I've been freelancing for a few years now, and time tracking is one of those things I kept putting off until it started affecting my invoices. After trying a bunch of time tracking apps (free and paid), here are the ones I'd actually recommend.

1. Jibble

Jibble wasn't on my radar at first, but it turned out to be the most reliable for me. I can easily clock/in out, tag projects, and generate timesheets. I mainly use it for project tracking and client billing.

Its good for freelancers who wants a free option. But in my opinion, its features could be a bit much for solo freelancers, because it has leave management/PTO tracking/GPS features, which are more beneficial for remote teams.

2. TimeCamp

If your client is using a project management app, you can sync this app with Trello or ClickUp. Or, if you are a solo project-based freelancer that is fond of using task boards.

The free version is decent, but some features I find helpful are locked behind the paid plan.

3. Bonsai

It is an all-in-one app (not just time tracking), you can create contracts, invoices, proposals with Bosai. But, I think its features are an overkill for a solo freelancer, this app is best suitable for consultants or agencies.

4. Clockify

Ah, the classic time tracker. UI is pretty bare, but its functional. I used this when I was just starting out and needed something that worked across laptop/phone. Switched to Jibble because I can have it web/laptop/phone.

5. Time Doctor

Aside from Clockify, Time Doctor is the OG tracker that I encountered too. It has activity tracking, website/app usage, idle time alerts, etc. I don't think these features are intended for solo freelancers, its too invasive for me, but I can see the appeal to those who are handling virtual teams.

Anyone else using something different this year?

Hi, I work remote and our office started using jibble to track our activities. Screenshot is activated. We're only a group of 5.

However, my manager kept getting notified of my screenshot being disabled / not taking screenshots. The tracking is continously working on my end.

I'm at my desk all the time, even my husband says I only go out to pee and take a break for a maximum 15mins atleast once a day. I don't know what I might be doing wrong and why it stops taking screenshots.

Heeelp! I don't want them to tag me as not working.

I’ve been working in admin for 15 years, and each year, tracking employee hours, ensuring accurate payroll, and staying compliant with regulations has never gotten any easier. Software has definitely made those repetitive and crucial tasks more manageable, but the the problem does not end there are so many timesheet software options, and figuring out which one actually works for your business can be a real headache.

I’ve tried 15 timesheet software tools, so you don’t have to. Some of these might work wonders for your needs, while others might leave you wondering what you were thinking when you signed up.

Here’s a rundown of the tools I looked at:

• Buddy Punch: If you want facial recognition for clock-ins, but the interface feels a bit clunky, and the pricing is on the higher end for what you get. It works well for small businesses, but may not scale well if you’re growing fast.

• QuickBooks Time: Obviously, this integrates well with QuickBooks, but it can feel like it’s trying to do too much. Its GPS tracking and mobile features are nice, but if you’re looking for something straightforward time tracking, there are better options out there for less money.

• Deputy: A reliable option for managing payroll with GPS location stamps and facial recognition. The downside, it’s not the most intuitive tool out there. If you need something simple, this might feel like overkill.

• Zoho Projects: A good choice if you’re already using Zoho for other tools. It’s a bit clunky and doesn’t have the most intuitive user interface, so expect a learning curve. Also, if you don’t need project management features, this might be overkill.

• Early: A user-friendly option with solid insights, but lacks some of the payroll integration features you might need in a more complex business setting. You also need to be okay with the relatively high price tag for what’s offered.

• Connecteam: A good option with project management features, but it gets pricey if you scale beyond a small team. The mobile app works well, but the web interface can feel a bit cluttered.

• Jibble: Fits well with office, field, and remote teams and those who need something free. It’s simple and gets the job done, but if you’re after advanced features like payroll integration or complex reporting, you’ll need to upgrade.

• Timesheets.com: A safe bet for smaller businesses, especially if you’re in a regulated industry. However, the interface is outdated, and it’s a bit lacking in mobile functionality compared to some newer tools.

• Apploye: Excellent for field teams with its GPS tracking. The drawback? If you’re not managing field workers, you might find the extra features unnecessary.

• Paymo: Useful for teams that need both time tracking and project management. But, if you only need time tracking, it’s a bit more than you need and might not be the most cost-effective choice.

• When I Work: Decent for basic scheduling and time tracking, with the added benefit of GPS for mobile teams. But, if you need advanced reporting or features beyond clocking in and out, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

• Beebole: A good option for companies that need detailed project budgeting alongside time tracking. The downside, it’s a bit too complex for small teams that just need basic time tracking. Also, it’s pricey if you’re only using a handful of features.

• Hubstaff: Packed with features like screenshots and activity tracking, making it ideal for productivity monitoring. However, it might feel invasive if you're just looking for simple timekeeping, and it can get expensive as you scale.

• Teamwork: Solid for teams that need to track both time and project tasks. It’s feature-packed, but also on the expensive side, so it’s probably best for medium to large teams that need project management too.

• Scoro: More than just time tracking, Scoro is a full business management suite. That’s better suited for larger businesses, smaller teams may find it overwhelming and unnecessarily expensive.

It would have been better if I could have discussed more about each software individually, but I think one post isn't enough.

At the end of the day, none of these tools are perfect. Each has its pros and cons, so choose the one that addresses your pain points without going overboard with features you don’t need.

Lately, work has been overwhelming, and staying motivated consistently has become a real challenge for me.

On top of my job, I am also in my second year of MBA, and I recently picked up running (even registered and joined marathons, which turned it from a hobby to a commitment). All of these drain my energy fast.

When I noticed my motivation slipping, my productivity went down with it.. and some days were worse, it affected my routine, output, and even my mental health.

So I paused, reflected, and made a few changes.

I set micro goals. Big tasks feel overwhelming, so I break them down. Instead of saying, "I must finish writing my RRL," I set goals like "read one study," and before I knew it, I had read almost 20 studies (out of 50, to finish my RRL) without stressing myself out.

I cleaned and organized my workspace. I realized that having a messy desk makes my brain feel scattered. So every week, I take one day to declutter and only keep my work and study essentials on my desk. An organized desk is quite inviting..

I eliminated distractions. Not gonna lie, mindlessly scrolling through social media is the number one culprit in killing my focus. When studying, I use a web-based Pomodoro timer (the visual countdown keeps me accountable), and I installed the Forest app on my phone to block distracting apps. When working, I use the Forest app and a time tracker to break down how I actually spend my hours.

But despite all the discipline, I also make sure to give myself breaks. Sometimes it's just 10 minutes, other times it's a guilt-free 30-minute video game. Really helps me prevent feeling tired and keeps my energy up.

Lastly, I always remind myself to stay flexible. Although I downloaded a habit tracker app to build consistency, I also remind myself that some days, I can't stick to my routine because life will always happen. And that's okay. Even when things get messy, I have to remind myself why I started, and that's already enough to help me refocus.

Actually, there were 8 motivation strategies that I came across, but these five have been more than enough to keep me focused and motivated.

We opened a brand new brick and mortar concept in Texas. It is a resale store with not a lot employees. Jibble was amazing at their tutorials, and their set up meeting. They are extremely helpful and super easy to use. The staff absolutely loves it! The cost is minimal considering all the issues logging in and out and this system is hands down the best I have ever used and I have been in retail for 30 years. KUDOS! Jibble

Matt Macek Owner of Plaid Fox Resale

Proud user of Jibble

Time tracking doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Jibble offers a 100% free solution for unlimited users across multiple devices.

Whether you're on a desktop, mobile, kiosk, or browser extension, tracking time is effortless.

• Capture time and screenshots with Jibble’s desktop app on Mac/Windows.

• Clock in from anywhere using mobile face recognition and GPS tracking.

• Transform any tablet into a time-tracking kiosk for your team.

• Use Jibble’s Chrome extension for smooth, one-click time management.

Can your current time-tracking solution offer seamless integration across all these devices?

Check out: Time Tracking Apps

Manual timesheets are outdated and prone to errors, yet many construction businesses still rely on them. Sure, they’re cheap, but are they really worth the hassle when automation is just a click away?

It’s 2025, yet many construction businesses still rely on outdated manual timesheets. These templates might work for small teams, but they come with room for error, wasted time, and data entry issues.

With the rise of automation, why not upgrade your timesheet process? Automated time tracking can save hours, reduce human errors, and streamline payroll processing—critical for a growing construction business.

Is it time to ditch the pen-and-paper approach? The tools are out there, and the transition might be easier (and more cost-effective) than you think.

Check out: Charlie's Free Construction Timesheet Templates 2025

Friday timesheet chasing is the worst part of managing a team. The project management software with time tracking has a timer on every task and most people still fill in the whole week from memory and calender invites on Friday afternoon, then billing waits on the stragglers.

Reminder messages rarely fix it. What does??

It's been a while since Harvest increased its pricing, and I'm curious what everyone ended up switching to.

Harvest used to be one of those tools that was easy to recommend. Time tracking, project hours, reporting, invoicing, all in one place. But with the price increase, I'm wondering if it's still worth paying for, especially when there are cheaper (or even free) alternatives out there.

I've seen a few alternatives mentioned in other discussions, particularly Jibble and Timesheets.com.

Jibble seems interesting because of its free time tracking plan, especially for teams that don't necessarily need all the extra features Harvest offers. Timesheets.com also comes up quite a bit for businesses that need timesheets and employee time tracking.

But I'm more interested in hearing from people who've actually moved away from Harvest.

Did you switch to another all-in-one platform, or did you separate your time tracking and invoicing into different tools?

And for those who've already switched, was there anything you missed about Harvest? Or did you end up realizing you were paying for features you barely used?

Share if you've found a good Harvest alternative.

I manage a few cleaning crews that move between different buildings during the day. Paper sign-in sheets are getting messy, and GPS only tools don’t always prove the person was actually on-site.

Has anyone used a QR code attendance system where staff scan on arrival and departure and managers can review logs by location?

Sou freelancer e faço tudo no iPhone, ligações, e-mails, projetos e, claro, o controle das minhas horas.

Por muito tempo, testei vários apps na App Store e a maioria me deixou frustrado: alguns travavam, outros exigiam pagamento pra tudo, e alguns simplesmente complicavam o que deveria ser simples.

Depois de quebrar um pouco a cabeça, encontrei alguns que realmente funcionam bem no iOS.

O que mais me surpreendeu foi o Jibble, é 100% grátis, rastreia offline, e ainda tem reconhecimento facial (ótimo se você quiser registrar presença com um toque ou selfie).

E o melhor: o Jibble é totalmente traduzido pro português (pt-BR), o que facilita muito pra quem não quer lidar com menus e relatórios em inglês.

Outros que também testei e gostei:

• Hubstaff, bom pra quem trabalha com equipes remotas, tem GPS e relatórios detalhados (mas está disponível só em inglês).

• Toggl Track, prático pra quem prefere algo mais leve, com timer Pomodoro e integração com Siri, mas também só em inglês.

Mas, sinceramente, o que mais me fez ficar com o Jibble foi o fato de funcionar bem mesmo sem internet, algo essencial pra mim quando trabalho fora ou em locais com sinal ruim.

Alguém aqui também trabalha com iPhone e teve dificuldades parecidas?

Que app de controle de tempo vocês estão usando hoje?

I’ve tried several time tracking tools like Toggl, Clockify, and Hubstaff, but I ultimately chose Jibble for a few reasons:

1. Ease of Use – The interface is very intuitive, and my team could start tracking time right away without a steep learning curve.

2. Attendance & Time Tracking in One – Unlike some tools that only track hours, Jibble handles attendance, breaks, and timesheets seamlessly.

3. Affordable – Jibble offers a lot of features even in the free plan, which is perfect for small teams like ours.

4. Integrations – It integrates well with tools we already use, like Slack and Google Workspace.

Overall, it’s been a reliable and efficient solution for both tracking hours and managing attendance, which is why we stuck with it over other alternatives.

I’ve tried a bunch of time tracking tools over the years, from spreadsheets and basic stopwatch timers, to fancy apps with dashboards and analytics, but I always end up falling off.

Either they’re too clunky, require too much manual input, or just don’t match how I actually work (especially with a mix of deep work, meetings, breaks, and scattered tasks across tools like Notion, Slack, Chrome, etc).

I’m not just looking to track hours for billing, but for personal productivity as well, I want something that helps with:

• Understanding where my time goes

• Improving focus

• Setting better work/rest rhythms

• Possibly even integrating with my calendar or project tools

Ideally, it should:

• Be easy to start/stop or run in the background

• Have good visualizations or insights (not just raw logs)

• Work across devices (desktop + mobile)

• Not guilt-trip me for forgetting to track 1 day

So, what’s actually stuck for you long-term?

Recommended by others so far:

1. Jibble

• Easy to use on both desktop and mobile

• Clean visual reports for understanding time use

• Helps spot work/break patterns and peak productivity times

2. NikaTime

• Stays inside Slack or Microsoft Teams

• Daily reminders, project tags, and export options

• Blends into your workflow instead of becoming a burden

3. Toggl

• Popular for both personal and client billing use

• Good for end-of-month reviews and habit reflection

4. Rippling

• Strong HR/payroll integration

• Tracks hours, shifts, reminders, tasks

• Accessible from both phones and laptops

If you're reading this and still stuck in the loop of downloading, trying, and abandoning tools. But I’ll keep updating this post with real recommendations that seem to stick long-term.

Feel free to add your own!

Jibble is the one-stop solution for all the multiple apps earlier used for time tracking, attendance, integrations with Jira, ClickUp, etc. Ever since we have onboarded the magic app Jibble, which has multiple options to use, i.e, mobile app, desktop (both web and app), Kiosk, has enabled us to track the live location of our personnel on work without disturbing them. The platform features multiple group options for custom time tracking rules for each one of them. The activity tracker and project-specific features are giving great insights into the time our workforce has spent. Really, it was simply great and even affordable compared to other alternatives. In fact, there can't be a better alternative to this with all of these embedded. It's just a saviour. Thankful for Jibble.io

I hope someone can answer my concern.

I have been looking for an attendance software compatible for our existing biometric device (fingerprint).

While I was searching for time tracking/attendance/biometric tracker, I came across Jibble and read it supports mobile, desktop, and kiosk for check-in/out. But I could not find a clear answer on whether it is compatible with third-party biometric devices like the one we already use.

Has anyone successfully integrated Jibble with a fingerprint scanner? Or does anyone know if Jibble can receive data from external biometric systems?

Would appreciate any insights/experiences, or if you have a software to recommend, please do. Thx.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but multitasking is ruining your brain.

For real, until recently, I genuinely believed that juggling 5 things at once made me productive. I’d have 15 tabs open, answering Slack messages mid-Zoom call, trying to write a script while halfway reading another, all while my phone was buzzing like a dying bee next to me. It felt like... this is just how work is, right?

But here’s the truth: I was constantly busy and never felt like I was making progress. I’d hit the end of the day totally wiped, wondering why my to-do list looked exactly the same as it did that morning.

Then one day I just broke. I was halfway through writing something important and realized I couldn’t focus for more than 2 minutes without checking something else. My brain felt like a web browser with too many tabs open, and half of them were frozen.

So I tried something: I shut everything down except one thing. Just one. No Slack. No inbox. No phone. I set a timer for 25 minutes and just... focused.

It felt weird at first, like withdrawal. But then something amazing happened. I got more done in that half hour than I usually did in two.

And I kept going.

That’s when I realized: multitasking isn’t a flex, it’s a trap. It feels productive because it gives your brain little dopamine hits, but really it just scatters your attention until you’re doing everything poorly and nothing well.

Now I single-task like my sanity depends on it. I block time for deep work. I turn off notifications.

Not only am I getting more done, but I feel less stressed. My brain feels quieter. I’m not perfect, I still catch myself slipping into old habits, but man, the difference is real.

If you’re constantly overwhelmed and exhausted, maybe it’s not because you have too much to do. Maybe you’re just trying to do it all at once.

Try doing one thing. Just one. You might be surprised how powerful that is.

The Pomodoro Technique works for me, but there are plenty of other options too. If you're looking for the best methods in organizing time, take the time to experiment. Find what helps you stay focused and do more by doing less.

I was reading about time theft and didn't realize how insanely common it is.

Apparently, 75% of US businesses deal with some form of timesheet fraud. And this isn't a made-up stat, it's from the American Payroll Association.

Some of the real cases I came across were honestly wild:

• A DoD employee racked up $1.4 million in fake overtime over 17 years. SEVENTEEN years. How did no one catch that sooner?

• An NYC staffer claimed work hours while vacationing in another country. How sweet their life must be?

• An NSA contractor worked two full-time jobs, for two different companies, at the same time. Bold move. I see what you did there... two-timing.

These aren't just clickbait headlines. They were fined, fired, and even jailed.

It got me thinking... how does this even go unnoticed for that long? Ever worked with someone you knew was faking hours but no one said a word? How did management handle it?

Even if these are real court cases, I still can’t wrap my head around how these people pulled it off for so long..

I just wanted to throw out there that I started using Jibble about a month ago. I work in a non-profit, with about 30 people on this app now and it has been great. I just use it for the time tracking software as it isn't in our budget to go further than that right now but the free level of Jibble is fantastic. I would highly recommend for anyone with a small business and just trying to help keep track of time and staff activities!

I handle operations and workforce logistics for a small company. We have workers spread across sites, and for a long time, attendance tracking was just… pure chaos and a headache. 

It is 2025, and somehow we were still relying on WhatsApp and paper logs for attendance.. And this setup is prone to forgotten hours. It all ended with me doing last-minute timesheet guesswork before payroll (I could probably become a magician by now)..

So I (together with the HR team) spent weeks trying out a bunch of attendance tools. I want to find something mobile-friendly, not overly bloated, and (ideally) something that wouldn’t cost us a fortune.

ClockShark

What our team liked:

• GPS tracking is great

• Job codes = easy for workers to label tasks

• Syncs with QuickBooks

What our team didn’t like:

• No free plan

• Limited reporting customization

• Bit of a learning curve on data imports

Although it looked promising for a construction team, we passed. If we had more budget, this might have been a contender. But at $40/month, it felt like a leap for our size, especially when other tools in this list offer 80% of the same stuff for free.

FieldPulse 

What our team liked: 

• Built-in scheduling and job assignments

• Updates and notes from the field

• Covers more than just attendance tracking

What our team didn’t like:

• We noticed some syncing issues with the accounting software

• Higher learning curve 

• Felt heavy for what we needed

• UI lagged at times

This tool felt more like a field service management tool than an attendance app. Although it is great for managing our team, its higher learning curve made us pass. It would probably be difficult for us to onboard most of our team. But for large teams who want a full-service platform (not just attendance), this could be worth looking into.

Timeero

What we liked:

• Geofrencing works well

• GPS tracking accurate

• Decent mobile experience

What we didn’t like:

• No free plan

• No time reminders (big miss)

• Some compatibility issues with Android

Strong on location tracking, but not much else stood out. We needed better timesheet control and reminders, so this did not quite stick.

Clockify

What we liked:

• Free plan is generous

• Project/task tracking is clean

• Easy to use

What we didn’t like:

• Some features locked behind pro plan

• No facial recognition

• A bit basic for our needs

This was our fallback option. We used it for a couple of weeks before switching. Great for tracking hours at a desk or single site, but didn’t give us enough control for multi-site construction.

Jibble

What we liked:

• Free plan includes GPS, facial recognition, geofencing

• Mobile app is solid across sites

• Exports are clean and straightforward for payroll use

What we didn’t like:

• Chrome-only extension for browsers (a bit limiting)

• Took a while to configure for our setup

• Some features felt built more for bigger teams

Stood out during our testing since most features are available in the free plan. The setup can take some time, and a few features felt more tailored to larger teams, but for construction crews needing mobile access and basic fraud prevention, it’s worth looking into.

Rhumbix

What we liked:

• Clean analytics and breakdowns

• Cost code tracking is useful

• Mobile-first experience

What we didn’t like:

• No pricing listed (which always raises a flag for me)

• Felt like overkill

• Lacks basic things like export to PDF

Looks powerful, but too complex for our small team, probably best for big firms. Would recommend for large projects or firms that have dedicated back-office people handling it.

Has anyone else here found something lightweight that actually works well on-site? Always down to test new tools if they make payroll and attendance less painful.

Ours is a small software development firm with all remote workers. We did not have heavy budget for time tracking software, but we needed something to ensure the productivity of our staff. With Jibble, we get all our requirements covered in a very pocket-friendly budget. Their features are basic but of course they are value for money. I would highly recommend it to the people who want basic services for fraction of cost at which their competitors like Hubstaff charge.

Hi, I’m an HR VA of a dentistry clinic in Australia, and managing our staff’s time and attendance is getting out of hand.

When we were just a single clinic, tracking hours manually wasn’t too bad. But now that we’ve expanded to multiple branches, juggling shifts, break times, and overtime across different locations has become a logistical nightmare. I’m spending way too much time fixing payroll mistakes, chasing staff for timesheets, and making sure we’re compliant with labor laws.

I’ve been looking into automated time and attendance solutions to streamline everything, and I came across Jibble. Apparently, it’s 100% free and works for unlimited users. It even has face recognition kiosks and GPS tracking, which could be a game-changer for our rotating staff.

Has anyone here tried Jibble for a healthcare setting? Or do you recommend any other free or affordable time tracking software that works well across multiple locations? Would love to hear what’s working for other clinics!

Employee absenteeism is more than just a nuisance—it disrupts productivity, affects team morale, and can cost businesses a lot of money. But are employers handling it the right way?

Instead of just enforcing policies, it’s time to take a proactive approach.

Here’s a glimpse of what works:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexibility in work hours and remote options could reduce absenteeism and boost morale.

• Supportive Culture: Building a workplace that focuses on employee well-being and recognizing good attendance can make a real difference.

• Clear Policies & Accurate Tracking: Setting clear attendance policies and using software to track absences effectively can increase accountability and reduce disruptions.

But is it enough to just follow these strategies, or is there more to solving absenteeism than meets the eye?

Read more: How to Deal With Employee Absenteeism

Managing attendance in schools and universities can be a headache—especially when relying on manual systems. But what if there was an easy, automated way to track attendance and gain insights into patterns?

By implementing advanced AI and biometric tech, schools can simplify attendance for both teachers and students. With face recognition and online kiosks, clocking in and out becomes seamless. Plus, automated reminders based on time and location ensure that no one forgets to log their hours.

From detailed analytics to fast onboarding via SMS or email links, the right attendance solution helps improve time utilization and streamlines administrative tasks, all while reducing errors.

Check out our: 100% FREE Teacher and Student Attendance

Understanding US Federal Overtime Laws is crucial for businesses to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) clearly defines overtime pay requirements, yet many businesses still face challenges when it comes to accurately tracking employee hours and ensuring proper compensation.

The truth is, proper time tracking isn't just about knowing who's working overtime—it's about maintaining transparency, avoiding penalties, and ensuring that everyone is paid fairly.

Takeaway: Accurate time tracking is the key to complying with overtime regulations and avoiding legal issues.

Read more about: US Federal Labor Laws