As the remote work trend continues to skyrocket, tracking employee hours and productivity has never been more crucial. Whether you’re a business owner or a remote worker, ensuring accurate time logs can profoundly affect your success. Dive right in as we explore the cream of the crop in the world of time-tracking software.

Choosing the right time tracking app can revolutionize your work routine, offer you detailed reports, enhance project management, and ensure remote team productivity. But with countless options out there, which one suits you best? Let’s delve into the top 10 time tracking tools for remote employees.

Overview of 10 Best Time Tracking Software for Remote Employees

1. Week Plan

Week Plan

Week Plan stands out as a comprehensive time tracking tool specifically crafted for remote employees. The platform is designed to promote productivity while ensuring tasks are prioritized and aligned with overall goals. Remote team management has never been easier, thanks to Week Plan.

Top 3 Features of Week Plan

1. Task Prioritization

Week Plan shines by ensuring that you focus on the most critical tasks, enabling you to achieve the most within the available time.

2. Time tracking for tasks

Beyond just tracking time, Week Plan ensures every second counts. Real-time data is reflected, ensuring that managers can oversee tasks in real-time view.

3. Goals alignment with tasks

The software ensures that every task aligns with the set goals. This enhances productivity and keeps remote employees on the right track.

Pros of Week Plan

  • Intuitive User Interface
  • Efficient goal alignment
  • Advanced reporting feature

Cons of Week Plan

  • It might require a learning curve for some
  • No offline time tracking
  • No 14-day free trial option

Week Plan’s Availability

Available on the Web, iOS, Android, Windows, and as a Chrome Extension.

Week Plan Pricing

Pricing varies, starting from $1/user/week.

Final Verdict on Week Plan

For businesses looking for a tool that offers time tracking, task prioritization, and goal alignment, Week Plan is unbeatable. The platform’s advanced features make it the best time tracking software for remote employees.

2. Toggl

Toggl

Toggl promises to make time tracking so easy you’ll use it! Geared towards simplicity and designed to ensure remote employees stay calm with complex interfaces, Toggl is preferred for teams looking for straightforward time tracking solutions.

Top 3 Features of Toggl

1. Real-time Tracking

Always know what you or your team are working on in real time. Just hit the start button and let Toggl do the rest. No more guessing where your hours went at the end of the day.

2. Detailed Reporting

Dive deep into the numbers and understand where time is spent. Whether identifying non-billable hours or analyzing team productivity, Toggl’s detailed reports provide insightful data.

3. Offline Mode

Only sometimes connected to the internet? No worries. Toggl works offline, ensuring you never miss a beat. It syncs once you’re back online.

Pros of Toggl

  • User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate.
  • Versatile tagging system for better task organization.
  • Integrates with a wide array of other software solutions.

Cons of Toggl

  • The free version might be too basic for some teams.
  • Advanced features are behind a paywall.
  • Some users find the idle time detection too sensitive.

Toggl’s Availability

Toggl is accessible via the Web, Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux), iOS, and Android.

Toggl Pricing

It starts free, with premium plans at $10/user/month, offering a comprehensive range of advanced tracking features.

Final Verdict on Toggl

While Toggl’s simplicity is its strong point, it doesn’t skimp on the power-packed features. Its real-time tracking, detailed reporting, and offline mode capabilities keep remote teams on track. If you’re searching for a tool that’s easy to set up and gets the job done without much fuss, Toggl is a strong contender in the world of time tracking software.

3. Time Doctor

Time Doctor

Time Doctor is not just a time-tracking tool; it’s a comprehensive solution to enhance remote team productivity. As businesses around the globe adopt the culture of remote working, there’s a growing need for solutions that can provide detailed insights into work patterns, track progress, and promote accountability. 

Top 3 Features of Time Doctor

1. Detailed Workday Analytics

Get insights into your team’s productivity patterns. Understand how much time is spent on each task and gauge the overall efficiency.

2. Screenshot Recording

Foster transparency and accountability among remote workers. The tool captures screenshots regularly, ensuring everyone is on the right track.

3. Web and App Usage Monitoring

Monitor websites and apps accessed during work hours. This feature helps managers identify potential productivity drains and ensure time is spent efficiently.

Pros of Time Doctor

  • Comprehensive dashboard that provides an overview of team productivity.
  • Effective for monitoring remote teams and ensuring project timelines are met.
  • Valuable integrations with popular project management and communication tools.

Cons of Time Doctor

  • Some users might find the screenshot feature intrusive.
  • Requires consistent internet connection for real-time tracking.
  • There’s a learning curve for newcomers, especially when setting up integrations.

Time Doctor’s Availability

Time Doctor is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Time Doctor Pricing

Pricing begins at $7/user/month, making it an affordable option for businesses that require detailed work analytics.

Final Verdict on Time Doctor

Time Doctor is an invaluable tool for remote teams prioritizing productivity and accountability. The software’s meticulous tracking features ensure everyone is aligned with the organization’s goals. While some might find certain monitoring features invasive, it cannot be denied that Time Doctor brings a new dimension to managing remote work.

4. Hubstaff

Hubstaff

Hubstaff stands out in the realm of time tracking software for remote employees. With the rise of remote work, it’s more important than ever for businesses to ensure their teams are focused and efficient, regardless of where they operate. Hubstaff serves this need impeccably by offering many features that promote transparency, efficiency, and streamlined operations. 

Top 3 Features of Hubstaff

1. Time Tracking with Screenshots

Real-time monitoring ensures teams are progressing as intended. Screenshots taken at configurable intervals provide transparency and assurance.

2. Geolocation Tracking

This feature is precious for businesses with field workers. It allows real-time location monitoring, ensuring team members are at their designated work sites.

3. Automated Payroll Based on Hours

Simplify the payment process! Hubstaff calculates work hours and can automatically process payments, reducing administrative hassles.

Pros of Hubstaff

  • A well-integrated dashboard offering a cohesive view of team activities.
  • Seamless integrations with popular project management and CRM tools.
  • Efficient payroll processing, reducing manual effort and errors.

Cons of Hubstaff

  • Some employees might find constant monitoring and location tracking a bit invasive.
  • Offline tracking might not be as robust as the online one.
  • Initial setup and familiarization require some time for larger teams.

Hubstaff’s Availability

Hubstaff can be accessed across various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Hubstaff Pricing

The pricing structure for Hubstaff commences at $7/user/month, making it competitive in the realm of productivity and tracking tools.

Final Verdict on Hubstaff

Hubstaff emerges as a compelling solution for teams that require robust monitoring and administrative automation. Its range of features makes it versatile, catering to office-based and field teams. While the emphasis on constant monitoring might raise eyebrows for some, the benefits of transparency and operational efficiency are undeniable. 

5. Harvest

Harvest

Harvest has been a significant player in time management and productivity software, catering to businesses seeking a comprehensive time and expense tracking solution. Amidst a sea of productivity tools, Harvest shines through with its simplicity yet maintains a robust set of features. 

Top 3 Features of Harvest

1. Time and Expense Tracking

Keep tabs on hours spent on projects and manage expenses seamlessly. A unified view ensures that teams remain on budget and time.

2. Detailed Reporting

Derive actionable insights from comprehensive reports. Understand how time is utilized and where money is spent across projects.

3. Team Scheduling

Efficiently schedule your team’s tasks and assignments. Ensure optimal resource allocation and project timelines.

Pros of Harvest

  • Intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate even for first-time users.
  • Integration capabilities with a plethora of other business tools.
  • Allows tracking on the go with its mobile app and Chrome Extension.

Cons of Harvest

  • For extensive projects, some users may need more in-depth features.
  • Larger teams face scalability issues with the base plans.
  • Certain advanced reporting functionalities may require integrations or workarounds.

Harvest’s Availability

Harvest ensures accessibility across platforms, with Web, Mac, iOS, and Android versions and a handy Chrome Extension for quick tracking.

Harvest Pricing

Harvest offers a generous free tier to get started. For businesses that require more advanced features, paid plans begin at $12/user/month.

Final Verdict on Harvest

Harvest offers an excellent balance between functionality and user-friendliness. Harvest is a top pick for businesses that need a straightforward tool to monitor time, manage expenses, and oversee team scheduling without being inundated with excessive features. 

6. Clockify

Clockify

Clockify has carved its niche in the time management arena by offering businesses and freelancers a robust platform to track working hours with utmost precision. In today’s hyper-competitive business environment, understanding where and how time is spent can improve productivity.

Top 3 Features of Clockify

1. Time Tracking

Effortlessly record work hours, ensuring transparent billing and accountability. The intuitive interface aids users in keeping an accurate log of time spent on tasks and projects.

2. Visual Reports

Dive deep into your time data with comprehensive visual representations. Assess the productivity levels and project timelines and quickly pinpoint improvement areas.

3. Team Dashboard

Maintain synchronization across your team. The dashboard provides a unified view of the team’s activities, aiding managers in resource allocation and project management.

Pros of Clockify

  • User-friendly and clean interface that promotes a seamless user experience.
  • Scalable for both individual freelancers and large enterprise teams.
  • Offers a generous free tier, allowing businesses to test the waters before diving in.

Cons of Clockify

  • Some advanced features are locked behind the paid tiers.
  • Integrations with other business tools may require premium plans.
  • As with all devices, non-tech-savvy users might have a slight learning curve.

Clockify’s Availability

Accessibility is one of Clockify’s strong suits. The software is available on various platforms, including Web, Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux), iOS, and Android. This extensive range ensures that you can track time no matter where you are.

Clockify Pricing

Clockify boasts an entirely free version for users. However, for those seeking more advanced features, the optional paid plans kick off at $9.99/user/month.

Final Verdict on Clockify

For those searching for a versatile and user-centric time management solution, Clockify emerges as a strong contender. Whether you’re a freelancer trying to keep track of billable hours or an enterprise intending to optimize team productivity, Clockify offers tools that cater to diverse needs. 

7. RescueTime

RescueTime

For individuals and teams intent on maximizing their productivity, RescueTime is a beacon of efficiency. Its central premise is to provide insights into time spent and the quality of that time. In a digital age teeming with distractions, this software empowers users to reclaim their focus, set productivity goals, and get alerted when they veer off the path. 

Top 3 Features of RescueTime

1. Automated Time Tracking

Eliminate the manual effort of logging hours. RescueTime operates in the background, accurately representing your daily digital activities.

2. Daily Productivity Goals

Set and chase daily goals to provide consistent productivity. These goals act as a motivator, encouraging users to maintain their work momentum.

3. Distracting Time Alerts

In an age of digital interruptions, these alerts are a boon. If you need to spend less time on unproductive sites or apps, RescueTime sends a prompt to refocus.

Pros of RescueTime

  • It offers passive monitoring, which means no manual start-stop tracking.
  • Customizable alerts and goals tailored to individual preferences.
  • A comprehensive dashboard provides a snapshot of daily productivity and digital habits.

Cons of RescueTime

  • It needs a built-in invoicing feature, making it more suitable for billing.
  • Some users need to be more active with continuous background monitoring.

RescueTime’s Availability

RescueTime ensures its users can maximize productivity across multiple platforms. It supports Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux, allowing a broad spectrum of users to harness its features.

RescueTime Pricing

For those testing the waters, RescueTime offers a free basic version. However, to access the full suite of features, including advanced reporting and alerts, the Premium plan is available starting at $6/month.

Final Verdict on RescueTime

In the realm of time management and productivity tools, RescueTime stands out by focusing on tracking time and ensuring that time is spent effectively. It’s a tool designed for the modern professional, where digital distractions are rife. 

8. Timely

Timely

One of the critical challenges in time management is accurate and hassle-free tracking. Timely seeks to bridge this gap with an innovative blend of automation and artificial intelligence. Tailored for professionals, agencies, and teams, Timely is more than just a time tracker – it’s a comprehensive work and productivity manager.

Top 3 Features of Timely

1. Automatic Time Tracking

Gone are the days of manual entries. Timely automation ensures that every task, meeting, or work session is captured without user intervention.

2. AI-Assisted Logging

Leveraging artificial intelligence, Timely suggests accurate time entries based on your work patterns. This ensures precision and minimizes the effort of manual logging.

3. Real-Time Project Budgets

Stay in the financial loop at all times. Track budgets in real time, get insights on profitability and ensure projects remain financially viable.

Pros of Timely

  • Effortless time tracking that requires minimal user intervention.
  • Intelligent suggestions that make logging and categorization a breeze.
  • Comprehensive financial oversight with real-time budget tracking.

Cons of Timely

  • The AI-driven approach might take some time to adjust to individual work patterns.
  • It may be pricey for smaller teams or individuals.
  • There is a slight learning curve for those new to automated tracking.

Timely’s Availability

Ensuring accessibility for its users, Timely supports a broad array of platforms, including Web, iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. This multi-platform approach allows users to track, monitor, and manage their time, irrespective of the device they are on.

Timely Pricing

For businesses and professionals keen on a seamless time management experience, Timely’s pricing starts at $10/user/month. This provides access to its innovative features, ensuring accurate time logs and financial clarity.

Final Verdict on Timely

Timely represents the next frontier in time management – a blend of automation and intelligence that seeks to eliminate the mundane task of manual logging. It’s especially apt for teams and agencies that juggle multiple projects and require precise financial insights. 

9. ClickTime

ClickTime

In today’s fast-paced world, managing time, expenses, and capacity is crucial for organizations to stay efficient and profitable. ClickTime positions itself as a go-to solution for businesses aiming for just that. 

Top 3 Features of ClickTime

1. Time Tracking

With ClickTime, logging hours becomes a seamless activity. Track time precisely and efficiently, whether on the go or at your desk.

2. Expense Management

Go beyond just time tracking. Capture, submit, and approve business expenses directly through ClickTime, streamlining the reimbursement process.

3. Capacity Planning

Gain insights into your team’s availability and workload. Ensure projects are appropriately staffed, and resources are optimally allocated.

Pros of ClickTime

  • User-friendly interface makes it easy to get started without a steep learning curve.
  • Comprehensive reporting tools allow for better decision-making.
  • Integrates with a variety of tools, enhancing its flexibility.

Cons of ClickTime

  • Advanced features might be more than smaller teams’ needs.
  • Mobile app functionality might not be as extensive as the web version.
  • Some users might desire more customization options.

ClickTime’s Availability

Prioritizing accessibility and ease of use, ClickTime supports multiple platforms, including Web, iOS, and Android. This ensures that team members can log hours, track expenses, and plan capacity in the office, at a client site, or on the move.

ClickTime Pricing

Aiming to offer value-packed features at an accessible price point, ClickTime’s pricing is $9/user/month. This package unlocks a suite of functionalities tailored to bolster efficiency and profitability.

Final Verdict on ClickTime

For businesses that desire a comprehensive solution to manage time, expenses, and capacity, ClickTime emerges as a reliable contender. Its blend of user-friendliness and robust features ensures that teams can drive productivity and maintain financial prudence irrespective of size. 

10. Everhour

Everhour

In the multifaceted realm of project management and team coordination, Everhour is a powerful tool that fosters productivity and ensures projects stay on track. By offering features such as in-context time tracking, meticulous time estimates versus actual reporting, and prudent budgeting capabilities, Everhour establishes itself as an invaluable asset for businesses keen on maintaining precision in their operations.

Top 3 Features of Everhour

1. In-context Time Tracking

Everhour integrates directly with project management tools, allowing users to track time without leaving their favorite apps, providing an immersive and intuitive experience.

2. Time Estimates vs. Actual Reporting

This feature offers a clear overview of project progression, allowing managers to identify discrepancies between anticipated and actual hours, enabling more accurate future planning.

3. Budgeting

With Everhour, businesses can allocate budgets for various projects and monitor them in real time, ensuring projects remain financially viable and within the stipulated limits.

Pros of Everhour

  • Seamless integration with popular project management tools enhances user experience.
  • Detailed reporting aids in more accurate forecasting and resource allocation.
  • A User-friendly dashboard provides a clear snapshot of ongoing projects and their statuses.

Cons of Everhour

  • Being primarily web-based, it might not cater to users seeking a dedicated mobile app.
  • Teams must use integrated project management tools to leverage their in-context tracking fully.
  • Some users might find the interface overwhelming initially.

Everhour’s Availability

To ensure broad compatibility and accessibility, Everhour is available as a web application and extends its functionality through browser extensions. This approach ensures users can easily track time and monitor projects directly from their browsers, regardless of their device.

Everhour Pricing

Catering to the diverse needs of businesses, Everhour’s pricing strategy starts at a competitive $8/user/month. This offers a suite of functionalities tailored to optimize project management and budgeting processes.

Final Verdict on Everhour

For businesses and teams invested in project management tools, Everhour is an invaluable addition, bridging the gap between task assignment and time tracking. Its focus on precise reporting and real-time budgeting ensures projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget.

While all three tools offer robust time tracking and management features, Week Plan clearly provides a well-rounded experience, especially for remote employees. For businesses primarily focusing on optimizing time tracking for remote employees, Week Plan offers the most comprehensive features, making it the top choice among the three.

Best of the Best - Top 3 Best Time Tracking Software for Remote Employees

1. Week Plan

Week Plan offers an intuitive, all-encompassing solution for remote employees. Automated time tracking, in-context insights, and seamless integration with project management tools ensure optimal productivity.

For businesses aiming for efficiency and comprehensive time tracking, Week Plan is the undisputed leader. Its features cater specifically to the needs of remote employees, making it an indispensable tool in today’s remote work era.

2. Everhour

Everhour stands out with its in-context time tracking and a strong emphasis on budgeting and reporting. 

While not as feature-rich as Week Plan, Everhour offers a solid experience, especially for teams deeply entrenched in project management. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize budgeting alongside time tracking.

3. ClickTime

ClickTime offers a blend of time tracking with expense management. Its visual reports are a highlight, offering clarity and insights at a glance.

Best suited for businesses that require a dual focus on time tracking and expense management. ClickTime is a versatile tool but might not be as tailored for remote workers as the other two.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, where remote work is not just an option but a necessity, the right time tracking software becomes pivotal for success. While many options are available, the perfect blend of features, ease of use, and integration capabilities determine the best choices. 

In making a selection, prioritize the unique needs of your team and the software’s ability to address those needs efficiently. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is time tracking important for remote employees? 

Time tracking for remote employees ensures transparency, accountability, and productivity. It helps understand work patterns, optimize workflows, and make informed business decisions.

2. How do time tracking tools help in managing remote teams? 

Time tracking tools offer insights into how remote teams spend their time, highlight productivity trends, and provide data to make necessary improvements. They also foster a sense of responsibility and help in managing workloads.

3. Are screenshots and other monitoring features invasive for remote employees?

This is a topic of debate. While such features provide transparency and ensure that work is being done, some employees might view them as invasive. Companies must maintain a balance, ensuring employees know how and why these tools are being used and fostering a culture of trust.

4. Does using a time tracking software mean employers don’t trust their remote employees?

Not necessarily. Time tracking is more about optimizing productivity, managing workloads, and understanding work patterns than policing employees. 

5. Can time tracking software integrate with other work tools?

Yes, many time tracking software options offer integrations with project management tools, communication platforms, and other software commonly used by businesses to streamline workflows.

6. Is manual time entry an option in these tools?

Most time tracking software provides both automatic and manual time entry options. While automatic tracking offers real-time data, manual entries can be useful when tracking might have been missed.

Many time tracking tools allow users to categorize tasks, and breaks can either be logged as non-work-related time or be excluded altogether. Some tools also offer features to detect inactivity automatically.

8. Are these software options secure? How do they ensure data privacy?

Reputable time tracking software invests significantly in security measures. They often use encryption, comply with data protection regulations, and offer features like two-factor authentication to ensure data safety.

9. Can I try time tracking software before purchasing?

Absolutely. Many tools offer free trials or basic versions, allowing businesses to understand the software before committing to a paid plan.

10. How do these tools benefit employees, not just employers?

Beyond ensuring transparency, these tools help employees understand their work habits, identify areas of improvement, and can even assist in workload management and achieving a better work-life balance.

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