best time-tracking apps for freelancers

1. Toggl Track

Overview

Toggl Track is one of the most popular time-tracking tools favored by freelancers and remote workers. With its intuitive interface and robust reporting features, Toggl simplifies monitoring your work hours across various projects.

Features

One-click Timer: Start tracking time with just a click, eliminating the hassle of manual entry.
Project Management: Organize tasks by projects, clients, and tags for detailed reporting.
Mobile and Desktop Apps: Available on multiple platforms, including web, iOS, Android, and desktop apps for both Windows and macOS.
Integrations: Seamless integration with tools like Asana, Trello, and Google Calendar enhances productivity.

Pricing

Toggl offers a free plan with basic features, while premium features start at $10 per user per month, providing advanced reporting options and team management functionalities.

Pros

User-friendly interface
Comprehensive reporting capabilities
Cross-platform support

Cons

Limited features in the free version

2. Harvest

Overview

Harvest combines time-tracking with invoicing functionality, making it an excellent choice for freelancers looking to streamline both time management and billing processes.

Features

Time Tracking: Track time manually or with a timer for an accurate overview of hours spent on each project.
Invoicing: Generate and send invoices directly from the platform, facilitating a smoother payments process.
Expense Tracking: Log expenses and attach receipts, allowing for a complete financial overview.
Reporting Tools: Analyze time entries and project costs to optimize efficiency.

Pricing

Harvest offers a free plan for up to two projects, with paid plans starting from $12 per month per user.

Pros

Combined time tracking and invoicing
Easy-to-use mobile app
Expense tracking feature

Cons

Limited features in the free version

3. Clockify

Overview

Clockify is a free time-tracking application designed for freelancers and teams, offering unlimited tracking capabilities without any costs involved.

Features

Unlimited Time Tracking: Track an unlimited number of projects and tasks without worrying about pricing.
Reports: Generate detailed reports to visualize your productivity and billable hours.
Pomodoro Timer: Use the built-in Pomodoro timer to manage your work sessions effectively.
Team Collaboration: Invite team members and collaborate on projects while tracking collective time.

Pricing

Clockify is free for unlimited users, with a Pro plan starting at $9.99 per month, which offers advanced reporting and project management features.

Pros

Completely free for unlimited features
Intuitive and user-friendly design
Suitable for teams as well as solo freelancers

Cons

Some advanced features behind a paywall

4. RescueTime

Overview

RescueTime focuses on productivity improvement by tracking how you spend your time online and providing in-depth reports to help you understand your habits.

Features

Automatic Time Tracking: Runs in the background to track time spent on applications and websites.
FocusTime: Block distracting websites during work hours to enhance concentration.
Detailed Reports: Analyze productivity trends over days, weeks, and months to identify areas for improvement.
Goal Setting: Set productivity goals and receive alerts when you’re close to reaching them.

Pricing

RescueTime has a free basic plan with premium features available for $12 per month.

Pros

Great for identifying distractions
Provides actionable insights
Automatic tracking saves time

Cons

May track too much data, overwhelming users

5. Time Doctor

Overview

Time Doctor combines time tracking with productivity monitoring features, making it an excellent option for freelancers who need detailed insights into their work habits.

Features

Time Tracking: Manual and automatic tracking for precise hour logging.
Web and App Monitoring: Tracks time spent on applications and websites for a comprehensive productivity overview.
Screenshots: Take periodic screenshots to monitor work progress (can be turned off for privacy).
Integrations: Works with various project management and invoicing tools, enhancing workflow.

Pricing

Time Doctor has a free trial, with business plans starting at $7 per month per user.

Pros

Provides in-depth productivity reports
Employee monitoring features for teams
Customizable tracking reminders

Cons

Desktop application can be intrusive

6. Hubstaff

Overview

Hubstaff offers time tracking with a focus on productivity and project management, making it a solid choice for freelancers who handle projects for multiple clients.

Features

Time Tracking: Track billable hours for clients with ease.
GPS Tracking: Especially useful for freelancers who work on-site or travel for work.
Team Management: Manage teams and projects while keeping track of individual contributions.
Time Reports: Generate reports on productivity and time spent on various tasks.

Pricing

Hubstaff offers a limited free trial; paid plans start from $7 per month per user.

Pros

GPS tracking useful for mobile freelancers
Robust reporting features
Excellent for tracking team productivity

Cons

Can be overly complex for solo freelancers

7. Paymo

Overview

Paymo is a time-tracking and project management tool designed specifically for freelancers and small businesses.

Features

Time Tracking: Track time spent on various tasks either manually or using a timer.
Invoicing: Create and send professional-looking invoices linked to tracked hours.
Task Management: Keep track of tasks and deadlines within the app.
Reports and Analytics: Access various reports to analyze time usage and profitability per project.

Pricing

Paymo offers a free version for basic features, with paid plans starting at $9.56 per month per user.

Pros

All-in-one time tracking and project management
User-friendly interface
Good invoicing capabilities

Cons

Limited features in the free version

8. Timely

Overview

Timely is a unique time-tracking software that uses artificial intelligence to automate the tracking process, allowing freelancers to focus more on their work and less on time management.

Features

AI-Powered Automatic Tracking: Automatically tracks time spent on tasks and categorizes it by project and client.
Project Insights: Get insights on time allocation and optimize workloads.
Manual Entry: Easily add time manually or adjust tracked hours as needed.
Reporting: Generate reports that showcase productivity and project costs.

Pricing

Timely offers a free trial, with pricing starting from $10 per user per month thereafter.

Pros

Unique AI features for automatic tracking
Eliminates the hassle of manual entry
Detailed insights available

Cons

Higher cost compared to some alternatives

9. Everhour

Overview

Everhour is a time-tracking app built specifically for project managers and freelancers, providing features aimed at efficient project tracking and team collaboration.

Features

Time Tracking: Track time on tasks easily, with both web and desktop apps available.
Project Budgeting: Assign budgets to projects and monitor spending against your estimates.
Task Management: Create and manage tasks while assigning them to different projects.
Integration: Works seamlessly with project management tools like Trello, Asana, and Basecamp.

Pricing

Everhour offers a free trial with plans starting at $8 per user per month.

Pros

Focus on project budgeting and financials
Excellent integration capabilities
Built for both freelancers and teams

Cons

User interface can feel cluttered

10. ClockShark

Overview

ClockShark is a time-tracking software designed for mobile freelancers and field service workers, ensuring that time tracking can occur on the go.

Features

Mobile Time Tracking: Track hours from anywhere using the mobile app.
Job Scheduling: Organize job schedules and manage timesheets for easy access.
GPS Tracking: GPS capabilities offer location tracking to verify job sites.
Reports: Generate time reports to manage labor costs and productivity.

Pricing

ClockShark offers a free trial with paid plans starting at $8 per month per user.

Pros

Excellent for mobile and field freelancers
Job scheduling features
GPS verification adds reliability

Cons

May not be ideal for office-based workers

11. PayPal Invoicing Tool

Overview

While not a dedicated time-tracking app, PayPal’s invoicing tool allows freelancers to track hours and bill clients efficiently.

Features

Custom Invoices: Create and send custom invoices using tracked hours.
Payment Tracking: View the status of invoices and payment history.
Client Management: Keep track of client interactions and contracts.

Pricing

Free to use, with transaction fees applicable for payments received.

Pros

Simple and integrated with a widely used payment processor
No complex setup required

Cons

Lacks comprehensive time tracking features

12. ATracker

Overview

ATracker provides a simple way for freelancers to track their time without unnecessary complexities. Its mobile app is particularly useful for those who like to manage everything from their smartphones.

Features

User-friendly Interface: Simple design for easy navigation and time tracking.
Customizable Categories: Create categories to fit your specific freelance work.
Daily and Weekly Reporting: Access reports to analyze tracked time.

Pricing

Free version available; premium features can be unlocked with a one-time fee.

Pros

Minimalist design encourages daily use
Good for users who prefer mobile tracking

Cons

Limited features compared to more robust software

13. Timely by Memory

Overview

Timely by Memory is designed for those who want to capture their work without actively tracking it. It records everything you work on and categorizes it into projects.

Features

Automatic Time Capture: Automatically records time spent on applications and documents.
Calendar Integration: Syncs with your calendar to visually track and manage time.
Project Management: Easily assign times tracked to specific projects for better organization.

Pricing

Timely offers a free trial; pricing plans start from $10 per user per month post-trial.

Pros

Focus on automatic time capturing
Good for freelancers with diverse projects

Cons

Requires initial setup for maximum efficiency

14. TimeCamp

Overview

TimeCamp provides time tracking alongside advanced project management features making it suitable for freelancers managing multiple projects or clients.

Features

Time Tracking: Offers both manual and auto tracking features.
Productivity Analysis: Analyze where you spend most of your time to optimize tasks and projects.
Team Collaboration: Manage work for teams and individuals alike.

Pricing

TimeCamp has a free tier with limited functionality; professional plans start from $7 per user per month.

Pros

Versatile tracking options
Useful productivity analysis tools

Cons

Free plan is very limited

15. Nimbus Note

Overview

Nimbus Note is primarily a note-taking app that incorporates time tracking features, appealing to freelancers looking for a holistic view of their work.

Features

Note-Taking and Time Tracking: Combine time tracking with notes, documents, and tasks in one place.
Tags and Reminders: Organize notes and track time with tags for easy retrieval.
Cross-Device Sync: Access your notes and time tracking from multiple devices.

Pricing

Nimbus Note offers a free tier with fewer features; premium plans start at $5 per month.

Pros

Great combination of note-taking and time tracking
Cross-device accessibility

Cons

Time tracking features are more basic compared to dedicated apps

16. Kimai

Overview

Kimai is an open-source time tracking application that is suitable for freelancers wanting a more customizable experience without the cost.

Features

Multilingual Support: Available in multiple languages, catering to a global audience.
Customization: Highly adjustable time tracking fields and project tagging.
Report Generation: In-depth reports allow freelancers to analyze their time usage.

Pricing

Kimai is free, but hosting costs may apply if you choose to self-host.

Pros

Open-source and free
Highly customizable

Cons

Requires some technical skill for setup

17. Timesheets.com

Overview

Designed for various industries, Timesheets.com provides a robust time tracking and project management tool suitable for freelancers.

Features

Time Tracking: Track hours worked on projects and for clients.
Billing and Invoicing: Manage your billing processes efficiently.
Expense Tracking: Categorize and track business expenses easily.

Pricing

Plans start from $5 per user per month, making it accessible for freelancers.

Pros

Affordable pricing for freelancers
Comprehensive project management tools

Cons

Less intuitive than some rival products

18. Fanurio

Overview

Fanurio is a time tracking software designed for freelancers that focuses on project management and billing.

Features

Time Tracking: Track billable and non-billable hours.
Invoicing and Billing: Create professional invoices based on tracked times.
Expense Management: Record and manage expenses related to projects.

Pricing

Available for a one-time fee of about $100 for a single-user license.

Pros

Comprehensive project management features
One-time fee instead of subscriptions

Cons

Interface feels dated compared to modern apps

19. Timing

Overview

Timing is aimed at Mac users who want a simple yet effective way to track their time without much manual effort.

Features

Automatic Tracking: Timing automatically tracks which applications, documents, and websites are being used.
History and Reporting: Identify where time was spent and categorize it by project.
User-Friendly Interface: Clean and simple design makes it easy to use.

Pricing

Timing offers a free trial, with a single-user plan starting at $29 per year.

Pros

Automatic time tracking saves time
Designed specifically for macOS

Cons

Only available for Mac

20. ClickTime

Overview

ClickTime is a comprehensive time tracking tool that includes features for project budgeting and expense tracking, making it well-suited for freelancers.

Features

Time Tracking: Track hours with ease, either manually or through a timer.
Budgeting Tools: Set budget limits for projects to manage finances effectively.
Expense Tracking: Enter expenses and track project costs in real-time.

Pricing

Free for limited features; paid plans start at $12 per user per month.

Pros

Good budgeting features alongside time tracking
Provides extensive project analysis and reporting

Cons

Can overwhelm new users with features

21. TimeSlate

Overview

TimeSlate focuses on providing a clean user experience for time tracking while supporting freelancers in billing and project management.

Features

Intuitive Dashboard: Simple dashboard for quick access to significant features.
Billing Integration: Link tracked hours to projects for easy invoice generation.
Real-Time Reporting: Access productivity insights in real-time.

Pricing

Offers a free tier with basic features; advanced functionality appears in premium plans starting at $6 per user per month.

Pros

Clean interface encourages adoption
Simple bookkeeping tools

Cons

Basic features might not meet the needs of larger teams

22. MyHours

Overview

MyHours is tailored for freelancers who want to track time, manage projects, and generate professional invoices easily.

Features

Project-Based Tracking: Record hours per project or task for clarity.
Time Reports: Generate comprehensive reports on time usage and productivity.
Invoicing Capabilities: Link tracked hours to create straightforward invoices.

Pricing

Offers a free tier with limited features; plans start from $6 per user per month.

Pros

Great invoicing and reporting features
Understandable interface for ease of use

Cons

Free tier can feel restrictive

23. TSheets

Overview

Now a part of QuickBooks, TSheets is geared toward freelancers who need mobile tracking and team collaboration features.

Features

Mobile App: Track time on-the-go with a well-rated app.
Team Scheduling: Manage project schedules for freelancers working in teams.
Integration with QuickBooks: If you use QuickBooks, TSheets integrates seamlessly for financial management.

Pricing

Offers a free trial; paid plans start at $10 per month per user.

Pros

Excellent for mobile flexibility
Strong integration with accounting software

Cons

May offer too many features for solo freelancers

24. TimeMaster

Overview

A simple yet powerful time-tracking app designed with freelancers in mind, making tracking and reporting straightforward.

Features

Simple Tracking Interface: Focus on minimalism to encourage regular use.
Export Capability: Easily export reports for invoicing and tracking.
Project Tags: Categorize tracked time for clarity.

Pricing

Pricing is variable, while basic features are free.

Pros

Straightforward time tracking process
Easy to use for beginners

Cons

Lacks advanced features available in other tools

25. Harvest Time Tracker

Overview

A straightforward time tracking tool that syncs with the widely used Harvest invoicing service.

Features

Timer Functionality: Track hours spent on tasks with click-to-start functionality.
Detailed Reports: Generate insights on productivity by project and task.
Invoicing: Link tracked time and create invoices directly.

Pricing

Offers trial features; subscription models begin at $12 per user per month.

Pros

Established reputation in the market
Integrates with numerous tools and applications

Cons

Higher pricing may deter entry-level freelancers

26. Freelance CMS

Overview

While primarily a management system for freelancers, Freelance CMS provides excellent time tracking functionalities within the context of project management.

Features

Time Tracking: Assigned tracking capabilities for various projects.
Document Management: Store client and project files directly within the system.
Invoicing: Generate invoices easily based on tracked hours.

Pricing

Subscription-based, typically around $15 per month, depending on features.

Pros

Integrates project management with time tracking
Document storage functionality

Cons

May be seen as complicated for new users

27. Power BI and Time Tracking Integration

Overview

Using Power BI with time-tracking integrations can provide a comprehensive overview of time spent on various tasks through advanced analytical capabilities.

Features

Data Visualization: Create dashboards to visualize time data effectively.
Insights: Utilize Power BI to analyze time and productivity trends.
Customization: Integrate various time-tracking apps for tailored experiences.

Pricing

Power BI has a free version; advanced features are available through various subscription models.

Pros

Extensive reporting and analysis options
Suitable for more data-savvy freelancers

Cons

Requires a degree of expertise to utilize effectively

28. Focus Booster

Overview

Aimed at freelancers who want to improve their productivity based on the Pomodoro technique, Focus Booster facilitates time tracking through intervals.

Features

Timer Integration: Use the Pomodoro technique to maximize productivity during work intervals.
Reporting: View reports on how much time is spent on various tasks and projects.
Goal Setting: Set goals for focused work periods.

Pricing

Starts at $2 per month per user after a free trial period.

Pros

Great for those who struggle with productivity
Simple and effective focus strategies

Cons

Less suitable for traditional time tracking needs

29. iMacros for Time Tracking

Overview

Incorporating iMacros as a browser-based tool allows freelancers to utilize automation for time tracking and website interaction.

Features

Macro Recording: Record repetitive tasks and save time on tracking.
Website Integration: Efficiently manage time spent on client work through web interfaces.
Automation: Simplify logging of time and interactions.

Pricing

Free edition available; more advanced features requiring a subscription.

Pros

Reduces manual work through automation
Especially useful for freelancers working online

Cons

Can be complex for non-technical users

30. NTask

Overview

NTask offers not just time tracking, but also task management and collaboration features, aimed at freelancers and small teams alike.

Features

Task Management: Create and manage tasks within the time tracking setup.
Time Logging: Easily log hours for tasks or projects.
Collaboration Tools: Work with team members while managing time effectively.

Pricing

The free version has a limit on features; paid options start at $3 per user per month.

Pros

Holistic management of projects and time
Affordable with practical features

Cons

May lack advanced features desired by large teams

31. ActiveCollab

Overview

ActiveCollab serves as a project management and time-tracking tool for freelancers and teams wishing to combine workload management with robust time tracking.

Features

Task and Project Management: Designed for effective project tracking alongside time spent.
Time Tracking: Track hours worked with a focus on tasks and deadlines.
Reporting Tools: Create visual reports to understand time allocation and efficiency.

Pricing

Starts at $7 per user per month with a free trial available.

Pros

Comprehensive project management tool
Seamless time tracking integration

Cons

More complex platform may need a learning curve

32. BlaBla

Overview

BlaBla is a straightforward tool that serves freelancers by simplifying the time tracking process.

Features

Time Tracking: Basic features that allow for quickly logging hours worked.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplistic design prioritizes ease of use.
Reports: Generate simple reports to visualize time usage easily.

Pricing

Free tier available; more advanced features are unlocked at $4 per month.

Pros

Minimalist approach
Quick tracking capabilities

Cons

Very basic for those requiring extensive functionality

33. Absorb LMS for Freelance Training

Overview

Absorb provides a time-tracking functionality along with Learning Management Systems (LMS) for freelancers looking to upskill.

Features

Time Tracking for Learning: Track hours spent on personal development through training.
Courses Available: Access various learning modules that can help boost freelance skills.

Pricing

Varies depending on whether you’re accessing just time tracking for educational purposes.

Pros

Merges learning and time tracking
Enhances professional development for freelancers

Cons

Primarily focused on learning rather than pure time tracking

34. 10to8

Overview

10to8 is primarily an appointment scheduling software, but it includes time tracking features, making it beneficial for freelancers in service-oriented fields.

Features

Appointment and Time Tracking: Manage appointments while also tracking time spent.
Client Management: Track client interaction and include time logged.
Reminders: Automated reminders for appointments enhance client relationships.

Pricing

Free tier available; professional plans start at $12 per month.

Pros

Excellent for appointment-based freelancers
Integrated reminders and notifications

Cons

Time-tracking functionalities are secondary

35. Minu

Overview

Minu is a time-tracking app designed specifically for freelancers looking to combine simplicity with functionality.

Features

Clean Interface: Provides a user-friendly design for quick tracking.
Expense Logging: Log expenses alongside tracked hours for better financial management.
Reporting: Generate easy-to-understand reports based on time and expenses.

Pricing

Free plan available; paid features start from $4 per month.

Pros

Easy to use with compact features
Good for freelancers with simple needs

Cons

Limited features for more complex requirements

36. Brain.fm for Focused Working

Overview

While primarily focused on enhancing productivity, combining Brain.fm with time tracking can enhance work efficiency for freelancers.

Features

Music for Focus: Provides music designed to improve focus during work hours.
Session Tracking: Combine music sessions with time tracking for productive work tracking.

Pricing

A subscription-based model offering trial periods.

Pros

Enhances productivity during tracked work hours
Engaging approach to improve focus

Cons

Not a dedicated time-tracking app

37. 1tap

Overview

1tap offers a streamlined time-tracking approach for freelancers wanting fast and easy logging of work hours without bells and whistles.

Features

Single Tap Tracking: Log work hours quickly with a tap of a button.
Simple Interface: User-friendly and uncomplicated design motivates daily use.

Pricing

Free to use with basic features; premium unlocks additional functionality.

Pros

Very minimalist, reducing complexity
Great for simple hourly tracking

Cons

Limited features for freelancers needing comprehensive capabilities

38. SoWork

Overview

SoWork focuses on creating virtual workspaces for freelancers and remote teams while also providing time tracking features.

Features

Virtual Workspaces: Create a virtual office atmosphere for improved collaboration.
Time Tracking: Log hours spent in various projects and tasks seamlessly.