# 9 Best Free Time Tracking Software 2026 | Capterra

> Learn about and compare the 9 best free Time Tracking software in 2026. Understand the pros and cons and cost of each tool to narrow your choices.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/s/free

---

# Best Free Time Tracking Software in 2025

Last updated on September 15, 2025

Written by [Bruno Peláez](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bruno-pelaez/)

Writer

Edited by [Mehar Luthra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/)

Editor

Small businesses and professionals with limited resources often find it challenging to accurately track work hours and billable time, which negatively impacts billing and payroll processes. [Free time tracking software](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/?pricing_options=FREE_VERSION,FREE_TRIAL) allows users to monitor the time spent on various tasks and projects at no cost. Offered as either perpetual free versions or software with free trials, these solutions provide essential tools like time tracking, timesheet management, and mobile access for automating time management. 

To help you find the right free time tracking software with either a free plan or free trial, we analyzed around 24,000 verified user reviews and 566 products, to identify the most important features, benefits, and limitations of free solutions.[\[1\]](#footnotes)

## 9 best free or free trial time tracking software

[

Zoho Projects

](#40b7a6c0-fbfb-4243-bb5c-a6d200b7a22f)

Highly rated for Activity Tracking

4.5 (857)

[

Harvest

](#911c73e1-081c-49c8-85ac-a6d200b45761)

Highly rated for Timesheet Management

4.6 (644)

[

My Hours

](#3498156b-0499-42a1-8f7e-a6d200b548cd)

Highly rated for Value for Money

4.8 (986)

[

Quire

](#4568134d-2e63-4d07-9f61-a6d200b601d6)

Highly rated for Functionality

4.7 (385)

[

Timesheets.com

](#41f7f367-aaa2-4b04-baf5-a6d200b70c43)

Highly rated for Customer Support

4.7 (849)

[

OpenProject

](#90cc524f-ba87-4604-9a7e-a6d200b7e1c5)

Highly rated for Ease of Use

4.6 (188)

[

Wrike

](#dd850fc3-3264-45b5-bd6e-a6d200b7915e)

Highly rated for Reporting/Analytics

4.4 (2887)

[

Clockify

](#d0fcb59b-e01f-4cd0-b481-a82d005f8b1d)

Highest Rated

4.8 (9235)

[

Toggl Track

](#f4992d78-cf1d-4446-9975-a6d200b70c43)

Highly rated for Project Time Tracking

4.7 (2585)

[Explore our full Time Tracking solutions](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/)

## How we picked the software on this list

All the tools listed below were chosen based on independent research and user feedback as of December 2024. To qualify, each tool had to show essential features, be relevant to users across industries, offer either a forever free plan or free trial, have equal to or more than 20 user reviews, and an overall rating of 4 and above. 

All products in this list are organized by availability type, with forever free versions presented first, followed by free trial offerings, with solutions in each group ordered by overall rating from our verified reviews.

* * *

[### Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/)

[4.8 (9235)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/reviews/)

Highest Rated

Highest Rated

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/)

Starting Price:

$4.99

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Project Time Tracking

Based on 2073 reviews

User rating:

78% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Of the most popular free time tracking tools, Clockify is the highest rated, and users report good value and ease of use. This free time management tracking app helps teams more effectively track hours across projects and is available to unlimited users. The free version offers a time tracker which allows users to optimize scheduling and time management, a calendar to streamline scheduling, a kiosk so employees can conveniently clock in and out, and more.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Online time tracking**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5, and appreciate Clockify's online time tracking capabilities for their flexibility and ease of use. They report that it allows for accurate tracking of time spent on tasks and projects, which is essential for billing and productivity analysis. Users highlight the integration with Google Calendar and Chrome Extension as particularly helpful. They also value the ability to track time across multiple devices and locations. However, some users mention the need for better self-management tools, such as automatic pausing when idle.

**Real-time scheduling**

Users give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5, and report that it provides up-to-date information on project timelines and resource allocation. They find it helpful for managing team workloads and avoiding duplication of effort. Reviewers indicate that the real-time scheduling feature allows for easy adjustments to schedules and monitoring of potential setbacks. In addition, they appreciate the ability to see what other team members are working on in real-time, which aids in efficient resource management and meeting deadlines.

**Reporting**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.3 out 5, and highlight Clockify's reporting capabilities for providing detailed insights into time spent on various tasks and projects. They appreciate the customizable reports and the ability to export data for further analysis. In addition, users find it useful for optimizing workflows, measuring project profitability, and ensuring deadlines are met. They also value the integration with other tools like Asana and Jira, which enhances the overall efficiency of project management and billing processes.

Pros & Cons

BW

Bradley W.

Management Consulting, Self-employed

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"I use Clockify free to record all of my consulting time for customers, in order to charge for hours worked, and I have to say this is one product where I don’t NEED to upgrade to access features, but I feel I will anyway, because the developers DESERVE the payment."

SJ

Sarah J.

Information Services, Self-employed

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"You can switch from "stop watch" mode to manual entry really easy and you can also label the different projects for each time recorded too which makes it easier to keep track if you are someone who clocks into multiple different projects like me."

KM

Karen M.

Publishing, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"AWe have encountered the odd bug with syncing time entries and reports, and customer support can be slow regarding billing or payment issues."

Yasith P.

Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"The UI looks a bit old school, and it lacks some of the modern time tracking functionalities of other platforms like Toggl."

Pricing

Clockify is free for unlimited users, and there are no limits to how much time tracking access you have. However, advanced features are locked within paid plans, starting at $3.99 per seat, per month (billed annually) for the Basic plan. It offers all the features of the Free plan plus bulk edits, customizable reports, and project templates. If you’re looking for time-off management, invoicing, and attendance and overtime management, you can upgrade to the Standard plan, which starts at $5.49 per seat, per month (billed annually). Other, more advanced features are available with various higher-tier plans.

[Learn more about Clockify pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Trello** is a visual collaboration and project management tool that integrates with Clockify to track time on project/task cards with just one click. 
-   **Jira** is a team collaboration product that can sync with Clockify to track time spent on issues directly from Jira. 
-   **Basecamp** is an online project management and collaboration product that pairs with Clockify to track time on to-dos from Basecamp.
    

[Learn more about Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/)

* * *

[4.8 (986)](https://www.capterra.com/p/149427/My-Hours/reviews/)

Highly rated for Value for Money

Highly rated for Value for Money

Starting Price:

$8.00

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Online Time Tracking

Based on 172 reviews

User rating:

81% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Of the most popular free time tracking products, My Hours was the highest rated for value for money. Additionally, the software is appreciated for its task management, reporting, and time-tracking capabilities. Users report that the real-time tracking features and detailed reports are highly valued and that they feel they’re getting plenty out of the software compared to its cost.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Online time tracking**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5, and appreciate My Hours' online time tracking capabilities. They find it easy to track time for multiple clients and projects, generate detailed reports, and export data for billing purposes. Users report that the tool is accessible anywhere without needing an app, making it convenient for on-the-go tracking. They highlight the ability to organize tasks, monitor time spent on activities, and ensure accurate billing. Plus, they say it helps in planning and managing time efficiently across various tasks and clients.

**Time and expense tracking**

Users give this feature a rating of 4 out of 5, and report that the tool’s time and expense tracking is valuable for managing project costs and billing clients accurately. They indicate that it allows for easy customization of task costs and tracking of occasional expenses. Reviewers feel the system is user-friendly and helps in generating detailed reports for client billing. They also appreciate the ability to track time and expenses by project, ensuring a clear overview of profitability and efficient budget management.

**Project time tracking**

Reviewers highlight My Hours' project time tracking feature as essential for managing multiple client projects and rate it 4 out of 5. They say it simplifies tracking time per project, organizing schedules, and improving fee estimates. Users report that it allows for easy toggling between projects and tasks, and helps in generating detailed timesheets for invoicing. They find it helpful for budgeting time, monitoring project progress, and ensuring accurate billing. In addition, they appreciate the ability to categorize work and view detailed breakdowns of time spent on each project.

Pros & Cons

MT

Mike T.

Pharmaceuticals, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"It's really been beneficial to dive into specific projects and departments to get a better understanding of our efforts and costings."

JO

Justina O.

Program Development, Self-employed

Used the software for: Less than 6 months

"I also like that Tasks that have the same name across different Projects are grouped together - it helps me see how much I'm in meetings or doing individual tasks or doing field work."

AP

Amanda P.

Graphic Design, Self-employed

Used the software for: 2+ years

"When I add a new project from the "time log" menu, it doesn't give the option to add pricing with it."

Zeya M.

Marketing and Advertising, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"Historical team names aren't tracked, which creates gaps in reporting."

Pricing

My Hours is free for up to five users. This plan includes unlimited projects and clients, the ability to track projects and tasks, generate detailed reports, and the option to set billable rates. For those who want priority support, client invoicing capabilities, log editing features, automated workflows, and other advanced features, the Pro plan is available for $8 per user, per month.  You can explore the paid plan for free with the 14-day free trial before committing.

[Learn more about My Hours pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/149427/My-Hours/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Zapier** is an automation software that pairs with My Hours to maximize integrations, with the ability to connect over 2,000 apps. 
-   **QuickBooks Payroll** is an online payroll software that can be integrated with My Hours to track hours and generate payroll reports.
    

[Learn more about My Hours](https://www.capterra.com/p/149427/My-Hours/)

* * *

[### OpenProject](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/)

[4.6 (188)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/reviews/)

Highly rated for Ease of Use

Highly rated for Ease of Use

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/)

Starting Price:

$5.95

Usage Based,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Task Management

Based on 37 reviews

User rating:

DM

66% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Of the most popular time tracking tools with a free plan, OpenProject is the highest rated for ease of use. This open-source project management software allows teams to collaborate throughout the entire project lifecycle, offering scheduling and task management capabilities. In addition, users report that it is easy to use, and the ability to navigate its features does not require a significant learning period.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Online time tracking**

Reviewers rate this feature 5 out of 5 and appreciate OpenProject's robust online time tracking capabilities. They find it easy to track time spent on specific tasks and projects. Users also report that the advanced technology in OpenProject allows for accurate estimation of time required for task completion. 

**Task scheduling**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.8 out of 5 and indicate that OpenProject simplifies task scheduling for teams. They appreciate the ease of scheduling tasks and the ability to determine project deadlines effortlessly. Users report that OpenProject supports remote task scheduling, although some feel the task scheduling capabilities could be more extensive. 

**Task progress tracking**

Users give this feature a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and report that OpenProject's task progress tracking is straightforward and effective. They appreciate the capability to monitor the progress of tasks and projects in real-time. Reviewers highlight the board feature, which allows for various types of boards like Kanban, enhancing the tracking process. Finally, they find the ease of tracking task progress to be a helpful aspect of OpenProject.

Pros & Cons

AR

Austin R.

Program Development, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"A great impact we have experienced with OpenProject has been the ability to get our projects done in time saving us from the extra costs of delayed delivery."

Duncan N.

Pharmaceuticals, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"It has been a fundamental tool in eliminating the confusion that would arise especially when dealing with complex projects as we can prioritise tasks, monitor and track progress in real time, assign/reassign tasks(when necessary) as well as the flexibility to customise it to match our company's specific requirements."

AA

Adeniyi A.

Leisure, Travel & Tourism, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"Unavailability of offline access is the biggest challenge so far."

MS

Mandeep S.

Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"It isn't attainable to duplicate an assignment from one subproject to another."

Pricing

OpenProject has a sliding scale for pricing, with buyers selecting the number of users, ranging from five to 250+. Other options include hosting mode (on-premises or cloud) and subscription period (one to five years). Users can also choose to pay monthly, which adds $1.25 per user. The Basic plan costs $7.25 per user, per month and includes five users. For those with less than five users, there is a free Community plan. This option doesn’t include add-ons like team planners and boards and lacks the level of security that paid plans offer.

[Learn more about OpenProject pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **GitHub** is a developer platform that can be linked to OpenProject to enhance planning and building specifications. Requests from GitHub can be pulled to add to an OpenProject work package. 
-   **Toggl Track** is a time-tracking software that pairs with OpenProject to enhance time-recording software capabilities via a start and stop button.
    

[Learn more about OpenProject](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/)

* * *

[### Timesheets.com](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/)

[4.7 (849)](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/reviews/)

Highly rated for Customer Support

Highly rated for Customer Support

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/)

Starting Price:

$5.50

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Online Time Tracking

Based on 34 reviews

User rating:

JP

73% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Timesheets.com helps users track time for payroll and billing, offering features for scheduling, expense management, mileage tracking, and more. Of the most popular free time tracking software, Timesheets.com was the highest-rated for customer support, with users being able to call, email, and chat online with the vendor’s support team.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Online punch card**

Reviewers rate this feature 5 out of 5 and find it easy to use, especially for hourly employees and caregivers. Users report that it eliminates the need for physical devices and paper records, reducing the risk of lost information. They also say it connects to real-world time tracking systems and allows for quick logins, saving time. They highlight the convenience of having digital proof of time entries, which can be easily photographed if needed.

**Payroll reporting**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 5 out of 5 and indicate that Timesheets.com's payroll reporting capabilities are valuable for tracking and reporting payroll data accurately. They mention that it aids in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Users also report that it integrates well with Intuit Payroll and can be used for tracking mileage expenses. In addition, they find it easy to use and helpful for accountants, enhancing the overall functionality and appreciate the fast and efficient payroll procedures.

**Payroll management**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.8 out of 5 and feel that Timesheets.com's payroll management aspect is helpful for tracking and managing employee payroll efficiently. They report that it saves time and reduces errors by automating the calculation of hours worked and corresponding pay. Users also appreciate the ability to download timesheet data and import it to ADP easily. They highlight the accountability it provides and the convenience of having everything in one place. In addition, they find it easy to use and troubleshoot, making payroll tasks simpler.

Pros & Cons

SB

Sachita B.

Higher Education, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"I used it for 6 years at work to record my hours and get paid, and it made tracking my time simple and straightforward."

ES

Elizabeth S.

Health, Wellness and Fitness, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"What I like most about Timesheets.com is that it doesn't just support clock-in/clock-out, it supports per diem, milage and other expenses"

JS

Juan S.

Chemicals, 201-500 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Some intermittent time tracking or responsiveness of support glitches lead to delays every time instant fixes are required for payroll or scheduling functions."

MC

Michael C.

Accounting, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: Less than 6 months

"Initially, I wasn't impressed with the program; it was somewhat difficult to learn, and its numerous features were not apparent, nor was it clear how to utilize them effectively for different employer scenarios."

Pricing

Timesheets.com is known for being a reasonably priced product with no setup fees, base fees, cancellation fees, or long-term contracts. Users can start with a free trial, which does not require a credit card. For paid plans, pay month-to-month or annually for increased savings. Single users can continue for free, however, once teams want more features and grow to more than one user, the Standard plan costs $5.50 per user, per month. For photo timestamps, it is an extra $1 per user. Nonprofits receive an additional 20% off.

[Learn more about Timesheets.com pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **QuickBooks Payroll** is an online payroll software that integrates with Timesheets.com to enhance billable hours and payroll time tracking. 
-   **SurePayroll** is a payroll service for SMBs that pairs with Timesheets.com to reduce manual entry errors.
    

[Learn more about Timesheets.com](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/)

* * *

[### Quire](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/)

[4.7 (385)](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/reviews/)

Highly rated for Functionality

Highly rated for Functionality

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/)

Starting Price:

$10.95

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Task Management

Based on 28 reviews

User rating:

YS

74% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Based on our analysis of the most popular free time tracking software, Quire received the highest rating for functionality. The tool offers task and project management, with users reporting ease of use and an intuitive interface. They appreciate that they can easily tackle complex projects via the platform and find it highly functional.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Project planning/scheduling**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.9 out of 5 and appreciate Quire's project planning and scheduling capabilities. They highlight the multi-level task planning and built-in scheduling that help calculate overall project schedules. Plus, users report that Quire makes it simple and intuitive to enter goals, populate them with subtasks, and schedule them on a calendar. They find the Gantt view and configurable reminders particularly useful. In addition, reviewers feel the system's simplicity and versatility allow for quick planning and effective task oversight, with tagging being especially helpful.

**Task editing**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.7 out of 5. and indicate that Quire's task editing capabilities are very intuitive and user-friendly. They appreciate the ability to create hierarchical tasks within tasks, which is valuable for managing complex projects. Users also report that task editing is easy and quick, though some find the distinction between adding and editing tasks slightly annoying. They mention the ease of use, quick task reordering, and the desire for WYSIWYG markdown formatting on the web app. Overall, they find task editing very fluent and functional within the platform.

**Task management**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and highlight Quire's task management capabilities as the primary reason for using the software. They find the interface intuitive and appreciate the clear overview while being able to dive into details. Users report that creating and managing nested tasks is simple and clutter-free and value the multiple views and shortcuts for adding tasks, assigning owners, and adding tags. Reviewers feel Quire offers easy task updates and management, providing a smooth and fluid user experience.

Pros & Cons

MF

Mark F.

Fund-Raising, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"Quire has made it easier to plan campaigns, organize content work, and keep deadlines clear for everyone on the team. Once I set up our projects, it became a smooth daily tool for tracking tasks and keeping campaigns moving."

YS

Yimmy S.

Education Management, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: Less than 6 months

"The task structure allows me to break large projects into smaller steps, which helps me stay organized and manage my time more effectively during the semester."

DC

David G C.

Research, 501-1,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"On the downside, the price can feel a bit high if you want full access for individual use."

JD

Jenny D.

Food Production, 501-1,000 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"The mobile version, while functional, lacks some features present in the desktop version, making it less effective for managing projects on the go"

Pricing

When getting started, there is a free plan that is best for individuals or startup teams. This option integrates with many apps, and offers a Kanban board, custom fields, project overview, and more. When you want more time-tracking options, the Professional plan is designed for small teams that want to visualize their work in one place. This plan costs $10.95 per seat, per month and is billed monthly. When billed annually, users save 30%. There are also two more paid plans for teams that outgrow the Professional features or have complex workflows.

[Learn more about Quire pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Google Drive** is a file-hosting service that integrates with Quire to attach files to tasks, improving workflow efficiency. 
-   **Slack** is a business messaging platform that enhances team communication when synced with Quire. 
-   **Dropbox Business** stores files for faster collaboration and, when integrated with Quire, allows users to attach files from Dropbox storage to Quire projects.
    

[Learn more about Quire](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/)

* * *

[### Toggl Track](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/)

[4.7 (2585)](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/reviews/)

Highly rated for Project Time Tracking

Highly rated for Project Time Tracking

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/)

Starting Price:

$10.00

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Online Time Tracking

Based on 343 reviews

User rating:

LM

75% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

This free and flexible time-tracking app is designed for small and large businesses and aids in streamlining time-tracking capabilities. Toggl Track is reported to be accurate and user-friendly, helping users improve productivity. The software’s mobile app and multi-device synchronization help simplify time tracking and reduce errors. Small teams say the free option works for their business, offering the time-tracking features they require. Based on our analysis of the most popular free time tracking software, Toggl Track is most requested by users looking for project time tracking.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Time tracking**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5, and appreciate Toggl Track's time tracking capabilities. They report that it is easy to use, with options to manually enter time or use a click-on/click-off method. Users find it valuable for managing hours efficiently, tracking time on various projects, and calculating profits from clients. They indicate it integrates well with multiple devices and is essential for remote teams. They also mention its simplicity and reliability, making it a preferred tool for freelancers and businesses alike.

**Project time tracking**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5, and highlight Toggl Track's project time tracking as a key aspect. They find it useful for tracking time spent on various projects and clients, which helps in billing and time management. Users appreciate the ability to assign time to specific projects, use tags, and generate detailed reports. They indicate it aids in estimating future project timelines and improving efficiency. They also mention that it’s easy to set up and provides a clear overview of time allocation across different tasks.

Pros & Cons

CJ

Chris U J.

Accounting, Self-employed

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"After using it for a while, the way everything can be structured into projects, clients, and tags turned out to be quite practical. When handling multiple clients at the same time, this setup helps keep entries organized without much confusion."

Kevin J.

Environmental Services, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"It also offer analytics that allows me to extract useful insights from my time data which guide me on how to improve on my time management."

CJ

Chris U J.

Accounting, Self-employed

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"There isn’t a strong way to add detailed context to each entry, so it mainly captures how long was spent rather than what was actually done."

KM

Karen M.

Publishing, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"I do not like the sync hiccups that will happen occasionally, and the fact that advanced permissions are restrictive when working with the various editor roles."

Pricing

The Free plan is for up to five users and offers unlimited time tracking and clients. These features can be automated, and exportable reports are available. For templates, customizable reporting, billable rates, time rounding, etc., users can opt for the Starter plan, which costs $10 per user, per month when paid monthly.  There are two higher-tier plans as well, both of which can be tested for free via a 30-day trial.

[Learn more about Toggl Track pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Trello** is a visual collaboration and project management tool that integrates with Toggl Track to more easily attach leads, opportunities, and contacts to Trello cards. 
-   **Salesforce Sales Cloud** is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that, when integrated with Toggl Track, helps automate workflows and load data. 
-   **Jira** is a team collaboration product that can sync with Toggl Track to enhance the visibility of information between teams.
    

[Learn more about Toggl Track](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/)

* * *

[4.6 (644)](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/reviews/)

Highly rated for Timesheet Management

Highly rated for Timesheet Management

Starting Price:

$11.00

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Online Time Tracking

Based on 70 reviews

User rating:

SL

65% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

In our analysis of the most popular free time tracking products, Harvest is most requested by users looking for timesheet management . It offers time tracking and invoicing features, desktop and mobile apps for convenient on-the-go time tracking, and the ability to create custom reminders. The free version of the app offers basic time-tracking features and supports both time and materials and fixed fee projects, freeing up admin time to focus on more strategic work.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Online time tracking**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.6 out of 5 and appreciate Harvest's online time-tracking capabilities. They find it easy to use across various devices without needing to install apps, with just internet access. Users report that it integrates well with tools like Asana and Zendesk, making task and project tracking seamless. In addition, they say it helps manage remote work effectively and supports departmental timesheets for accounting. However, some reviewers mention the lack of overtime tracking as a drawback.

**Timesheet management**

Reviewers indicate that Harvest simplifies timesheet management and rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. They find it easy to input, review, and manage timesheets for multiple projects. Users appreciate the ability to import and export timesheets, which is helpful for client billing and project tracking. They say it also helps predict costs for future projects and organize team activities. However, some reviewers note that it does not break down hours by regular, overtime, or double time.

**Reporting and analytics**

Users give this feature a rating of 4.5 out of 5 and report that Harvest's reporting and analytics tools are valuable for tracking time and expenses. They find the reports easy to read and compile, aiding in project estimation and identifying inefficiencies. Additionally, they say the reports help monitor business growth and make accurate budgets. However, some users wish for more customization options in the reports.

Pros & Cons

Henry Y.

Public Relations and Communications, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"Straightforward, clean time tracking and invoicing, dependable daily use, great for teams and freelancers."

OR

Olivia R.

Financial Services, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Harvest is excellent for managing my time tracking across multiple clients, and multiple projects for each of those clients."

Deniz M.

Financial Services, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: I used a free trial

"Customer support was extremely unhelpful — they cited an irrelevant cancellation policy, failed to read my issue, and billing ultimately offered no resolution despite multiple follow-ups."

SL

Stephanie L.

Financial Services, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"I don't like that it does not send you the "did you leave your timer on" towards the end of my work day as a reminder to turn it off."

Pricing

The Free plan supports one user, up to two projects, expense tracking, invoicing, project estimates, and more. For more advanced features like scheduled phone support, team reporting, and billable and cost rates for teams, users can opt for the Pro plan, which starts at $11 per seat, per month. The highest-tier Premium plan costs $14 per seat, per month and adds timesheet approval, activity logs, custom exports, and custom onboarding and support for over 50 teams, making it suited for larger teams.

[Learn more about Harvest pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **PayPal** is a financial tech company that, when integrated with Harvest, can enhance invoicing capabilities. 
-   **Jira** is a team collaboration product that allows users to track time and, when integrated with Harvest, enhances visual reports, links tasks, and synchronizes data.
    
-   **Asana** manages tasks and projects and can integrate with Harvest to import projects and track time more efficiently for project management and invoicing.
    

[Learn more about Harvest](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/)

* * *

[4.5 (857)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/reviews/)

Highly rated for Activity Tracking

Highly rated for Activity Tracking

Starting Price:

$4.00

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Task Management

Based on 55 reviews

User rating:

59% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Zoho Projects is most requested by users looking for activity tracking out of the most popular tools. Users can take advantage of Zoho Project’s project progress tracking, status updates, and other time-tracking benefits. With this data, users can make real-time decisions that help propel their businesses forward.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Project planning**

Reviewers rate this feature 4.5 out of 5, and appreciate Zoho Projects' project planning and scheduling capabilities. They highlight the usefulness of Gantt charts for visualizing project timelines, setting milestones, and managing task dependencies. Users report that these aspects help in tracking project progress in real-time and adjusting schedules as needed. They find it valuable to allocate resources, identify risks, and budget effectively. Additionally, reviewers mention the integration with other tools and the ease of use, especially through the mobile app, as beneficial for efficient project management.

**Task scheduling**

Users give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5 and report that Zoho Projects' task scheduling capabilities are highly efficient and organized. They appreciate the ability to create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Reviewers highlight the importance of setting task dependencies and using Gantt charts for visual representation of timelines. They find that these aspects help in keeping projects on track and to identify potential bottlenecks. Reviewers also mention the reliability of task scheduling and the ease of use, which makes it simple to manage multiple tasks and ensure team accountability.

**Task management**

Reviewers rate this feature 4 out of 5 and indicate that Zoho Projects' task management capabilities are essential for organizing and categorizing tasks. They appreciate the ability to create task lists, set dependencies, and assign tasks to team members with due dates. Users find the integration with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho CRM, helpful for streamlining communication and collaboration. They also highlight the user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to track task progress and manage workloads. Additionally, reviewers mention the importance of real-time tracking and customization options for efficient task management.

Pros & Cons

MEENACHISUNDARAM M.

Architecture & Planning, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 6-12 months

"The integration of features such as timesheets, reporting, and task tracking facilitate effective project management, making Zoho Projects an ideal solution for teams seeking a comprehensive project management system."

IA

Imogen R. A.

Marketing and Advertising, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Zoho Projects helps us keep our marketing deliverables in order particularly where campaigns are getting delivered across a range of media and maybe even have delivery dates for various formats."

Jay B.

Animation, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: I used a free trial

"I disliked the UI creativity, there are lot of options but still it lacks that user friendliness of making task, sub task, task decscription and its confusing as compared to Asana as per UI is the concern, It should have a project briefing and atatchments module like Asana has at the start of the project."

EZ

Eman Z.

Management Consulting, 11-50 employees

Used the software for: I used a free trial

"Zoho Projects' drawbacks include a learning curve for advanced features, limited customization in lower plans, complex permission settings, mobile app limitations, occasional performance issues, minimal offline access, and integration challenges with non-Zoho apps"

Pricing

Zoho Projects offers several plans, with the most basic one being free. This option is for micro-businesses, offering mileage tracking, sales receipts, invoicing, payment reminders, and other features. The Standard and Professional plans offer dozens of features to track sales, inventory, and time. When paid monthly, these plans are $20 per organization, per month and $50 per organization, per month, respectively. When switching to annual payment plans, these rates drop to $15 and $40 per organization, per month.

[Learn more about Zoho Projects pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Google Drive** is a file-hosting service that integrates with Zoho Projects to simplify file sharing and enhance project productivity. 
-   **Trello** is a visual collaboration and project management tool that integrates with Zoho Projects to improve collaboration and task management. 
-   **Dropbox Business** stores files for faster collaboration and automates workflows when integrated with Zoho Projects.
    

[Learn more about Zoho Projects](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/)

* * *

[### Wrike](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/)

[4.4 (2887)](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/reviews/)

Highly rated for Reporting/Analytics

Highly rated for Reporting/Analytics

[View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/)

Starting Price:

$10.00

Per User,

Per Month

Free Trial

Free Version

Top rated feature:

Task Management

Based on 138 reviews

User rating:

LS

52% of reviewers rated it 5 stars

Among the most popular free time tracking software on Capterra, Wrike is most requested by users looking for reporting and analytics. Using this workflow management software, users can take advantage of time and expense tracking, using that data to make more informed decisions. In addition, verified users mention that Wrike is easy to use, has a great interface, and offers robust reporting options.

Features

Features reviewers most value

**Task management**

Reviewers appreciate Wrike's task management capabilities and rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. They highlight the ability to create, assign, edit, and monitor tasks and subtasks, which aids in tracking and collaboration. Users report that customizable views and dashboards help manage workloads effectively. In addition, they find the integration with other tools and the ease of sharing tasks valuable. They also mention the importance of setting deadlines, priorities, and dependencies, which helps in managing multiple projects and improving productivity.

**Online time tracking**

Users rate this feature 4.5 out of 5 and report that Wrike's online time tracking feature is valuable for monitoring project progress and accurately billing clients. They find it helpful for tracking time spent on tasks and projects, which aids in resource allocation and project planning. Reviewers indicate that the ability to start and stop timers and track time at various levels is beneficial. Some users mention occasional glitches but, overall, appreciate the detailed time tracking and reporting capabilities.

**Task scheduling**

Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5, and indicate that Wrike's task scheduling capabilities are effective for planning and organizing tasks. They appreciate the flexibility in scheduling tasks and setting recurring tasks. Users report that features like Gantt charts and dashboards provide visibility into project timelines and help meet deadlines. They find the ability to set reminders and automate task updates helpful. Some users mention a desire for additional automation features, but, overall, they find task scheduling intuitive and useful.

Pros & Cons

Victoria S.

Market Research, 51-200 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"It has all the necessary tools to successfully manage our projects by gathering all the communication in one place and logging the time spent on a project."

RR

Rafia R.

Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"Wrike provides a more structured way to manage projects, which helps when coordinating multiple tasks and deadlines across the team."

SS

Suzanne S.

Computer Software, 1,001-5,000 employees

Used the software for: 2+ years

"There's no sort of filter option on the automations (besides date and owner), making it difficult to find a specific one - no name filter and I have to open the automation to see the entire title."

SH

Suhail H.

Apparel & Fashion, 5,001-10,000 employees

Used the software for: 1-2 years

"A stream of notifications can clutter the interface, making it more difficult to concentrate on an urgent QA at peak activity production cycles."

Pricing

The tool’s Free plan offers project and task management for unlimited users, multi-language support, 2GB of storage space per account, task and sub-task management, and more. If you’re looking for custom fields, project portfolio management, and dynamic Gantt charts, you can opt for the Team plan, which costs $10 per user, per month. The higher-tier Business plan starts at $24.80 per user, per month and adds 5GB of storage per user, real-time reports, document processing and text recognition, and more.

[Learn more about Wrike pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/pricing/)

Integrations

**Popular Integrations**

-   **Slack** is a business messaging platform that enhances team communication when integrated with Wrike.
    
-   **Basecamp** is an online project management and collaboration product that integrates with Wrike to improve workflows.
    
-   **Gmail** is an email service that integrates with Wrike to increase productivity by capturing information from emails to better manage tasks.
    

[Learn more about Wrike](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/)

* * *

## Top free time tracking software at a glance

Vendor

Highly rated

Starting Price

[Zoho Projects](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/)[4.5 (857)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169455/Zoho-Projects/reviews/)

Activity Tracking

$4.00

Per Month

[Harvest](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/)[4.6 (644)](https://www.capterra.com/p/75598/Harvest/reviews/)

Timesheet Management

$11.00

Per Month

[My Hours](https://www.capterra.com/p/149427/My-Hours/)[4.8 (986)](https://www.capterra.com/p/149427/My-Hours/reviews/)

Value for Money

$8.00

Per Month

[Quire](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/)[4.7 (385)](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/reviews/)

Functionality

$10.95

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/137568/Quire/)

[Timesheets.com](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/)[4.7 (849)](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/reviews/)

Customer Support

$5.50

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/132754/Timesheets-com/)

[OpenProject](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/)[4.6 (188)](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/reviews/)

Ease of Use

$5.95

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/152761/OpenProject/)

[Wrike](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/)[4.4 (2887)](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/reviews/)

Reporting/Analytics

$10.00

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/76113/Wrike/)

[Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/)[4.8 (9235)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/reviews/)

Highest Rated

$4.99

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/)

[Toggl Track](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/)[4.7 (2585)](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/reviews/)

Project Time Tracking

$10.00

Per Month

[Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/247745/Toggl/)

Explore our 896 Time Tracking solutions[Browse Directory](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/)

## Our methodology

Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information and verified user ratings and reviews as of December 2024.

To be considered for this list, products had to:

-   Appear in the [Capterra Shortlist for Time Tracking Software](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/shortlist/).
    
-   Show evidence of offering required functionality for a given software category as demonstrated by publicly available sources, such as the vendor’s website.
    
-   Offer either a forever free version or a free trial period.
    
-   In certain cases, depending on the market, we may expand the criteria for the selection of products based on our market insights to ensure we’re providing the best options for buyers. 

We took the highest rated products in each of the listed parameters a product is “best for”, unless that product already appeared on our list. In these cases, we feature the next highest rated product. 

In our descriptions of each featured product, we include the following details: 

**Most valued features:** Our research team analyzed verified time tracking software reviews on Capterra to identify each product’s highest rated features (among features with at least five reviews). We then summarized user sentiment using real reviews for each feature. Please note, some of the highest rated features for a given product may not be included in its free version. 

**Review excerpts selection**: Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, sentiment, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar.

**Popular integrations:** We identified integrations from our internal database and selected products considered as “most popular” based on how often they were cited by users as integrating with products in the category.

## What is time tracking software?

[Time tracking software](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software) automates the monitoring of time spent on tasks and projects. It includes features such as timesheet management, reporting and analytics, and vacation/leave tracking. It also commonly offers activity tracking, billing and invoicing, clock in/outs, and project time tracking. 

Time tracking software integrates with [payroll](https://www.capterra.com/payroll-software/), [project management](https://www.capterra.com/project-management-software/), and [accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) to help businesses manage various tasks efficiently from one platform.

## What is free time tracking software?

Time tracking software generally offers two ‘free’ options: a forever free version and a free trial version. Some providers offer both options—a basic free version for getting started and a free trial of their advanced or full-featured system.

### Forever free options (free versions with limited features)

Forever free options offer access to basic features of time tracking software without any time restrictions or costs. However, these solutions often restrict access to certain features, limit the number of users of the software, and offer less storage.

These solutions also typically restrict advanced functionalities. For instance, while you can use the time tracker, calendar, timesheet management, and reporting features, capabilities like scheduling or GPS tracking may require a paid upgrade.

With [more than 300 software vendors](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/?pricing_options=FREE_VERSION) offering forever free versions listed on our site, you'll have numerous options to discover truly free time tracking software that suits your needs.

### Free trial options (time-limited free access)

Free trial versions offer full access to all features of time tracking software for a limited period, typically lasting between 14 and 30 days. SMB managers can explore the complete system, including audit logs, employee scheduling, GPS tracking, advanced reporting capabilities, labor costs, and profit analysis—features often not available in forever-free versions. However, users must upgrade to a paid plan or lose access once the trial ends.

These options are ideal for managers who wish to evaluate the full capabilities of various solutions without any initial costs, with the intention of eventually transitioning to a paid plan.

With [over 690 software vendors](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/?pricing_options=FREE_TRIAL) listed on our site with free trial options, you can thoroughly evaluate each option to find the best tool for your firm.

## Features included with free time tracking software

All dedicated time tracking software offers timesheet management, reporting/analytics, and vacation and leave tracking. However, when it comes to free time tracking tools, you must zero in on what features and capabilities you’ll actually get for free. 

Here are some features that are usually standard (core and common) and those that are not usually included in free software packages, along with our analysis of user feedback on which functionalities matter most:

### Core features available in free time tracking software

-   **Basic timesheet management:** Allows businesses to monitor time spent on tasks and projects, providing basic insights into productivity. 84% of users find this feature highly important or critical.
    
-   **Basic reports/analytics:** Generates reports to analyze time usage and productivity, supporting decision-making processes. 81% find this feature highly important or critical.
    

### Common features of free time tracking software

-   **Task management:** Create, manage, and track all task activities and progression. 77% find this feature highly important or critical.
    
-   **Mobile and desktop app access:** Enables users to access the time tracking software remotely from various devices, ensuring flexibility and convenience. 74% find this feature highly important or critical. 
-   **Calendar management:** Tracks and manages schedules and meetings, helping businesses plan and execute operations efficiently. 64% find this feature highly important or critical.
    

### Features typically not included in free time tracking software

-   **Project time tracking:** Measures time to completion or hours worked for projects. 86% of users find this feature highly important or critical.
    
-   **Vacation/leave tracking:** Request, track, and manage time off requests and vacation time. 84% find this feature highly important or critical.
    
-   **Employee scheduling:** Assigns shifts or tasks to employees based on availability. 81% find this feature highly important or critical.
    
-   **Overtime calculation:** Manages and records overtime hours, essential for accurate payroll processing. 60% find this feature highly important or critical.
    

Understanding these limitations can help SMB managers/owners decide whether a free version meets their needs or if upgrading to a paid plan is necessary for more advanced functionalities.

## Key benefits of using free time tracking software

Our software advisors speak with thousands of HR managers annually. Nearly 40% report that an important issue with HR software is its efficiency, often due to insufficient automation or overly complex processes that require numerous steps to complete a task. Additionally, almost 30% cite functionality limitations as a concern, including restricted features, integration difficulties, or lack of flexibility.[\[2\]](#footnotes)

Time tracking software can assist HR management by streamlining processes and improving the functionality and performance of HR systems. With the features available in free versions of time tracking software, small and midsize businesses can benefit in the following ways:

-   **Enhanced team collaboration**: Features like the time tracker and calendar in free time tracking software help teams organize and synchronize their work. This fosters effective collaboration by bringing team members together under a unified system, improving coordination and productivity.
    
-   **Streamlined employee management:** For small businesses without a dedicated HR department, free features like timesheets and mobile app access simplify managing tasks such as attendance and coordinating schedules. These tools reduce the need for manual processes, allowing business to oversee their teams and maintain accurate records more efficiently.
    
-   **Improved project efficiency:** The reporting and export capabilities available in free time tracking software allow businesses to monitor time spent on various projects. This helps in identifying bottlenecks and optimizing resource allocation, which can enhance project efficiency and productivity.
    

## What to look for in free time tracking software

When evaluating free time tracking software for your small and midsize business, it's important to look beyond the ‘free’ label. Consider these key factors:

### Hidden costs and fees

Free options may have hidden or extra expenses, such as charges for additional users, photo stamps, or specific integrations for third-party tools. Understanding these potential costs is essential to avoid unexpected expenses. Ask the vendor: are there fees for extra users or specific features or integrations that are crucial to my business?

### Upgrade pathway

Choose software that clearly outlines its paid plans and allows for incremental upgrades. This flexibility is important for scaling your tools as your business grows, ensuring access to advanced features like labor cost and profit analysis or custom task fields without needing a full premium plan commitment. Ask the vendor: Can I upgrade specific features without switching to a full paid plan?

### Feature limitations

Free versions often come with restricted functionalities. It's important to assess whether the available features meet your core needs, such as basic time tracking and reporting. Ask the vendor: Do the free features cover my business essential requirements, or will I need to upgrade to have access to key functionalities?

### User support and community

While free software may offer limited support, having access to a community or basic help resources can be invaluable. Ask the vendor: What kind of support or community resources are available to assist with any issues or questions?

### Take into account user reviews

For more information about these and other factors to consider when evaluating product options for free time tracking software, you can check Capterra’s time tracking database ([which contains over 1,000 products](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software)) for independent research and verified reviews.

By considering these aspects, you can evaluate free time tracking software with the same rigor as paid options, ensuring the best fit for your business needs.

## How to choose free time tracking software for your business

Choosing the right free time tracking software involves ensuring it aligns with your current operational needs and future growth plans. Here’s how you can approach this decision:

### 1\. Assess the essential needs of your business

Begin by evaluating your current business situation. Consider the number of employees and the nature of your projects, as these factors often determine the limitations of free versions. List your daily management tasks to identify the essential features you need, such as time tracking, calendar integration, and basic reporting capabilities.

Also, consider your growth plans. If you anticipate expanding your team or projects, think about features like scheduling, GPS tracking, audit logs, or more storage capacity that might become necessary. Understanding your expansion plans will help you decide between forever-free versions for long-term basic use or free trials of comprehensive solutions which eventually you will have to pay for.

### 2\. Consider your operational style

Analyze how you and your team will use the software daily. Will multiple team members require access? Do you manage employees remotely, on-site, or both? Is mobile app access important for your operations? Understanding your operational style will help you eliminate options that won't fit your workflow, saving you time in the selection process and preventing adoption issues later. Discuss with your team what type of features they need for their operations and, specifically, what type of integrations are required for the other types of software you currently use.

### 3\. Create a focused shortlist

With a variety of free options available, it can be overwhelming to try or research all of them. Use your identified needs and operational style to narrow down your options. Our research shows that [having three options on your shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/resources/us-tech-trends/) lead to the most successful software choices.[\[3\]](#footnotes)

Consider the differences between forever-free versions and free trials, which offer access to paid features for a limited time. This will help you zero in on solutions that not only meet your current needs but also offer a pathway for future upgrades if necessary.

Use [Capterra's Shortlist](https://www.capterra.com/time-tracking-software/shortlist/), [comparison tools](https://www.capterra.com/resources/capterra-software-comparison-tool/), and verified reviews to identify the most promising options. Pay attention to solutions where users discuss their experience with free plans, and consider both forever free versions and free trials of paid solutions in your comparison. 

By following these steps, you can make an informed decision on the best free time tracking software for your SMB.

**Pro tip:** Be sure to test out demos, even for free versions. Beginning with a demo allows you to clearly see which features are included in the free version and which are exclusive to paid tiers, preventing any unexpected surprises. As you explore free options, also check out demos of their paid versions—this will provide insight into the upgrade path.

## Common limitations of using free time tracking software

Typically, free time tracking software comes with one or all of these limitations: 

-   **Limited users and storage:** Most free versions have restrictions on the number of users and amount of storage space, with users needing to upgrade to paid tiers to expand these limits.
    
-   **Feature restrictions:** Free versions often lack advanced functionalities like resource allocation, artificial intelligence (AI)- enabled features, attendance and overtime options, and limited reporting capabilities compared to paid plans.
    
-   **Integration challenges:** Free versions may have limited or no integration with other systems, such as accounting and payment integrations or with specific third-party tools. 
-   **Limited customization:** Free software frequently restricts customization, preventing extensive custom management, which can lead to data silos and ineffective operations.
    

Beyond these standard limitations, businesses may find themselves performing more manual work. Tasks that are automated in paid versions, like detailed analytics and advanced reporting, often require manual handling in free versions.

## When to consider free vs paid time tracking software

Free time tracking software is an excellent starting point for small and medium businesses moving from manual methods to digital solutions on a tight budget. It provides essential features like time tracking, calendar integration, and basic reporting, which are adequate for simple needs.

However, as your business expands, you may encounter limitations in free versions that affect your efficiency. Consider transitioning to paid solutions when you:

-   Manage a larger team and need features like unlimited projects and advanced user management
    
-   Require advanced functionalities such as labor cost and profit analysis, custom fields, or detailed forecasting
    
-   Need to automate complex processes like scheduling, project templates, and expense management
    
-   Want to enhance security with features like single sign-on (SSO) and audit logs
    
-   Find yourself spending excessive time on manual tasks that paid versions can automate, such as invoicing and detailed analytics
    

Upgrading to a paid plan can streamline operations, enhance accuracy, and save time, which can support your business's growth and efficiency.

As a time tracking software user puts it in a review “the pricing is fair compared to the level of work the tool does in relation to planning and project management”[\[1\]](#footnotes), paid plans offer advanced and more comprehensive support than free plans.

## What is the cost to upgrade from free time tracking software to a paid package?

Upgrading from free time tracking software to a paid package involves various pricing tiers designed to meet different business needs. Pricing is typically billed per user, per month, which can be cost-effective for smaller businesses with one or few users. Here’s a breakdown of typical upgrade plans:[\[4\]](#footnotes)

**Entry-level plans**: Starting at around $1.99 per user, per month, these plans offer basic features such as time tracking, reports, customizable reports, attendance, overtime, time off, and time audits. They are ideal for small businesses or teams with elementary time-tracking needs. 

**Mid-tier plans:** Ranging from $7 to $16 per user, per month, these plans incorporate additional functionalities such as scheduling, GPS tracking, labor cost and profit analysis, and forecasting. They cater to businesses that have outgrown basic solutions but do not require the full spectrum of enterprise-level features. Features like timesheet approval, expense tracking, and advanced or specific integrations with popular tools may also be included.

**High-end plans:** Costing $20 or more per user, per month, advanced plans offer comprehensive features like complex automation, advanced customer support, audit logs, custom task fields, detailed analytics and reporting, SSO capabilities, and multi-department/office controls. They are suited for cross-functional businesses with multiple teams and departments needing a customized solution. Additional features might include custom timesheet fields, advanced analytics, and data visualization.

These plans allow businesses to enhance their time-tracking efficiency and accuracy, offering a range of options to suit different operational requirements and budgets. Whether you need basic functionality or advanced features, there’s likely a plan that fits your business needs.

## FAQs

Is there a genuinely free time tracking software?

According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews, [Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) had the highest overall rating from verified reviewers on Capterra as the best free time tracking app.

Are time tracking apps secure?

Time tracking apps offer varying levels of security, often enhanced in higher-tier plans. Basic plans typically include standard security features, while advanced and enterprise plans may offer additional options like single sign-on (SSO), two-factor authentication, and audit logs. These features help protect data and ensure secure access, addressing the security needs of small businesses.

Why is employee time tracking important?

Employee time tracking is important for small businesses because it helps register accurate time entries, improves resource allocation, and differentiates billable from non-billable hours. It also offers productivity insights, streamlines operations, and helps to maximize resources.

How can I track my employees' time?

Small businesses can track employee time using time tracking software, which helps record work hours by automatically logging employee time. Such tools also offer features like timesheet management, reporting, and GPS-enabled field tracking. In contrast, manual timesheets are error-prone while traditional clock-in/out systems offer basic, straightforward time entry by allowing employees to manually register their start and end times.

How do you track employee time in the field?

To track employees’ time spent in the field, you can use time tracking software with mobile app capabilities and GPS features. Mobile apps enable employees to log their time from any location using their phones, while GPS functionality records their location when they check in or out.

**Sources**

1.  **Capterra reviews data:** Reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past two years as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology)
    
2.  **Capterra advisor call notes:** Findings are based on data from telephonic conversations that Capterra’s advisor team had with businesses seeking HR software. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past year as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology)
    
3.  [**2024 U.S. Tech Trends Report: 58% of Businesses Regret a Recent Software Purchase**](https://www.capterra.com/resources/us-tech-trends/)**,** Capterra
    
4.  **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category are included in our pricing analyses. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology)
    

[Bruno Peláez](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bruno-pelaez/)

Bruno Peláez is a senior content analyst at Capterra, covering the B2B software industry, with a current focus on the human resources and finance and accounting industries. His Capterra research has been featured in various Spanish-speaking publications including El Economista (Mexico), Forbes México (Mexico), El Universal (Mexico), El Financiero (Mexico) and El Periódico (Spain), among others. Bruno’s research and analysis is informed by more than 300,000 authentic user reviews on Capterra and...

[Mehar Luthra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mehar-luthra/)

Mehar Luthra is a team lead at Capterra and specializes in editing reports that cover the latest trends affecting small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience, she has edited a multitude of research articles, top-rated software reports, and thought leadership articles for diverse markets such as Brazil, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, and India. She finds it particularly rewarding to produce content that provides small-business owners with practical tips and helpful advice on topics...

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