Running a small business means time always seems to fly. With so many tasks to juggle, it’s easy to lose track of hours, miss deadlines, or overlook billable work. The best time tracking software for small businesses can help you take control, improve teamwork, and make every minute count for your business. With right time tracking apps, you can ensure no billable moment is lost and track employee time more efficiently across all mobile and desktop apps.
In this guide, I’ll show you what sets the best timekeeping software for small business apart. You’ll find clear advice on choosing a tool, plus recommendations to help you and your team stay organized and productive.
What is time tracking software?
Common features you’ll find include:
Easy time logs: Use timers or add hours manually, whichever you prefer—manual time tracking or automation.
Timesheet management: Review daily or weekly work at a glance.
Project tracking: Connect time entries to specific tasks or clients.
Simple reports: Get a clear view of billable hours, project progress, or team workload.
Integrations: Sync with payroll tools, accounting software, project management features, or your favorite project management apps.
Mobile and desktop apps: Log work at the office, from home, or on the move.
Unlike spreadsheets or paper logs, time tracking software is made for busy teams. It removes guesswork, helps you spot patterns, and keeps everyone on the same page.
Why time tracking software matters for small businesses?
Here are some key reasons to use it:
Accurate billing and payroll
With hours recorded clearly, invoices are fair and salaries are right. This helps you build trust and keeps payments simple.
Better productivity and less wasted time
Time tracking highlights how work hours are spent, supports employee productivity, and identifies areas for improvement. If someone is stuck or too busy, you can notice it early and adjust.
Smoother project management
See which projects use more time, and plan better for what’s ahead. That way, deadlines feel less stressful and results are more reliable.
Greater transparency and team accountability
Everyone knows what’s expected and can see their own progress. This helps people feel valued and keeps teamwork healthy.
Support for flexible work
Whether your team is working in the office or from several locations—desktop apps and mobile time tracking apps keep everyone connected and tasks moving forward.
Smarter decisions for your business
Having a clear picture of where time goes can guide big choices, from hiring to raising your rates. Use reporting, analytics, and automated time tracking to support business growth and better work life balance.
The best time tracking software is a smart helper for your business. It lets you focus less on chasing hours and more on growing your company. Use time tracking apps, the best time tracking tools, and automated time tracking for optimal results.
How to choose the right time tracking software for your small business
Understand your true needs
Start by thinking about how your business operates today. Are you already using any desktop apps, time tracking apps, or automated time tracking to support your workflow? Are you managing a remote or hybrid team? Do you handle a mix of salaried, hourly, or freelance workers? Your requirements might include tracking billable hours, monitoring project status, or syncing data with accounting software and project management features. Is your main challenge keeping projects on schedule, tracking billable hours, or making payroll smooth and error-free?
Grab a sheet of paper (or open a new doc) and jot down where you lose the most time or run into the most confusion. Using manual time tracking, is it hard to track employee time or track work hours efficiently? Or are you facing trouble connecting project status updates across mobile and desktop apps? Maybe it’s chasing up missing timesheets, unclear project timelines, or struggling to bill clients accurately. When you know your “pain points,” it’s easier to spot which features actually matter to you.
Take best features of timekeeping software into consideration
1. Ease of use
Great time tracking apps and time tracking tools make things easy. When time tracking is complicated, no one wants to use it. The best solutions offer clean interfaces, clear instructions, and quick onboarding. It should be intuitive for everyone, even those who aren’t tech-savvy.
2. Customization and flexibility
No two small businesses are the same. Effective time trackers and time tracking apps adapt to your workflow, whether you need simple desktop apps, detailed project management features, or automated time tracking for tracking employee productivity and project status. Look for the ability to create custom fields, adjust timesheet formats, or set approval processes that fit your team structure.
3. Integrations with existing tools
Most businesses rely on a mix of tools: payroll, invoicing, project management, and communication. The best time tracking software for small business easily connects with what you already use, reducing manual data entry and streamlining everyday tasks.
4. On-the-go accessibility
Mobile apps and cross-platform support are crucial. Whether your team is in the office, working from home, or visiting clients, they should be able to log time and check progress without friction. The best tools empower you to track employee time anywhere.
5. Pricing that matches your stage
As a small business, every expense matters. Flexible plans, transparent pricing, and free trials let you find the right fit without overspending. Look for software tailored to small teams, not just big enterprises. Many time tracking apps offer a free plan or free trial to help small businesses start without risk.
6. Security and privacy
Time tracking means handling sensitive employee and client data. Make sure your chosen tool offers secure logins, role-based permissions, and clear privacy policies. Reputable time trackers and time tracking apps provide robust data protection.
7. Reporting and insights
Great time tracking software doesn’t just collect data—it helps you act on it. Look for reporting options that highlight project status, employee productivity, and make it easy to track work hours across desktop apps and mobile platforms. Actionable reports so you can spot trends, fix problems, and make smarter decisions about your team or your business direction.
Don’t forget the team
Time tracking is most effective when everyone buys in. Involve your team in selecting your time tracking apps or time trackers—show them how tracking time, monitoring employee productivity, and using automated time tracking will benefit them from clearer expectations to fair pay, reliable project status, and even healthier work life balance. Real success comes when tracking time feels natural, not forced.
Top 10 time tracking software tools at a glance
Choosing time tracking apps and time trackers can be overwhelming, given the variety of solutions available. Comparing software can be overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options on the market.
Below, I’ll provide a bird’s-eye view of my top ten picks for 2025. Each tool in this list of the best time tracking tools offers reliable, user-friendly support for small businesses seeking to track employee time, improve project status visibility, and boost employee productivity with features like automated time tracking and integrations with accounting software, project management features, and desktop apps.
Best time tracking software for small business rundown
Lark
Overview
Lark is far more than a basic time tracking solution—it is a comprehensive digital workspace that brings together attendance, shift scheduling, approvals, communications, and customizable databases within one cloud-based platform. Lark is designed for small businesses that want a streamlined, efficient approach to managing every aspect of employee time, all while fostering real teamwork and transparency using advanced time tracking apps and automated time tracking.
Key features
Lark Attendance for precise clock-in and clock-out
Employees can clock in and out using either the desktop or mobile app, enabling full flexibility for in-office, remote, or field staff. The attendance module supports GPS location verification, so you can confirm on-site presence or track off-site and mobile employees reliably with time trackers. This feature is especially useful for businesses with distributed or hybrid teams and helps ensure accurate, tamper-proof records.
Lark Approval for automated workflows
Say goodbye to chasing after paper forms or manual follow-ups. With the approval module, managers quickly review and approve timesheets, overtime, and leave requests. Custom rules and automated notifications are part of Lark's automated time tracking, so requests never fall through the cracks, and payroll processing is smoother and faster.
Integrated calendar for shift scheduling
Planning shifts is simple thanks to Lark Calendar—managers can create and update employee schedules directly, and attendance data syncs automatically with the calendar. Employees always have clear, up-to-date access to when and where they’re expected to work, reducing confusion and shift conflicts, boosting employee productivity and providing real-time project status.
Lark Base for customizable tracking and detailed reporting
Lark Base is a no-code, flexible database that lets you design attendance or timesheet templates, track project hours, and adapt data collection to fit your business. Generate custom reports for payroll, analyze trends in workforce availability, or track project-specific labor costs—all tied into project management features and time tracking apps.
Built-in chat, video meetings, and document sharing with Lark Messenger
Communication is frictionless, thanks to Lark’s fully integrated chat, calls, and file sharing. Your team can resolve questions about schedules, project status, or timesheets instantly—all in one platform without switching desktop apps or time trackers.
Pros
All-in-one workspace that consolidates time tracking, HR, and collaboration
Real-time communication and notifications for quick schedule or attendance updates
GPS verification and mobile support for remote, field, or hybrid teams
Highly customizable tracking and approval workflows
Detailed reporting and analytics to guide better business decisions
Free plan includes a robust set of features, suited for startups and growing teams
Supports manual time tracking and automated time tracking for ultimate flexibility
Integrates tightly with desktop apps for maximum cross-device usability
Cons
The wealth of project management features and integrations may seem overwhelming at first, but new users can benefit from Lark’s onboarding resources and support
Pricing
Free plan: Includes core features for up to 20 users, making it a great entry point for small teams and the best time tracking app for small businesses starting their journey with time tracking apps.
Paid plans: Starts at $12 per user per month (billed annually), offering advanced features and scalability for growing businesses that want strong time tracking features.
Clockify
Image source: clockify.me
Overview
Clockify is a popular time tracking tool known for its simple interface and a generous free plan that includes unlimited users and projects. Ideal for small businesses looking for effortless punch-in/punch-out tracking with optional project management.
Key features
Unlimited time tracking for projects, clients, and tasks
Manual and live timer entries
Basic reporting and timesheet approvals
Mobile, desktop apps, and browser app compatibility
Integration with many workflow tools
Pros
Quick to set up and intuitive for large or small teams
Reliable free plan for most basic needs
Great for teams looking to track employee time, improve employee productivity, and monitor project status with simple time trackers
Cons
Premium features such as advanced analytics or robust permission controls require upgrading
Pricing
Free: $0
Basic: Starts from $3.99/user/month
Standard: Starts from $5.49/user/month
Pro: Starts from $7.99/user/month
Enterprise: Starts from $11.99/user/month
Toggl Track
Image source: toggl.com
Overview
Toggl Track focuses on making time tracking as painless as possible. Its clean interface appeals to distributed teams, freelancers, and creative professionals who value a distraction-free workflow. It's ideal for those seeking streamlined time tracking apps and time trackers to boost employee productivity and receive regular project status updates, whether on desktop apps or mobile.
Key features
One-click timers and manual time entry
Labels for clients, projects, and tasks
Basic reporting and export options
Reminders to reduce missed logs
Pros
Extremely easy to use and visually clear
Great reports for freelancers and small teams
Cons
Project-specific or team size controls are only in paid plans
Pricing
Free: Up to 5 users
Starter: Starts from $9/user/month
Premium: Starts from $18/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Harvest
Image source: getharvest.com
Overview
Harvest blends time tracking with invoicing. It’s a solid fit for small businesses that juggle hourly work and client billing.
Key features
Automatically generate invoices from tracked time to streamline billing
Track expenses and project budgets for better project status and financial visibility
Connect with accounting software and other time tracking apps
Pros
All-in-one billing and time management using time trackers
Friendly interface and supports manual time tracking as well as desktop apps
Cons
Some features could be more robust for large teams
Pricing
Free: For 1 seat (up to 2 projects)
Pro: Starts from $11/user/month
Premium: Starts from $14/user/month
My Hours
Image source: myhours.com
Overview
My Hours prioritizes flexible client and project tracking and is especially handy for service-based small businesses. Time tracking apps like My Hours help track work hours, manage projects, and boost employee productivity using visual tools and streamlined manual time tracking.
Key features
Custom approvals for timesheets
Support for multiple hourly rates and clients
Visual reporting
Pros
Customizable to suit detailed client billing
Easy learning curve
Cons
Some features limited to the paid tier
Pricing
Free: Up to 5 users
Pro: Starts from $8/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Paymo
Image source: paymoapp.com
Overview
Paymo is a feature-rich member of modern time tracking apps and time trackers, serving as both a user-friendly time tracker and a full project management platform. It combines task management, team scheduling, and invoicing—perfect for small businesses and teams that require seamless collaboration and need to track work hours as well as boost employee productivity.
Key features
Time tracking integrated with task lists and project boards
Automatic time entries and manual timesheets
Built-in project scheduling and resource planning
Invoicing and expense tracking
Desktop, mobile, and web app support
Pros
All-in-one tool for managing tasks, time, and billing
Helps teams coordinate work, track employee time, and track project progress
Integrates time tracking apps, employee productivity insights, and project management features
Cons
Some advanced features may require a learning period
Invoicing features are not as robust as dedicated accounting platforms
Pricing
Free: $0
Starter: Starts from $5.9/user/month
Small Office: Starts from $10.9/user/month
Business: Starts from $16.9/user/month
QuickBooks Time
Image source: quickbooks.intuit.com
Overview
QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) is a popular solution for time tracking, especially for businesses that already use QuickBooks for accounting. It is best for small businesses looking to sync time tracking directly with payroll and invoicing.
Key features
Time clock and timesheets for individuals and crews
GPS tracking for remote or mobile workers
Job and shift scheduling
Integration with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
Mobile, web, and kiosk options
Pros
Deep integration with QuickBooks accounting
Smooth payroll processing and job costing
Cons
No forever-free plan
Some features can overwhelm very small or simple teams
Pricing
No free plan; offers a free trial. Paid plans are tiered according to team size and feature needs.
No free plan; offers a free trial for 30 days.
Simple Start: Starts from $3.5/month
Essentials: Starts from $6.5/month
Plus: Starts from $9.9month
Special Offer: 90% off for first 3 months
Rippling
Image source: rippling.com
Overview
Rippling unites HR, payroll, benefits, IT, and time trackers into one platform—ideal for small businesses looking for centralized management using top time tracking apps. It delivers automated time tracking and robust project management features, along with payroll and benefits tools.
Key features
Integrated time and attendance tracking
Automated payroll and benefits administration
Powerful role-based permissions
Onboarding and offboarding workflows
Syncs with many business and productivity tools
Pros
Unifies HR, payroll, and IT with time tracking
Reduces manual data entry across systems
Cons
Pricing can be higher as more modules are added
May be more than needed for the smallest teams
Pricing
No free plan. Pricing depends on selected modules and number of employees; custom quotes on request.
Unity: $8/user/month + $40/month base fee
Additional modules: $5−$40/user/month depending on features
EOR Services: $499−$599/user/month
Hubstaff
Image source: hubstaff.com
Overview
Hubstaff is recognized among modern time trackers and time tracking apps for its focus on time tracking, team productivity, and workforce monitoring, making it excellent for small businesses managing distributed teams or contractors.
Key features
Live and manual time tracking
Activity levels and optional screenshots
GPS and geofencing for location tracking
Payroll, invoicing, and expense management
Integrations with project management tools
Pros
Strong for remote work oversight and team productivity
GPS tracking for field teams
Cons
Activity monitoring may feel intrusive to some employees
Some advanced features require upgrading
Pricing
No free plan; offers a free trial for 14 days.
Starter: Starts from $4.99/seat/month
Grow: Starts from $7.5/seat/month
Team: Starts from $10/seat/month
Enterprise: Starts from $25/seat/month
TrackingTime
Image source: trackingtime.co
Overview
TrackingTime is a straightforward choice among time trackers and time tracking apps for small teams and freelancers. It helps users easily record work hours, manage projects, track project status, and improve employee productivity—requiring minimal setup and offering both manual time tracking and automated time tracking in one solution.
Key features
Live and manual time tracking for tasks and projects
Visual timelines and calendar views
Real-time team monitoring and reporting
Project and client tracking
Integrations with productivity apps like Trello, Asana, and Slack
Pros
Simple and clean user interface
Visual tools help teams stay on schedule
Works well for both individuals and small groups
Cons
Limited advanced features compared to bigger platforms
Some integrations and features reserved for paid plans
Pricing
Free: Up to 3 users
Freelancer: Starts from $8/user/month
Pro: Starts from $5.75/user/month
Business: Starts from $10/user/month
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch my team to a new time tracking tool?
Introduce the new tool, offer training, and let your team try it before making the full switch. Most platforms offer onboarding support to make the transition easy.
Can I use these tools for invoicing and client billing?
Yes. Many best time tracking tools come with built-in invoicing or export features to support smooth client billing.
What if employees forget to track their time?
Most systems allow quick manual edits or manager approvals for missing entries, often with clear audit trails to keep things transparent.
Is my team’s time data secure when using time tracking apps?
Top providers use encryption and strict permissions. Choose a tool that outlines its security measures and complies with privacy guidelines.
Are there free options for very small teams?
Absolutely. Tools like Lark and Clockify offer robust free plans, perfect for startups or very small businesses.
Conclusion
The best time tracking software for small businesses isn’t just about logging hours—it’s about making every workday smoother, every payroll run easier, and every project more manageable, and even supporting a healthier work life balance. By understanding your needs and exploring the time trackers, time tracking apps, and project management features outlined here, you can empower your team, improve client billing, and gain valuable insights for smarter business decisions.
If you want time tracking, project status monitoring, and communication combined in one seamless experience, Lark is an excellent choice. Its integration of attendance management, collaboration, and customization makes it a standout option for modern small businesses. Give Lark a try and experience how easy and unified team management can be—with the right time tracking tools, you’ll see employee productivity and business success rise.
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