20 Best Timesheet Software for Accurate Time Management

Paymo is a free timesheet software for self-employed and small businesses with a clean interface and advanced functionality. Paymo started as a standalone time-tracking and invoicing app that gradually developed into a full-fledged project management software.

Timesheet view in Paymo

What really distinguishes Paymo from other timesheet software is its streamlined capability to generate timesheets directly from its automated time-tracking feature. This essentially means that manual entry of each time record becomes unnecessary. Instead, you simply choose the activities you want to include directly from the automated tracker in your timesheets, simplifying the entire process.

This component, known as Paymo Track, takes automated time tracking to the next level by monitoring all desktop activities, both online and offline, thus removing the hassle of manual timer corrections. To do automated time tracking, you start Paymo Track, which runs in the background and automatically logs time spent on desktop applications. When you finish work, you link these logs to specific tasks and projects manually or automatically by creating specific linking rules.

With Paymo Track’s automated time tracking, you effectively address and eliminate the common excuses team members might use for not completing their timesheets. For example:

• “I forgot to start the timer“: With automatic tracking, the system captures all activity without requiring manual initiation, meaning no work goes unlogged due to forgetfulness.
• “I wasn’t sure how to categorize my tasks“: The detailed logging of applications and websites visited allows for easy categorization of tasks after the fact, reducing uncertainty about where time was spent.
• “I didn’t have time to fill in my timesheet“: Since Paymo Track compiles the timesheet based on recorded activities, team members don’t have to set aside additional time to manually enter their hours, making the “no time” excuse obsolete.

Even more, all data is stored locally, with users deciding which logs to keep. Unlike TimeDoctor or Hubstaff, Paymo Track doesn’t take screen captures, ensuring user privacy. And, of course, if you prefer, you also can add time in bulk for an entire day or week.

Paymo also has advanced timesheet reports that allow you to see exactly who worked on what and for how long. The live report updates automatically whenever you access it, so you don’t have to generate it from scratch.

The invoicing module in Paymo is another feature that sets it apart, offering a seamless experience from timesheet creation to payment. Whether you work hourly with your clients or project-based, recording your work hours boosts job productivity and project profitability.

With Paymo, crafting invoices from timesheets is a breeze, and its integration with renowned payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net adds to its versatility. Paymo’s native payment gateway, PM Payments, is exclusive to the US and offers clients a swift and secure payment avenue through credit card and ACH. This feature shines especially for small teams, accommodating 10 to 20 members seeking a simple yet effective invoicing solution devoid of complex accounting jargon.

In the competitive landscape, it’s noteworthy that the breadth of features Paymo offers, particularly in invoicing, are often found in the higher-tier plans of other software, making Paymo a value-rich choice for small businesses seeking comprehensive services without a hefty price. 

While Paymo excels in several areas, it does have its limitations in the realm of communication. Unlike some competitors, Paymo lacks a built-in chat feature, opting for a combination of task comments, project discussions, and customizable notifications to facilitate team interaction. This method can work well, especially when integrated with external communication tools like Slack, but it might not satisfy teams looking for a more integrated, in-app communication experience.

Paymo receives mixed reviews regarding the user experience. While some praise its functional interface, others find it less intuitive, posing challenges for users with limited technical backgrounds. In contrast, freelancers often prefer Toggl Track for its simplicity and ease of use, although its straightforward approach might not accommodate the complexities of larger projects.

Paymo stands out as one of the most affordable options compared to its competitors. Its support team is on par with industry leaders like Timely, Harvest, or Replicon, ensuring users receive exceptional service. This level of support is a notable advantage compared to competitors like TimeDoctor, which tend to fall short in this area. However, like TrackingTime, Paymo could improve its integration capabilities with other apps.

Pricing (yearly)

• Free plan for any number of users
• Starter: for one user only, at $5.95/user/month
• Small office: $11.95/user/month
• Business: $24.95/user/month (minimum five users)

Toggl Track stands out as an excellent choice for freelancers seeking simplicity and user-friendliness in their time-tracking tools. Its straightforward method of time management is its most significant advantage, making it well-suited for those who need precisely that. Its timesheet functionalities include team-level access management, automatically reminding team members if they fall below their daily or weekly targets, and audits to check on team members who may not have logged their hours adequately (or have logged too many).

Toggl Track might be ideal for individuals who work independently and prefer not to be burdened by complex features. When simplicity and a straightforward approach align with your needs, there’s little merit in pursuing extraneous functionalities.

However, for those delving deeper into the complexities of project management, particularly when juggling multiple clients and projects, Toggl Track may not be as accommodating. Users have voiced concerns about its adaptability in such intricate scenarios in their reviews. A common critique is the interface’s considerable unused space, which restricts the display to only a few lines or projects. This limitation can make managing several projects or tasks simultaneously more daunting.

Navigating Toggl Track has been reported as somewhat cumbersome, mainly due to its heavy reliance on a color-coding system to differentiate between clients and projects. While intended to aid in organization, this method can sometimes lead to confusion, making it difficult to distinguish between various projects at a glance. Users have suggested that a more explicit labeling system, perhaps through uniquely designed color-coded markers or other distinctive visual cues, might greatly improve the ease of identifying specific entries swiftly and accurately.

Despite Toggl Track’s attractive free plan, which supports up to 5 users, its pricing structure is higher, starting at $9 per user. In contrast, more economical options are available, such as Time Analytics, which offers plans starting at $4.99, or Paymo, with entry-level pricing at $5.9, presenting more budget-friendly alternatives without compromising functionality.

Toggl Track, known initially as Toggl, was established in 2006. Like Paymo, it has had nearly two decades to refine its features and fix bugs.

Pricing (yearly)

• Free plan for up to 5 users
• Starter: $9/user/month
• Premium: $18/user/month
• Enterprise: quote on demand

Clockify is the best timesheet software for remote field workers who must meticulously log time spent at various work sites. For businesses with employees who are constantly on the move—such as contractors, moving companies, property managers, plumbers, or inspectors—and are looking to integrate GPS-tracked timesheets, Clockify could be an excellent fit.

With your consent, Clockify can access your location and inform your workspace members of your whereabouts. This functionality is integrated within the tracker feature, allowing you to share your location while logging time. This can prove invaluable for various purposes, such as enabling the workplace administrator to ascertain whether employees are out in the field or to identify their most recently tracked location, thereby enhancing transparency and coordination within the team.

While enhancing accountability and transparency, close monitoring might also resonate with employers or managers who prefer a tight rein on employee movements and adherence to schedules, and its utility can extend across various management paradigms, including those that might be described as more “dictatorial“ in nature.

For instance, a manager with such an approach might articulate their position: “This app allows me to know precisely where my employees are at 7 am. If they’re still at home and I need them on-site or in the office, I can easily call them to ensure they’re awake and en route to work without exceptions. Moreover, if I observe anyone leaving their house late, I will deduct an hour from their pay.”

It’s a double-edged sword; while it offers clear benefits regarding operational efficiency and ensuring team members are where they need to be, it also raises questions about privacy and the degree of monitoring in the workplace.

Clockify’s timesheet functionalities go beyond basic time tracking, offering a user-friendly interface that allows for detailed categorization and logging of the time employees dedicate to various projects and tasks. Users have the flexibility to enrich their entries with additional notes, tags, and custom fields, tailoring the system to meet specific project needs or organizational requirements.

Moreover, Clockify enhances efficiency with features like template support and the capability to replicate activities from previous timesheets, streamlining the process of logging recurring tasks. An essential aspect of its design is the control it provides to managers or administrators, who can lock timesheets to prevent any after-the-fact modifications, ensuring the integrity of the logged data.

The platform also includes proactive monitoring mechanisms, such as email alerts triggered when discrepancies arise, such as when an employee logs excessively high or low hours. These features collectively contribute to a robust time-tracking solution that balances flexibility with control, catering to various managerial styles and operational needs. For instance, you can set up a rule: “If an employee tracks less than a certain number of hours per day, then send them a reminder.”

Another noteworthy aspect of Clockify is its automated time tracking capability, available through its desktop application, similar to the one used by Paymo but complemented by a screenshot capture feature. This function intermittently takes random screenshots approximately every five minutes to corroborate work activity in remote environments.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential implications of this on privacy and trust within a team. Employees or team members might view this level of surveillance as excessively invasive, sparking discussions about the balance between accountability and respect for personal boundaries in the workplace.

Despite Clockify’s enthusiastic promotion of its complimentary version, the limitations imposed within the free tier have sparked considerable debate among users. While the no-cost offering provides basic functionality, it notably restricts access to more advanced features, leading to some user feedback characterizing the platform as a ‘money grab.’ This sentiment stems from a perception that the most beneficial and impactful functionalities are reserved exclusively for the premium, higher-tier plans, causing disappointment among those seeking more comprehensive tools without additional investment.

Clockify, which emerged in 2017, is a relatively new entrant in the time-tracking software arena, especially when compared to established veterans like Toggl Track and Paymo, which have been around for over a decade longer. This relative novelty may explain the occasional glitches and downtimes that users have reported in their reviews as the platform continues to evolve and refine its offerings in a competitive market.

Pricing (yearly)

• no free plan available
• Basic: $3.99/user/month
• Standard: $5.49/user/month (this plan includes timesheet and billing)
• Pro: $7.99/user/month
• Enterprise: $11.99/user/month

As an employer searching for a timesheet solution that combats the common issue of employees forgetting to start their time trackers, TrackingTime could be an ideal choice. This platform distinguishes itself from competing timesheet software with two innovative features designed specifically to address forgetfulness in time logging.

First, an automatic reminder system is adept at nudging team members who haven’t started their timers according to their scheduled work hours. This ensures that time tracking starts promptly, reducing discrepancies in labor records.

The second key feature enhances this system by comparing scheduled work hours with actual logged hours for each team member. This verifies that everyone is logging their correct hours and identifies any variances in real time.

Another aspect that truly sets TrackingTime apart is its exceptional support team. I wouldn’t emphasize this as a standout feature if the support were merely satisfactory or even excellent. However, after analyzing over 50 timesheet software and reviewing customer feedback, I can confidently state that their support ranks among the best. This level of service is comparable to, if not better than, those known as industry leaders for their exemplary customer support, such as Beebole, Paymo, Harvest, or Replicon.

While TrackingTime incorporates various project management functionalities, it does not offer the same complexity and customization in platforms like Monday, Teamwork, or Wrike. These platforms are well known for their extensive customizability and feature-rich environments, catering to intricate project management needs.

In contrast, TrackingTime is ideally suited for simpler project management scenarios where the requirements are more straightforward, and the primary emphasis is on time tracking.

TrackingTime aligns more closely with tools like Paymo, Harvest, Replicon, Timely, and Beebole, which focus predominantly on time tracking, invoicing features, and robust customer support. It includes an automated time-tracking feature that significantly aids in streamlining the process of recording employee work hours in timesheets.

However, unlike RescueTime or Replicon, TrackingTime does not utilize AI technologies to refine the timesheet generation process.

While the existing integrations of TrackingTime, such as the seamless inclusion of a ‘play’ button in applications like Asana or Gmail, are well-received, there is an apparent user demand for broader compatibility. Many users express a desire for integration with additional accounting software or other Microsoft Office products like Outlook and specific calendars.

There’s also interest in extending compatibility to other project management tools, such as Smartsheets. This suggests that while the current integrations are effective, expansion has significant potential to meet more diverse user needs and preferences.

Pricing (yearly)

• free plan available for up to 3 users
• Pro: $5.75/user/month (min. 3 users)
• Freelancer: $8/user/month
• Business: $10/user/month (min. 3 users)

Timely is the top choice for users whose work involves constantly changing tasks and responsibilities. Such dynamic workflows, where one might switch from client consultations to internal strategy sessions and dive back into hands-on project work, pose significant challenges for accurate time tracking and timesheet creation.

For example, imagine a day when a user starts analyzing data for an hour, shifts to a brainstorming meeting for another project returns to data analysis, and later tackles several administrative tasks before wrapping up.

Timely utilizes a feature called Memory, an app that operates in the background to record all your activities throughout the day. This tool is beneficial for timesheet management because it integrates with Memory AI, automatically categorizing activities recorded by the Memory app into appropriate projects and creating draft time entries for you.

The AI system adapts and learns from your patterns in logging activities, enhancing its ability to group your tasks accurately.

Each time you confirm a time entry based on these tracked memories, the AI fine-tunes its understanding of your work habits, leading to increasingly precise draft entries in the future. As this process continues, your timesheet management becomes more streamlined and automated.

Over time, you’ll notice that your Hours tab is filled with well-organized entries, reducing the effort you need to put into manual tracking and ensuring a more accurate and efficient record-keeping process.

While Timely’s Memory AI feature is still evolving and may require some time to achieve its full potential, it holds significant promise for enhancing timesheet creation. This innovative feature makes Timely stand out, not only for its technological advancements but also for its user-friendly interface that simplifies the timesheet creation process. 

Even more, Timely’s customer support is exceptional, often held in high regard compared to industry leaders like Replicon and Paymo, improving the user experience further. Importantly, Timely is dedicated to upholding high privacy standards.

Like Paymo, Timely maintains a strict anti-surveillance policy, unlike some competitors such as TimeDoctor, WebWork, or Hubstaff. This commitment means that Timely does not engage in invasive monitoring practices like taking screenshots of employees, keystroke logging, or other similar activities, ensuring that users can manage their timesheets in a secure and private environment.

From a timesheet management perspective, Timely encounters specific challenges that can affect the accuracy and detail of time entries. One significant issue relates to tracking activities during screen sharing in meetings. The system tends to recognize only the displayed application rather than categorizing the time spent in a meeting. This can lead to inaccuracies in how work hours are logged and understood, mainly when meetings are a substantial part of the day.

Another area of concern is how Timely handles email tracking. The system often aggregates all time spent in email applications, recording the total duration spent in a single session. This approach needs to be more granular and provide details on the time spent on individual emails. This can be a limitation for users who require detailed timesheet entries to understand how much time is dedicated to specific communications. These issues highlight the need for further refinement in Timely’s tracking capabilities to ensure more precise and meaningful timesheet data.

Pricing (yearly)

• no free plan available
• Starter: $9/user/month
• Premium: $16/user/month
• Unlimited: $22/user/month

Another powerful time tracker and online timesheet tool, Everhour, makes employee time tracking significantly more straightforward and quicker.

If you’re already using a specialized project management tool like Basecamp, Asana, Jira, Notion, Trello, or ClickUp and need more robust time tracking and reporting features, Everhour could be a great fit. Everhour integrates seamlessly with these platforms, enhancing them with detailed time-tracking capabilities and comprehensive reporting functions that can help streamline your project management and improve productivity.

For example, if you’re already using Trello, which is excellent for visual task management and organizing projects into boards and cards but lacks in-depth time-tracking capabilities, then integrating Everhour can significantly enhance its functionality. This integration adds precise time tracking directly to your Trello cards, allowing you to monitor the time spent on specific tasks.

Everhour and Harvest share many similarities in terms of features, making them both strong contenders in the time tracking and project management arena. If Harvest doesn’t align with your preferences, Everhour could be a worthy alternative. One area where Everhour particularly stands out is its advanced reporting system.

Many users commend Everhour for its detailed and customizable reports, which can provide deeper insights into project progress and team productivity, potentially offering a more nuanced understanding than Harvest’s reporting capabilities.

A limitation of Everhour is its need for comprehensive project management features, especially the more sophisticated ones found in dedicated project management tools. This necessity for an additional tool, combined with Everhour’s higher per-user cost, currently at $8.50, can make it a pricier option when considering the total cost of toolsets for project management and timesheet needs. The cost factor becomes significant when you note that more budget-friendly options like Paymo provide advanced project management functionalities, time tracking, and invoicing.

Everhour is particularly suited for users who are already committed to their current project management software but wish to enhance its capabilities with additional features for time tracking, reporting, and invoicing despite the higher cost. The pricing concerns are further highlighted by the fact that Everhour requires a minimum purchase of five seats, with no flexibility to buy fewer. This means there is no opportunity to start with a smaller commitment to test the platform and potentially scale up later; the initial investment requires committing to at least five seats from the beginning.

Established in 2015, Everhour positions itself solidly in the mid-range among its competitors regarding market presence. While it doesn’t boast the extensive history of industry veterans like Toggl or Paymo, which have been in the market for about twice as long, it isn’t as recent an entrant as Time Analytics, which launched in 2019.

Everhour has recently made significant enhancements, including implementing Single Sign-On (SSO), automated team scheduling aligning with task dates, and refined user access and administrative permissions controls. The platform has also expanded its utility with new integrations with Notion and Todoist.

Tip: If you’re part of a web design team looking for project management software for creative agencies, opt for tried and tested software most organizations like and employ. There is a variety of project management software designed with architects in mind or tailored to engineers with experience in construction– check out these examples.

Pricing  (yearly)

• Free plan for up to 5 users
• Team: $8.50/user/month (min. 5 users) for all timesheet features plus employee monitoring, i.e., screenshots.

As its name suggests, Time Doctor is explicitly designed to identify and solve problems related to time tracking. It offers tools that help ensure accurate time logging and provide insights into productivity, making it easier for users to see where time is spent and identify areas for efficiency improvements.

Time Doctor implements its time-tracking capabilities in a way that some may find intrusive, such as taking screenshots or video recordings of employees’ screens. While this approach can raise privacy concerns, there are scenarios where such detailed monitoring might be necessary.

For example, in fields where security and confidentiality are paramount, like handling sensitive financial data or proprietary information, ensuring employees adhere strictly to workflow protocols without any unauthorized activities can be crucial. This functionality might also provide oversight in critical situations requiring close monitoring to make informed decisions about an employee’s performance or commitment.

While these monitoring features can be helpful in specific scenarios, it’s essential to consider the potential adverse reactions they might elicit. For example, one user characterized their experience with Time Doctor by saying, “It felt like Big Brother, a slave driver, and a spy all wrapped into one.” This comment highlights the discomfort and privacy concerns that such intensive monitoring practices can provoke among employees.

Understanding this perspective is crucial for any organization considering these tools, as it underscores the importance of balancing security and oversight with maintaining trust and morale in the workplace.

Users have noted significant limitations in Time Doctor’s mobile application, highlighting a disparity between the functionality of its desktop and mobile versions. The mobile app needs several key features that contribute to the effectiveness of the desktop version, posing challenges for users who depend on mobile access for flexibility and convenience.

Additionally, various bugs and slow performance have been reported, which can interrupt the workflow and decrease productivity, making the tool less reliable than anticipated.

The Time Doctor interface also presents difficulties, particularly for new users who may find the platform’s layout confusing and hard to navigate. This can lead to frustration and a steep learning curve, an essential factor to consider, as adapting to a new tool should be intuitive.

Time Doctor significantly lags behind competitors like Replicon, Paymo, and Timely, which are known for their exceptional customer support. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the support they receive, pointing out that the customer service team is not as effective and responses are often delayed.

It’s especially problematic for users who are not tech-savvy and rely on prompt, helpful support to resolve issues. This gap in customer service quality marks a critical area where Time Doctor falls short compared to its peers in the industry.

Pricing (yearly)

• no free plan available
• Basic: $5.9/user/month
• Standard: $8.4/user/month
• Premium: $16.7/user/month

TimeCamp distinguishes itself in the timesheet software market by offering one of the best no-cost packages available, and it remains among the most affordable paid options. Feature-wise, TimeCamp is comparable to Paymo, including the critical automatic time-tracking feature.

Therefore, if Paymo only partially aligns with your needs or preferences, TimeCamp is a solid alternative. It starts at a mere $2.99 per user per month for its most basic package. While this entry-level option might offer fewer features, it still outpaces many competitors, providing substantial functionality without the steep price tag.

However, it’s important to note that the automatic time tracking features are not included in either the free or the basic paid versions of TimeCamp. Keep this in mind when selecting a plan, as having access to these features might be essential for comprehensive time management and tracking.

For most small businesses, the package offered by TimeCamp at $4.99 should be adequate. This plan’s primary limitation is allowing only one integration with another tool, which could be a consideration depending on your business’s specific needs.

The capability to take employee screenshots is available only in the premium package, priced at $7.99. However, alternatives like TimeDoctor or Hubstaff may be more appropriate for those requiring more advanced employee monitoring functionalities, as they specialize in more comprehensive monitoring solutions.

TimeCamp offers a user-friendly experience in terms of both setup and daily operations. The timesheet software allows easy time entry and report generation, integrates seamlessly with various external tools, and features well-designed, intuitive timesheet functionalities. This simplicity helps users reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on their professional duties.

However, there are some drawbacks to using TimeCamp. Users have encountered bugs, particularly when submitting tasks or editing time entries, such as moving or deleting entries, which can sometimes cause the system to lag. Additionally, there’s a learning curve involved, especially with setting up invoices and selecting clients, which can be initially confusing and time-consuming.

Furthermore, there’s a noticeable difference in user experience between the desktop version and the Google Chrome extension. Some users find the desktop version confusing and prefer using the Chrome extension or the website for a smoother experience. While TimeCamp has robust features, the overall user experience can vary depending on the platform.

Pricing (yearly)

• no free plan available
• Starter: $2.99/user/month
• Premium: $5.49/user/month
• Ultimate: $7.99/user/month
• Enterprise: $11.99/user/month

RescueTime is highly regarded for its AI-driven timesheet generation, catering primarily to those who detest the manual process of creating timesheets and are willing to delegate this often tedious task to an automated system. This feature is ideal for individuals who prioritize efficiency and are comfortable with the trade-offs that come with automation, including the potential for occasional inaccuracies.

By automating the generation of timesheets, the software allows users to focus more on their substantive work with the understanding that, while the AI simplifies their workflow, it may sometimes require oversight and corrections. This is a small price to pay for those who value the convenience and time savings of automated timesheet management over the meticulous accuracy of manual tracking.

RescueTime timesheets take a two-pronged approach to simplifying your daily reporting. First, it runs silently in the background, automatically tracking your work activity throughout the day. The second part happens when Timesheets AI analyzes the raw data based on the projects you’ve created within the system.

Think of it as an intelligent assistant for your timesheet. By understanding your projects, Timesheets AI tries to allocate the tracked time to each one.

This AI feature is still in beta testing and might be inconvenient due to bugs or limited functionality. While it has the potential to be the best time-tracking software, it could also turn out to be overhyped.

In addition to automated time tracking, RescueTime offers several other features that enhance personal productivity and self-management. Users appreciate its ability to provide deep insights into how they spend their time, which is especially useful for those prone to distractions.

The FocusTime feature is particularly effective in maintaining user focus, helping them stay on task. However, concerns have been raised about the platform’s lack of significant updates, which makes it appear outdated compared to competitors like Paymo.

Some users have already identified areas for improvement in how RescueTime handles analytics for specific work tasks. For instance, some jobs necessitate visiting e-commerce sites or browsing entertainment websites—essential activities that RescueTime might misclassify as non-productive. This can lead to inaccuracies in the productivity metrics provided by the tool.

Pricing (yearly)

• no free plan available
• Paid: $12/user/month

Among the dozens of timesheet software options reviewed for this article, MyHours stood out for its user-friendly and intuitive interface. This characteristic is also prominently reflected in their user reviews, where the tool is consistently praised for its straightforwardness and ease of use.

Moreover, MyHours is also one of the most cost-effective solutions, comparable in affordability to TimeCamp and Paymo, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both simplicity and value in their timesheet management software.

Among the timesheet features offered, the platform includes roles that allow for straightforward regulation of visibility without the need for overly complex permission settings. The submitted timesheets are efficiently compiled into real-time reports, and users can set up timesheet reminder approvals and have a locking mechanism.

However, compared to competitors like Paymo, MyHours could enhance its feature set, particularly in reporting and invoicing, to better position itself within the market. Additionally, some users have noted concerns regarding its integration capabilities.

Despite these areas for potential improvement, MyHours continues to be a strong contender in the time-tracking software market. It particularly resonates with those who value simplicity and cost-effectiveness, maintaining its appeal as a straightforward and economical option for users seeking efficient time management solutions.

Pricing (yearly)

• free plan available up to 5 users
• Pro: $8/user/month.