Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Time - Cloud-based time tracking with GPS geofencing, mobile clock-in, scheduling, and direct QuickBooks payroll integration.
- 2#2: Homebase - Free employee scheduling and time clock app with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication for small businesses.
- 3#3: Deputy - Comprehensive workforce management platform offering timeclock, scheduling, labor costing, and compliance tools.
- 4#4: When I Work - Employee scheduling and time tracking software with mobile punch clock, shift trades, and attendance alerts.
- 5#5: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for time clock, scheduling, task management, and employee communication with GPS verification.
- 6#6: Hubstaff - Time tracking tool with GPS, screenshots, activity monitoring, and payroll features for remote teams.
- 7#7: Clockify - Unlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, timesheets, reports, and unlimited users for any team size.
- 8#8: Toggl Track - Intuitive time tracking app with Pomodoro timer, project billing, and detailed reporting for teams and freelancers.
- 9#9: Time Doctor - Productivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, app usage tracking, and idle detection for employee monitoring.
- 10#10: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing software with budgeting, expense tracking, and integrations for small teams.
We ranked these tools based on a blend of robust functionality (including GPS tracking, scheduling, and payroll integration), user experience, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that adapt to diverse needs and deliver exceptional utility.
Comparison Table
This comparison table features a range of timeclock software tools, including QuickBooks Time, Homebase, Deputy, When I Work, Connecteam, and more, to assist users in evaluating options for effective employee scheduling and time tracking. Readers will find key details like core features, usability, and integration capabilities, helping them identify the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Time Cloud-based time tracking with GPS geofencing, mobile clock-in, scheduling, and direct QuickBooks payroll integration. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Homebase Free employee scheduling and time clock app with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication for small businesses. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Comprehensive workforce management platform offering timeclock, scheduling, labor costing, and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Employee scheduling and time tracking software with mobile punch clock, shift trades, and attendance alerts. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for time clock, scheduling, task management, and employee communication with GPS verification. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Hubstaff Time tracking tool with GPS, screenshots, activity monitoring, and payroll features for remote teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Clockify Unlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, timesheets, reports, and unlimited users for any team size. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | Toggl Track Intuitive time tracking app with Pomodoro timer, project billing, and detailed reporting for teams and freelancers. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 9 | Time Doctor Productivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, app usage tracking, and idle detection for employee monitoring. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing software with budgeting, expense tracking, and integrations for small teams. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
Cloud-based time tracking with GPS geofencing, mobile clock-in, scheduling, and direct QuickBooks payroll integration.
Free employee scheduling and time clock app with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication for small businesses.
Comprehensive workforce management platform offering timeclock, scheduling, labor costing, and compliance tools.
Employee scheduling and time tracking software with mobile punch clock, shift trades, and attendance alerts.
All-in-one mobile app for time clock, scheduling, task management, and employee communication with GPS verification.
Time tracking tool with GPS, screenshots, activity monitoring, and payroll features for remote teams.
Unlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, timesheets, reports, and unlimited users for any team size.
Intuitive time tracking app with Pomodoro timer, project billing, and detailed reporting for teams and freelancers.
Productivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, app usage tracking, and idle detection for employee monitoring.
Time tracking and invoicing software with budgeting, expense tracking, and integrations for small teams.
QuickBooks Time
enterpriseCloud-based time tracking with GPS geofencing, mobile clock-in, scheduling, and direct QuickBooks payroll integration.
Automatic syncing of tracked time directly into QuickBooks Payroll and Invoicing
QuickBooks Time is a comprehensive time tracking and timeclock software that enables employees to clock in and out via mobile app, desktop, or kiosk with GPS location verification and geofencing for accuracy. It offers scheduling, timesheet approvals, project tracking, and robust reporting to streamline workforce management. Seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks Online and Payroll, it automates time-to-invoice and payroll processes for small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automatic payroll and invoicing
- Precise GPS tracking, geofencing, and photo clock-in verification
- Intuitive mobile app and kiosk mode for easy employee adoption
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams with per-user fees
- Advanced reporting requires the pricier Elite plan
- Some features like offline mobile tracking have limitations
Best For
Small to medium businesses using QuickBooks that need accurate time tracking tied directly to payroll and invoicing.
Pricing
Premium: $20/user/month + $8 base fee; Elite: $40/user/month + $8 base fee (billed annually); free for one user.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling and time clock app with GPS tracking, timesheets, and team communication for small businesses.
GPS geofencing and facial recognition on clock-ins to automatically verify employee location and identity, reducing payroll errors.
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with hourly employees, particularly in retail, restaurants, and hospitality. Its timeclock software enables accurate time tracking through a mobile app with features like GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition to prevent buddy punching and ensure compliance. Beyond clocking in/out, it integrates seamlessly with scheduling, payroll, and team communication tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Free plan for one location with up to 20 employees, offering excellent value for startups
- Robust timeclock with GPS geofencing, photo verification, and facial recognition to minimize time theft
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that simplifies clocking in/out and integrates with scheduling
Cons
- Advanced reporting and unlimited employees require paid upgrades
- Pricing is per location, which can add up for multi-site businesses
- Customer support response times can vary, especially on the free plan
Best For
Small retail, restaurant, or service businesses with hourly shift workers seeking an affordable, mobile-friendly time tracking solution integrated with scheduling.
Pricing
Free for 1 location/20 employees; Essentials from $29.99/month per location (50 employees); Premium from $49.99/month with advanced features.
Deputy
enterpriseComprehensive workforce management platform offering timeclock, scheduling, labor costing, and compliance tools.
Facial recognition clock-in to prevent buddy punching and ensure accurate time tracking
Deputy is a comprehensive workforce management platform specializing in scheduling, time tracking, and communication for shift-based businesses. Its timeclock features include mobile clock-in/out with geofencing, facial recognition to prevent buddy punching, and kiosk mode for shared devices. The software integrates tightly with scheduling and payroll systems, providing real-time labor costing and compliance tools like overtime alerts.
Pros
- Advanced anti-fraud timeclock options like facial recognition and geofencing
- Seamless integration with scheduling and payroll for accurate timesheets
- Mobile-first design with kiosk support for flexible work environments
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for advanced features may not suit small teams
- Steeper learning curve for complex scheduling and reporting
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing integrated time tracking with robust scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually); higher tiers at $5.25/user/month (Plus) and custom Enterprise pricing.
When I Work
specializedEmployee scheduling and time tracking software with mobile punch clock, shift trades, and attendance alerts.
GPS-enabled geofencing and facial recognition for secure, location-verified clock-ins
When I Work is a versatile workforce management platform specializing in employee scheduling and time tracking, with robust timeclock features like mobile clock-in/out, geofencing, facial recognition, and kiosk mode. It enables businesses to track hours accurately, generate timesheets, and integrate with payroll systems for streamlined operations. The software excels in shift-based environments by combining real-time scheduling with time attendance tools, reducing no-shows and overtime issues.
Pros
- Seamless integration of timeclock with scheduling for real-time shift management
- Advanced verification options like GPS geofencing and facial recognition to prevent buddy punching
- Mobile-first app that's accessible and user-friendly for employees
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like payroll integrations
- Occasional glitches in multi-location syncing reported by users
- Limited customization for non-shift-based industries
Best For
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare needing combined scheduling and accurate time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $2/user/month (Essential, annual billing) up to $6/user/month (Enterprise), with a free trial available.
Connecteam
enterpriseAll-in-one mobile app for time clock, scheduling, task management, and employee communication with GPS verification.
GPS geofencing for automatic clock-in/out at specific job sites without manual action
Connecteam is a comprehensive employee management platform with robust timeclock functionality designed for deskless and frontline workers. It enables mobile clock-in/out via app or kiosk, with GPS location verification, geofencing for automatic time tracking, and break management to ensure payroll accuracy. Timesheets are auto-generated with export options to payroll systems, integrating seamlessly with scheduling and task tools for holistic workforce oversight.
Pros
- Precise GPS geofencing and photo verification prevent buddy punching
- Intuitive mobile app ideal for field and hourly workers
- Built-in timesheets and payroll integrations streamline operations
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large teams beyond core timeclock needs
- Feature-rich interface may overwhelm users seeking simple time tracking
- Limited advanced reporting without higher-tier plans
Best For
Businesses with mobile or deskless workforces, such as construction, retail, or hospitality, needing integrated time tracking with scheduling.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month for 30 users (Basic), $49/month (Advanced), $99/month (Expert), with per-user scaling.
Hubstaff
specializedTime tracking tool with GPS, screenshots, activity monitoring, and payroll features for remote teams.
Automated screenshots and detailed activity rate monitoring for irrefutable proof of work
Hubstaff is a robust time tracking and employee monitoring platform that enables precise clock-in/out via desktop, mobile, or web apps, capturing billable hours with activity levels and optional screenshots for verification. It offers GPS tracking for field teams, payroll integrations, and productivity reporting to streamline workforce management. Designed primarily for remote and distributed teams, it combines timeclock functionality with oversight tools to ensure accountability and accurate invoicing.
Pros
- Comprehensive proof-of-work features like automated screenshots and keyboard/mouse activity tracking
- GPS location tracking ideal for field and remote workers
- Seamless integrations with payroll, project management, and accounting tools
Cons
- Monitoring features can raise privacy concerns for some teams
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced features, increasing costs
- Steeper learning curve for full utilization of reporting and analytics
Best For
Remote and distributed teams requiring verifiable time tracking and productivity insights.
Pricing
Free for solo users; paid plans start at $7/user/month (Basic) up to $20/user/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
Clockify
otherUnlimited free time tracker with kiosk mode, timesheets, reports, and unlimited users for any team size.
Unlimited free users and projects, eliminating cost barriers for teams of any size
Clockify is a user-friendly time tracking and timeclock software that enables effortless time logging via a one-click timer, manual timesheets, or kiosk mode for punch-in/out. It offers unlimited users and projects on the free plan, with robust reporting, expense tracking, and integrations for teams and freelancers. Designed for simplicity, it supports desktop, web, and mobile apps, making it suitable for remote and in-office time management.
Pros
- Unlimited users and projects on free plan
- Intuitive timer and kiosk mode for easy clocking
- Extensive integrations with tools like Trello and QuickBooks
Cons
- Advanced features like detailed audits require paid plans
- Limited native payroll or scheduling capabilities
- Reporting can feel basic for enterprise-scale needs
Best For
Freelancers, small teams, and agencies seeking a free, straightforward time tracking solution without user limits.
Pricing
Free forever plan; Pro at $3.99/user/month (billed annually), Unlimited at $5.49/user/month.
Toggl Track
specializedIntuitive time tracking app with Pomodoro timer, project billing, and detailed reporting for teams and freelancers.
Visual Timeline that automatically logs time across apps, websites, and idle periods for effortless, detailed tracking.
Toggl Track is a user-friendly time tracking tool designed for individuals, freelancers, and teams to monitor time spent on tasks and projects via an intuitive one-click timer or manual entry. It offers detailed reporting, project categorization, billable hours calculation, and team dashboards for productivity insights. With mobile apps and extensive integrations, it's well-suited for remote work but focuses more on flexible tracking than rigid clock-in/out enforcement.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive one-click timer and clean interface
- Powerful reporting and profitability analytics
- Robust integrations with 100+ tools like Asana, Google Workspace
Cons
- Lacks GPS/geofencing or biometric verification for strict timeclock compliance
- Team features like approvals require paid plans
- No built-in payroll processing or overtime automation
Best For
Freelancers, agencies, and remote teams needing flexible, self-reported time tracking for billing and productivity rather than enforced employee clocking.
Pricing
Free for solo users; Starter $9/user/month, Premium $18/user/month, Enterprise custom (billed annually).
Time Doctor
specializedProductivity-focused time tracking with screenshots, app usage tracking, and idle detection for employee monitoring.
Random screenshot capture with optional blurring for visual proof of work activity
Time Doctor is a robust time tracking and productivity monitoring software tailored for remote teams and businesses seeking detailed employee oversight. It features automatic time tracking via desktop apps, web timers, and mobile apps, complemented by periodic screenshots, keyboard/mouse activity monitoring, and distraction alerts. The platform also supports payroll integration, shift scheduling, and comprehensive reporting to streamline workforce management and boost accountability.
Pros
- Comprehensive tracking with screenshots and activity levels for high accountability
- Strong integrations with payroll and project tools like QuickBooks and Asana
- Detailed productivity reports and idle time detection to optimize efficiency
Cons
- Privacy concerns due to screenshot capture and app monitoring
- Can feel overly invasive or micromanaging for some users
- Pricing scales up significantly for advanced features and larger teams
Best For
Ideal for managers of remote or distributed teams needing verifiable proof of work and productivity insights.
Pricing
Starts at $7/user/month (Basic, billed annually), $10/user/month (Standard), $20/user/month (Elite); 14-day free trial.
Harvest
otherTime tracking and invoicing software with budgeting, expense tracking, and integrations for small teams.
Background-running desktop timers with menu bar access for distraction-free, always-on time tracking
Harvest is a versatile time tracking platform primarily designed for freelancers, agencies, and small teams to log billable hours on projects via intuitive timers and timesheets. It supports mobile and desktop apps for starting/stopping clocks on tasks, expense logging, detailed reporting, and direct invoicing from tracked time. As a timeclock solution, it excels in flexible, project-based tracking but lacks robust features like geofencing or photo verification common in employee-focused punch-clock apps.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with desktop widgets and mobile timers for effortless tracking
- Strong reporting and export options for payroll and invoicing
- Seamless integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Asana, and Slack
Cons
- No geofencing, GPS, or photo capture for verifying clock-ins
- Per-user pricing scales poorly for larger teams
- Limited scheduling and shift management compared to dedicated timeclock apps
Best For
Freelancers, consultants, and small creative agencies tracking project-based billable hours without needing strict employee monitoring.
Pricing
Free for solo users (2 projects limit); Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) unlocks unlimited projects, scheduling, and budgeting.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, each brings distinct strengths to time tracking and workforce management, with standouts rising to the top. Leading the pack is QuickBooks Time, celebrated for its seamless QuickBooks integration, robust GPS and mobile features, and comprehensive scheduling that simplifies operations. Homebase and Deputy follow closely, offering exceptional alternatives—Homebase for free, small-business-focused solutions and Deputy for a robust, all-in-one workforce management platform.
Ready to streamline your time clock process? Dive into QuickBooks Time to experience its integrated, user-friendly approach and elevate your team’s productivity today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison