employee lifecycle. For time tracking and payroll review needs, Paylocity includes workforce management capabilities such as time collection through mobile, web, kiosk, or time clock, automated time and attendance tracking, attendance reporting and notifications, and schedule management with rule-based scheduling. It also supports location-based clock-in with smart geofencing and includes shift claim/swap functionality to help teams manage coverage while reducing compliance risk. The platform is positioned for organizations ranging from small businesses to large enterprises that want modern workflows, self-service access, and integrated reporting across HR and payroll.
Pros
- Strong time tracking coverage with multiple time collection methods (mobile, web, kiosk, time clock) plus automated time and attendance tracking
- Workforce features designed for operational control, including schedule rules, attendance notifications, and shift claim/swap functionality
- Location-based clock-in with smart geofencing and tools intended to minimize compliance risk
Cons
- Pricing is not transparently listed on the public pricing page and instead requires getting pricing through sales
- As an enterprise-grade suite, it may be more than many very small organizations need if they only want basic time clocks and payroll
- Some advanced capabilities appear framed around packaged workflows and audits, which may require onboarding and configuration to fully match unique payroll/time policies
Best For
Organizations that need an integrated time tracking and payroll/HR platform with robust workforce management controls and self-service workflows.
ADP
enterpriseProvides integrated time and attendance tracking with payroll and HR services for businesses.
The tight integration of time and attendance data into ADP’s payroll and broader HR ecosystem—enabling pay calculations and reporting to flow from tracked hours with strong configuration and compliance support.
ADP (adp.com) is a comprehensive HR platform that combines time tracking with payroll processing, designed to help organizations manage employee hours, earnings, and pay outcomes in one system. Its time and attendance capabilities support scheduling, time collection, and compliance-oriented features, while payroll automation helps calculate pay based on configurable rules and labor inputs. ADP is often used by mid-market and enterprise employers that need centralized HR, payroll, and workforce management workflows across locations and departments.
Pros
- Strong end-to-end coverage: time tracking integrates directly with payroll and HR workflows
- Robust enterprise-grade controls and compliance support for multi-state/multi-location payroll scenarios
- Broad workforce management capabilities (e.g., scheduling/time collection approaches) suited for complex organizations
Cons
- Implementation and configuration can be complex, especially for organizations with unique pay rules and jurisdictions
- Pricing is typically quote-based and may be costly for smaller teams or businesses with limited needs
- The platform breadth can make day-to-day usability feel heavier than dedicated time clock systems
Best For
Best for mid-market to enterprise employers that need integrated time tracking and payroll processing with strong governance and compliance across multiple locations or payroll complexities.
Gusto
general_aiCombines payroll with simple time tracking and scheduling for small to mid-sized teams.
Seamless payroll and benefits/HR management in one platform—allowing teams to connect time data to pay runs while handling onboarding and compliance from a single system.
Gusto (gusto.com) is primarily a payroll and HR platform that helps small to mid-sized businesses run pay runs, manage benefits, and handle employee onboarding and tax filings. While it’s not a dedicated time-tracking system like some specialized tools, it supports time-related workflows through add-ons and integrations (e.g., connecting employee timesheets from other tools) that can feed into payroll. Overall, it’s best viewed as an end-to-end payroll/HR hub that can work with time tracking rather than replace a purpose-built time clock.
Pros
- Strong payroll automation with tax filing and compliance support geared toward small businesses
- User-friendly onboarding and HR workflows that reduce administrative overhead
- Good ecosystem of integrations for bringing time data into payroll via connected tools
Cons
- Time tracking is not the core strength; it generally requires integrations or additional setup for robust timesheets
- More complex timekeeping needs (advanced scheduling, detailed approval workflows, multi-site time rules) may fall short compared with dedicated time tracking platforms
- Pricing can add up depending on payroll complexity, add-ons, and the number of employees/locations
Best For
Companies that want an easy-to-manage payroll and HR system with time tracking handled through integrations rather than a full standalone time clock.
Rippling
enterpriseUnifies HR, time tracking, and payroll in a single platform with automation and reporting.
The tight integration of time data with payroll and employee records inside a single system that also connects to broader operational tooling (making it a true workforce-management platform rather than just time tracking).
Rippling is an HR platform that combines payroll and workforce management with broader IT and operations tools. For time tracking, it supports employee time entry workflows and integrates closely with payroll so hours can map to compensation rules. It also centralizes employee data, onboarding/offboarding, and compliance-related workflows, aiming to reduce manual HR and payroll administration. While it can handle time data effectively, its primary strength is the unified system spanning HR, payroll, and related workforce processes.
Pros
- Strong end-to-end platform: time tracking connected to payroll and employee data management
- Automation and integrations that reduce manual HR/payroll administration
- Comprehensive workforce/HR features beyond time tracking (onboarding, offboarding, compliance workflows)
Cons
- Time tracking is not its sole focus; organizations seeking a dedicated time & attendance product may find it heavier than needed
- Pricing is typically quote-based and can become costly for teams that only need basic time tracking and payroll
- Advanced configuration and role-based workflows may require admin effort to set up correctly
Best For
Businesses that want unified time tracking and payroll within a broader HR platform and value automation and integrations across HR workflows.
UKG
enterpriseDelivers enterprise workforce management including time tracking, attendance, and payroll integrations.
Its integrated enterprise workforce approach—connecting time and labor processing with broader HR/workforce workflows and compliance-focused controls—rather than offering time tracking as a standalone tool.
UKG (ukg.com) provides enterprise HR and workforce management capabilities that typically include time tracking, attendance, scheduling, and payroll-related workflows. For organizations with distributed teams and compliance needs, it supports automated time capture, policy-based rules, approvals, and integration paths into payroll processing. UKG’s platform is designed to handle complex labor requirements rather than basic clock-in/out alone. As a result, it functions best as an integrated workforce suite that ties time and labor data to broader HR and payroll operations.
Pros
- Strong enterprise-grade time and labor capabilities, including rule-based time processing, approvals, and auditability
- Good fit for organizations needing integrated HR/workforce processes with compliance and reporting requirements
- Robust ecosystem for integrations and workflow management across HR, time tracking, and downstream payroll
Cons
- Best results often depend on configuration and implementation expertise, which can be time-consuming
- User experience can feel complex for smaller teams or simpler time tracking needs
- Pricing is typically higher for mid-market-to-enterprise deployments, reducing value for organizations seeking basic functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations that require sophisticated time and labor rules, scheduling/attendance workflows, and tight linkage to payroll processing and compliance.
Workday
enterpriseEnterprise HR and payroll suite with workforce/time management capabilities and compliance reporting.
Deep integration across HR, time/attendance workflows, and payroll with centralized, policy-based automation rather than standalone time tracking.
Workday (workday.com) is an enterprise HR platform that combines core HR, payroll, and workforce management capabilities with strong integrations across HR, time, and analytics. While it can support time tracking through its broader workforce management suite, it is primarily positioned as a comprehensive system of record for payroll and HR rather than a lightweight standalone time clock product. Workday is designed to handle complex organizational structures, global payroll needs, and policy-driven workflows. For large organizations, it centralizes data and automates payroll-related processes using configurable rules and robust governance.
Pros
- Strong enterprise-grade payroll and HR capabilities with robust configurability for complex organizations
- Policy-driven time and attendance/workforce workflows that integrate directly with HR and payroll data
- High-quality reporting and analytics plus an ecosystem of integrations for extended functionality
Cons
- Typically expensive and implementation-heavy, making it less suitable for small or mid-market teams
- Time tracking is not the primary standalone strength; it works best as part of the full Workday suite
- Learning curve and configuration effort can be significant due to breadth and enterprise controls
Best For
Large enterprises or multi-country organizations that need integrated payroll and workforce/time management with strong governance and automation.
Kronos Workforce Ready (Kronos)
enterpriseWorkforce management for time tracking and scheduling that supports payroll workflows.
Enterprise-level workforce governance—time/attendance rules, approval workflows, and audit-ready reporting designed to support compliance and accurate payroll calculations at scale.
Kronos Workforce Ready (often referred to as Kronos) is an enterprise workforce management platform used for time tracking, scheduling, attendance, and related HR/payroll workflows. It supports labor tracking across multiple locations and integrates with payroll processes so organizations can manage hours more accurately. In addition to core timekeeping, it typically includes compliance-focused features such as alerts, rules for approvals, and audit trails to support workforce policies. As a result, it’s designed for mid-to-large employers that need standardized, scalable workforce data across teams.
Pros
- Strong enterprise capabilities for time tracking, attendance, and labor management with robust auditability and workflow controls
- Good scalability for multi-location and multi-department organizations that need standardized time/attendance rules
- Integrations and payroll-aligned workflows help reduce manual hour reconciliation
Cons
- Implementation and configuration can be complex, especially for organizations with unique pay policies or scheduling requirements
- User experience and setup effort may be less friendly for small teams compared to simpler time clock tools
- Pricing is commonly positioned for larger enterprises, which can reduce value for mid-market or smaller employers
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations that require enterprise-grade time tracking and attendance controls with payroll-aligned processes and governance.
Square Payroll & Time Tracking
otherOffers payroll with time tracking tools tailored to hourly and retail/service businesses.
End-to-end alignment between time tracking and payroll within the Square platform, particularly valuable for existing Square customers who benefit from a unified small-business workflow.
Square Payroll & Time Tracking is Square’s time and payroll solution designed for small businesses that want to track hours and run payroll in one workflow. It offers time tracking features for employees, then uses that information to help streamline payroll processing and related payroll tasks. The platform is tightly integrated with the broader Square ecosystem, making it convenient for businesses already using Square payments and Square business tools. It primarily targets straightforward payroll needs rather than highly complex, enterprise-grade scenarios.
Pros
- Strong integration with the Square ecosystem for businesses already using Square for payments
- Generally straightforward time tracking and payroll workflow that reduces manual admin
- User-friendly interface for managers and employees, with clear visibility into time and pay inputs
Cons
- Time tracking and payroll capabilities may be less robust than specialized payroll/time platforms for complex organizations
- Advanced scheduling, detailed workforce management, and deep reporting may be limited compared to higher-end competitors
- Pricing can become less predictable when factoring in multiple services/modules and employee counts
Best For
Small businesses that want an easy-to-manage time tracking and payroll process, especially if they already use Square for payments.
OnPay
otherPayroll platform with employee time tracking features to streamline pay runs.
OnPay’s standout strength is simplifying payroll and tax compliance for small businesses, making it a practical “payroll-first” option even when time tracking is handled elsewhere.
OnPay (onpay.com) is primarily a payroll platform that helps small businesses run payroll, manage taxes, and pay employees with minimal manual effort. While it is not positioned as a dedicated time-tracking system, OnPay can support workforce time collection in practice through integrations and configurable workflows rather than a robust standalone time clock. It is most useful for teams that already have a time capture process and want payroll and compliance streamlined. Overall, it’s stronger as payroll software than as a comprehensive time tracking solution.
Pros
- Strong payroll automation and tax filing support for small businesses
- Generally straightforward setup and an approachable admin experience
- Good fit for organizations that want payroll handled end-to-end with less complexity
Cons
- Time tracking is not a core, fully featured native capability compared to dedicated time-and-attendance platforms
- May require third-party tools or integrations to achieve a complete time-tracking workflow (timesheets, approvals, rules)
- Limited depth for advanced scheduling, shift management, or compliance-grade time policies relative to specialized solutions
Best For
Small businesses that need reliable payroll and tax handling and already have (or can add) time capture via an external tool.
Zenefits
general_aiHR platform with time tracking and payroll administration for small to mid-sized organizations.
A tightly integrated HR platform approach that links time tracking inputs directly into payroll and broader employee administration to minimize system handoffs.
Zenefits (zenefits.com) is a human resources platform that combines core HR tools with payroll and time-related functionality for small and mid-sized businesses. It supports employee time tracking workflows, then leverages that data to streamline payroll processing and related HR administration. The platform also includes employee management features (such as onboarding and benefits administration), which can reduce the need to stitch together multiple systems. As a time tracking + payroll solution, it is best evaluated on how reliably it captures time and how smoothly those results feed payroll.
Pros
- Integrated HR, time tracking, and payroll workflow can reduce manual data handling
- User-friendly interfaces for employees and admins to manage time and pay-related tasks
- Centralized employee records and HR administration helps support consistent payroll processing
Cons
- Not as specialized or feature-rich as top dedicated time-and-attendance platforms (e.g., advanced scheduling, complex labor compliance, or highly granular time rules)
- Overall value can be constrained by packaging, plan requirements, and add-ons typical of HR suite pricing
- Functionality depth varies by organization size and state/jurisdiction requirements, which may limit out-of-the-box fit for some teams
Best For
Companies that want an integrated HR suite with straightforward time tracking feeding into payroll, especially when they also need benefits and employee administration in one system.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 hr in industry, Paylocity stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Time Tracking Payroll Software
This buyer’s guide is based on an in-depth analysis of the 10 time tracking and payroll solutions reviewed above, using their documented strengths, weaknesses, and ratings. The goal here is to help you map your operational needs (time capture, approvals, compliance, and pay calculation) to the specific tools that actually fit those requirements, such as Paylocity, ADP, and UKG.
What Is Time Tracking Payroll Software?
Time Tracking Payroll Software combines employee hour capture (time clocks, timesheets, mobile or web entry) with payroll processing so tracked labor flows into pay calculations and reporting. It typically reduces manual reconciliation by connecting time and attendance inputs to payroll rules, approvals, and compliance-oriented workflows. Many organizations use it as either a unified HR/workforce suite (for example Paylocity and UKG) or a payroll-first platform that supports time capture through integrations (for example OnPay and Gusto).
Key Features to Look For
Workforce management that connects time capture to scheduling and compliance controls
Look for tools that tie time collection to schedule rules and compliance-oriented guardrails, not just basic clock-in/out. Paylocity stands out for tying time collection to rule-based scheduling and smart geofencing clock-in to help minimize compliance risk, and UKG and Kronos Workforce Ready also emphasize enterprise-grade labor governance.
Location-based clock-in with geofencing
If your workforce works across sites, geofencing helps ensure clock-ins occur within approved locations. Paylocity explicitly supports location-based clock-in with smart geofencing to reduce compliance risk, while enterprise platforms like UKG and Kronos Workforce Ready focus on standardized rules and auditability for multi-location operations.
Configurable, policy-driven time and attendance workflows that feed payroll
You need payroll-ready hour calculations driven by your rules (approvals, thresholds, reporting). ADP is highlighted for tight integration where time and attendance data flows into ADP payroll and broader HR workflows for pay calculations and reporting, and Workday emphasizes policy-driven time/attendance workflows integrated into payroll.
Approval workflows and audit-ready reporting for labor compliance
Consider how the system supports approvals, rules, and audit trails when time is edited or contested. Kronos Workforce Ready is positioned around enterprise-level workforce governance with approval workflows and audit-ready reporting, and UKG likewise focuses on auditability and compliance-focused controls.
Multiple time collection methods (mobile, web, kiosk, time clock) and automated tracking
Coverage improves when employees can clock in the way that matches their job (mobile, web, kiosk, dedicated clock). Paylocity supports multiple time collection methods plus automated time and attendance tracking and attendance notifications, which is stronger than payroll-first options like OnPay and more robust than platforms that treat time as an add-on (like Gusto).
Self-service workforce features that reduce coverage gaps (shift claim/swap)
If scheduling changes are common, built-in shift management can reduce manual handling and compliance risk. Paylocity includes shift claim/swap functionality designed to help teams manage coverage, while enterprise suites like UKG and Kronos Workforce Ready focus more on scheduling and approvals as part of workforce governance.
How to Choose the Right Time Tracking Payroll Software
Start with your time capture reality (not just payroll needs)
Identify where time is captured today and what methods employees must use (mobile, web, kiosk, or time clock). Paylocity is compelling when you want broad time collection coverage (mobile, web, kiosk, time clock) plus automated time and attendance tracking, while Square Payroll & Time Tracking is a fit when you want a straightforward, unified workflow for small hourly and retail/service businesses.
Decide whether you need workforce scheduling + compliance controls
If you need scheduling rules, attendance notifications, and compliance guardrails, prioritize an integrated workforce suite. Paylocity connects time collection to rule-based scheduling and smart geofencing, and Kronos Workforce Ready and UKG emphasize enterprise governance with time/attendance rules and auditability.
Validate payroll integration depth and configuration complexity
For multi-state or complex pay rules, integration quality matters more than “time tracking features” alone. ADP is strong on end-to-end time and attendance integration into payroll and HR workflows, while Workday provides deep policy-based automation but is typically heavier and more implementation-intensive.
Match the product to your organizational size and implementation tolerance
Enterprise platforms (Workday, UKG, Kronos Workforce Ready, Paylocity, ADP) can deliver robust governance but require configuration effort. If you’re a smaller business and prefer a simpler setup, Square Payroll & Time Tracking targets an easier workflow, while OnPay and Gusto can work better when time tracking is handled via integrations or external processes.
Plan for pricing model and procurement constraints early
Expect quote-based pricing for enterprise suites like Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Workday, and Kronos Workforce Ready, and module- or employee-count-driven pricing for others like Square Payroll & Time Tracking, OnPay, and Zenefits. Ensure the final scope includes the time tracking depth you need—several tools explicitly noted that time tracking may be less robust than dedicated systems (for example Gusto, OnPay, and Zenefits).
Who Needs Time Tracking Payroll Software?
Organizations that need an integrated time tracking + payroll/HR platform with strong workforce controls
Paylocity is the clearest match for teams that want time collection plus scheduling and compliance controls in one place, including rule-based scheduling and smart geofencing clock-in. Rippling is also strong when you want unified time tracking connected to payroll and employee data workflows, especially if you value automation across HR processes.
Mid-market to enterprise employers that need centralized compliance and payroll governance across locations
ADP is best aligned to organizations that need tight integration of tracked hours into payroll and broader HR workflows, particularly for complex multi-location scenarios. Kronos Workforce Ready and UKG are also suitable when you require standardized time/attendance rules, approvals, and auditability at scale.
Large enterprises or multi-country organizations requiring policy-driven automation and deep HR/payroll integration
Workday fits when you want deep integration across HR, time/attendance workflows, and payroll with centralized, policy-driven automation. UKG also fits mid-to-large organizations needing sophisticated time and labor rules tied to payroll and compliance.
Small to mid-sized businesses that want simpler payroll-first workflows with time tracking feeding into pay runs
Square Payroll & Time Tracking is a strong option for small businesses that want time tracking and payroll in one unified Square workflow. OnPay and Gusto are more “payroll-first” and may require integrations or external time capture to achieve robust timesheets and scheduling—so they fit best when your timekeeping process is already in place.
Pricing: What to Expect
Enterprise-focused platforms—Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Workday, and Kronos Workforce Ready—are generally quote-based, with costs driven by modules, employee counts, and implementation/services; the reviews also note that time tracking and payroll depth often comes with higher total cost and onboarding effort. Mid-market and HR suite options like Zenefits are typically tiered by plan with per-employee pricing and add-ons, which can increase cost as workflows and capabilities expand. For smaller businesses, Square Payroll & Time Tracking is structured around per-user/per-payroll components and varies by plan and employee count, while OnPay is generally based on number of employees and/or payroll frequency. Gusto is tiered by employee count with payroll capabilities and additional costs for benefits/HR add-ons, and Rippling is quote-based and can become costly if consolidating multiple HR systems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming a payroll-first platform includes full time-and-attendance depth
If your workflow needs advanced scheduling, approval rules, and compliance-grade time policies, payroll-first tools may not fully cover it out of the box. The reviews call out this gap for Gusto, OnPay, and Zenefits, which are not as specialized as dedicated time-and-attendance platforms.
Buying enterprise governance without budgeting for configuration and implementation effort
Enterprise suites can be powerful but complex to configure, and usability can feel heavier for simpler needs. ADP, UKG, Kronos Workforce Ready, and Workday all note configuration/implementation complexity as a common challenge.
Ignoring geofencing or location compliance needs when you operate across sites
For multi-location clock-in requirements, avoid relying on generic time entry alone. Paylocity specifically supports smart geofencing clock-in to reduce compliance risk, while Kronos Workforce Ready and UKG emphasize governance controls designed for multi-location scenarios.
Underestimating total cost caused by modules, add-ons, and “quote-based” scope creep
Several tools emphasize quote-based pricing or add-ons that can increase cost as you expand scope. Paylocity, ADP, Rippling, UKG, and Workday require pricing via sales/quotes, and Zenefits and Gusto can add costs through tier upgrades and add-on features.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
The tools were evaluated using the same rating dimensions shown in the reviews: overall rating, features rating, ease of use rating, and value rating, then grounded in the specific pros and cons reported for time tracking and payroll workflows. We treated standout capabilities—such as Paylocity’s rule-based scheduling and smart geofencing, ADP’s tight integration into payroll and HR ecosystems, and UKG/Kronos’s compliance-focused auditability—as concrete differentiators rather than generic claims. Paylocity ranked at the top overall in the provided analysis, driven by its strong feature set for time collection methods, workforce controls, and compliance-oriented design, while lower-value or less time-tracking-centric tools were penalized where the reviews indicate time tracking is not the core strength (for example OnPay and Gusto).
Frequently Asked Questions About Time Tracking Payroll Software
Which tools are best when we need time tracking that’s tightly connected to payroll calculations and HR workflows?
ADP is specifically highlighted for tight integration of time and attendance into payroll and broader HR workflows so pay calculations and reporting flow from tracked hours. Workday and Rippling also focus on deep integration across HR/time and payroll, with Workday emphasizing policy-driven automation and Rippling emphasizing a unified time tracking and payroll platform tied to employee records.
If we have multi-site workers and need location-based clock-in compliance, what should we prioritize?
Paylocity stands out because it includes location-based clock-in with smart geofencing designed to minimize compliance risk. Kronos Workforce Ready and UKG emphasize enterprise-grade time/attendance rules, approvals, and audit trails that help with governance when operating across multiple locations.
What’s a good option for small businesses that want an easier workflow to track time and run payroll?
Square Payroll & Time Tracking is positioned for small businesses that want time tracking and payroll in one aligned Square workflow, with a user-friendly interface for managers and employees. OnPay and Gusto can also work well for small teams, but the reviews note that time tracking is less of a native core and may depend on integrations or an external time capture process.
We need advanced scheduling, approvals, and audit-ready reporting—does a dedicated workforce suite matter?
Yes—dedicated workforce governance is repeatedly emphasized in the enterprise tools. Kronos Workforce Ready is described as having approval workflows, rules, and audit-ready reporting, while UKG emphasizes rule-based time processing and compliance-focused controls. Paylocity also delivers workforce management controls including rule-based scheduling and attendance notifications.
How should we think about pricing when comparing time tracking + payroll solutions?
Enterprise suites like Paylocity, ADP, UKG, Workday, and Kronos Workforce Ready are generally quote-based, with pricing driven by modules, employee counts, and implementation/services. By contrast, Square Payroll & Time Tracking and OnPay are described as based on plan components and employee count/payroll frequency, and Gusto and Zenefits use tiered, plan-based pricing that can rise with add-ons—so confirm which time tracking depth you’ll get at the selected tier.
Tools reviewed
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
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