Time tracking is at the heart of every successful small business. When time records are clear, accurate, and easily accessible, team members stay focused, paychecks are correct, and client billing reflects real work delivered. Yet tracking hours often feels like a burden—slow, error-prone, and stuck in old-fashioned spreadsheets. Now, though, with modern, user-friendly apps, small teams can finally replace cumbersome paperwork with a streamlined digital process.
The best timesheet app for small business doesn’t just record hours—it actively helps you run a smoother operation. Imagine logging hours right from your phone during a busy day, having automated reminders for weekly submissions, and seeing real-time dashboards that highlight how every project is progressing. Integration with calendars, chats, and even automated leave approvals can all be handled within a single workspace. Choosing the right app isn’t just about making payroll easier; it’s about empowering your team, improving transparency, and turning time management into a business advantage.
What is the best timesheet app for small business?
If you’re managing a small business, you know that simplicity and reliability often matter more than a long list of features. The best timesheet app for small business is one that your whole team can use effortlessly—from the office, from home, or on the move. But true excellence also shows in the app’s flexibility: Can you set up custom fields to track different project codes, client names, or billable and non-billable hours? Does the platform allow for simple drag-and-drop adjustments when priorities shift?
Today’s leading timesheet apps do more than just track time—they bring together project management, quick approvals, and reporting in a way that feels natural and intuitive. Some tools support workflow automation, letting you customize who needs to review and approve times before payroll runs. Others make it possible to link timesheets with specific projects or teams, so you always know which parts of your business are the most time-intensive. Certain platforms even provide low-code database capabilities, letting you design datasets and dashboards tailored to your business—so timesheet data can flow directly into invoices, performance reviews, or compliance reports, all without double entry.
Ultimately, the best small business timesheet software empowers you to do more with your resources. You don’t need a massive IT team to set up automated holiday tracking or see at a glance which employees are nearing overtime. Instead, everything should be simple to customize, quick to implement, and able to grow as your business’s needs become more complex.
Why small businesses need the best timesheet app
Every growing company faces moments of uncertainty around time: Was that overtime approved? Did everyone submit their hours? Which projects are the most labor-intensive, and are they actually profitable? Without a smart digital solution, these questions often go unanswered—leading to expensive errors, missed invoices, and stress for everyone involved.
The key benefits of using a timesheet app
The best timesheet app for small business isn’t just about accurate payroll—although that’s a big part of its value. It’s also a core tool for managing billable hours, boosting productivity, and protecting your business from compliance mistakes. By moving to a digital timesheet app, you gain a single hub where team members submit hours, managers approve them, and all data is securely organized for reporting and audits.
Apps with integrated approval flows reduce bottlenecks: you can automatically route timesheets to the right team leads or managers based on project, department, or date. Notifications ensure nothing falls through the cracks. When timesheet data feeds into real-time dashboards, you see not just hours worked but trends and patterns—like which projects routinely overrun or where your team excels. This insight lets you plan better for the future and avoid costly last-minute surprises.
Essential features in the best timesheet app for small business
What sets the best tools apart? Look for apps that combine mobile access, customizable submission forms, and automated reminders—all with user-friendly, modern design. Top-tier solutions allow for tailored workflows, so you can decide when approvals are needed or set rules for overtime alerts. Robust integrations help you sync with payroll, billing, HR, or project management tools, dramatically reducing manual re-entry.
Security matters, especially for sensitive payroll data, so seek platforms that let you set detailed permissions—ensuring only the right people can view or edit information. Flexible reporting, from simple work summaries to exportable timesheet data for compliance, makes it easy to satisfy both bosses and clients. Finally, the best apps grow with you, offering customizable dashboards, drag-and-drop interface management, and even low-code options to build exactly what your business needs—without hiring developers.
Best timesheet app for small business at a glance
Detailed guide: Top 10 best timesheet apps for small business
1.Lark: custom timesheet automation for small businesses
Overview
Lark stands out as an all-in-one platform built for chat, docs, project management, calendaring, and—most notably for small businesses—exceptionally flexible timesheet management. Through its robust modular workspace, small teams can track, manage, and analyze work hours effortlessly. Lark Base, at the heart of its timesheet solution, empowers users to build custom tracking databases without any technical background, providing both structure and real flexibility.
Key features
Lark Base timesheet database: Effortlessly create tailored submission forms, organize timesheet records, and define custom workflows with Lark Base’s no-code interface. Ideal for clear, efficient small business resource tracking.
Automated approval flows: Set up multi-step approval where logged hours are automatically routed based on project, team, or department. App managers and admins never miss or overlook pending approvals.
Seamless project integration: Link timesheets directly to project boards and dashboards within Lark. View real-time progress, resource allocation, and key insights from a single platform.
Custom notifications and reminders: Reduce late or missing timesheets with automatic, customizable reminders scheduled according to your team’s needs.
Secure permissions: Designate who can submit, review, edit, or view timesheet data for robust access control—especially valuable for businesses with both full-time and flexible teams.
Mobile and desktop support: Team members can submit hours and access essential timesheet features from any device, supporting productivity in any work environment.
Integrated task management: Easily assign, track, and update tasks directly linked to timesheets. Create actionable to-dos for submitted hours, set priorities and deadlines, and monitor progress—all in one place, streamlining project execution.
Calendar view for scheduling and deadlines: Visualize timesheet activities, task assignments, submission and approval deadlines in an interactive calendar. Manage schedules, synchronize team availability, and set up alerts to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Limitations
Initial customization may take a learning curve for teams unfamiliar with workspace database concepts.
Advanced reporting and analytics may require additional setup compared to some specialized payroll-focused apps.
Price
Free plan: Includes 11 powerful products, supporting up to 20 users, 100 GB storage, 1,000 automation runs and unlimited AI translation in chats, docs and email.
Paid plans: Starts at $12/user/month, supporting up to 500 users. Includes unlimited message history, 50,000 automated Base workflow executions per month.
Enterprise plan: Custom pricing.
👉Try Lark’s Savings Calculator: Switching to Lark’s Pro plan can lead to significant cost savings— for example, a 100-employee company using Slack, Google Workspace, and Airtable could save approximately $25,200 annually by consolidating their tools with Lark.
Reviews
Widely praised for its intuitive interface, seamless scalability, and the depth of customization possible with Base. Small business users note that Lark’s timesheet solution cut administrative effort and improved on-time submissions compared to older apps.
Best for
Small businesses needing customizable, integrated timesheet management that adapts as they scale—especially those seeking to streamline everything from work log collection to approvals inside a unified business workspace.
2.QuickBooks Time: payroll-ready timesheets for small business
Image source: quickbooks.intuit.com
Overview
QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) is a leader in timesheet software for small business, favored by those already using QuickBooks for payroll and accounting. It's designed to track employee hours from any device and effortlessly sync with payroll systems.
Key features
Real-time GPS time tracking
Built-in scheduling and shift planning
One-click payroll exports
Limitations
Paid only, no ongoing free plan
Can feel overwhelming for the smallest teams
Price
Paid, tiered by user and features.
Reviews
Noted for robust integration and accuracy, but setup complexity can be daunting.
Best for
Small businesses prioritizing payroll integration and compliance.
3. Clockify: flexible free timesheet tracker
Image source: clockify.me
Overview
Clockify is a popular choice for small businesses seeking a genuinely free and flexible timesheet app that works for unlimited users and unlimited projects.
Key features
Unlimited free time tracking and reporting
Custom tags for projects or clients
Intuitive web and mobile apps
Limitations
Some advanced features require paid upgrade
Reporting is simpler than premium competitors
Price
Core tracking is free; paid upgrades offer extras.
Reviews
Praised for value and simplicity; some miss deeper analytics.
Best for
Small businesses and startups just starting structured time tracking.
4. Harvest: simple time and expense tracking
Image source: getharvest.com
Overview
Harvest makes time tracking fast and easy, adding integrated project budgeting and expense tracking—ideal for agencies and client services.
Key features
Integrated time tracking and invoicing
Project expense monitoring
Visual reports and client exports
Limitations
Free plan is very limited
Some features more geared to freelancers
Price
Free for 1 user, paid for more.
Reviews
Loved for speed and ease, though limited by user count free.
Best for
Small professional teams or freelancers managing billable client hours.
5. Homebase: timesheet and scheduling for hourly teams
Image source:joinhomebase.com
Overview
Homebase is built for small businesses relying on hourly workers—especially in retail, hospitality, or service—offering timesheets, scheduling, and basic HR in one.
Key features
Free, robust time clock app
Employee scheduling and notifications
Compliance with labor regulations
Limitations
Feature set best for shift-driven businesses
Integrations favored for certain payroll providers
Price
Core plan free; paid upgrades available.
Reviews
Popular for its no-hassle time clock and notifications.
Best for
Small retail, service, or hospitality teams with hourly employees.
6. Deputy: best for shift and schedule-based businesses
Image source: deputy.com
Overview
Deputy combines timesheet tracking with dynamic shift scheduling and team messaging. Designed for industries with complex schedules.
Key features
Visual schedule builder
Leave/time-off requests
Detailed shift-based timesheets
Limitations
Mainly for shift businesses
No long-term free plan
Price
Free trial, then paid.
Reviews
Strong on scheduling power, less flexible for static teams.
Best for
Restaurants, clinics, or retail stores with frequent shift changes.
7. MyHours: project-focused timesheet tracker
Image source: myhours.com
Overview
MyHours offers timesheet tracking aimed at small teams and consultants managing multiple projects, with focus on billable vs. non-billable work.
Key features
Project/task-level time entries
Custom reporting
Simple client billing exports
Limitations
Interface less modern than some
Limited integrations on free plan
Price
Free core, paid for team/advanced features.
Reviews
Praised for fast setup, popular with solopreneurs and small consultancies.
Best for
Small teams tracking project-based or client-specific hours.
8. Timesheets.com: compliance-focused timesheet management
Image source: timesheets.com
Overview
Timesheets.com is built for accurate payroll, HR reporting, and compliance. Especially useful for small businesses that must document every hour and time-off request.
Key features
Payroll and billable hour tracking
PTO accrual and leave management
Audit-trail reporting
Limitations
Interface is functional but dated
Customization less flexible than some rivals
Price
Low-cost plans, with a solid free tier.
Reviews
Trusted by compliance-focused businesses; interface could be improved.
Best for
Small companies in regulated industries or with strict reporting needs.
9. Toggl Track: easy clock-in for fast-moving teams
Image source: toggl.com
Overview
Toggl Track is famous for its very simple time tracking experience and colorful, intuitive interface—great for fast adoption by busy small teams.
Key features
One-click timers
Custom tags and projects
Lightweight reporting
Limitations
More for tracking than approvals
Advanced features are paid
Price
Long-term free plan; premium for extras.
Reviews
Loved for simplicity; not intended for complex payroll needs.
Best for
Creative teams or freelancers wanting minimal effort, maximum adoption.
10. Paymo: end-to-end project and time management
Image source: paymoapp.com
Overview
Paymo brings together time tracking, task/project management, and even client invoicing—ideal for small businesses seeking a single solution.
Key features
Integrated tasks and timesheets
Project overviews
Client billing module
Limitations
Free plan limited by user or project
More features than some small teams need
Price
Free for personal use; team plans paid.
Reviews
Gets high marks for completeness, some say it’s more than they need.
Best for
Small agencies or startups wanting tasks, time tracking, and invoicing under one roof.
How to choose the best timesheet app for your small business
Selecting the best timesheet app for small business may feel overwhelming at first, especially with so many quality options available. However, by approaching this process step by step, you can ensure your choice is not only a fit for your company right now, but also supports your growth and evolving needs.
1. Start with your business needs and team habits
No two small businesses work quite the same way. Begin by mapping out what you need in a timesheet solution. Is your team mostly office-based or do you have field and remote workers? Will you be tracking just hours, or do you also need to record project codes, billable vs. non-billable time, overtime, or leave? Knowing your workflow up front helps you filter options quickly.
2. Consider your team size and user roles
Some apps offer generous free plans, but may restrict features as your team grows. Think ahead: does your software allow for smooth transitions as you add more staff, different managers, or contractors? Check whether you can assign custom permissions—especially if not everyone needs access to sensitive payroll data.
3. Prioritize crucial features for your business
List the must-haves and nice-to-haves. For many small businesses, must-haves include:
Mobile timesheet entry (for teams on the go)
Customizable approval workflows
Integration with payroll or project management tools
Automated reminders and notifications
Secure, role-based access
Easy data export for compliance or audits
Some apps offer low-code form builders and databases, ideal for creating exactly the timesheet and reporting flows your business needs without hiring a developer.
4. Evaluate ease of use and onboarding
A solution is only as good as your team’s willingness to use it. Opt for apps with straightforward interfaces, helpful tutorials, and simple onboarding. Most leading tools offer demo videos or free trials—use these to see how natural the system feels for everyday users.
5. Test integrations and automation
If you handle payroll, HR, or client billing elsewhere, explore if your new timesheet software can sync automatically with those systems. The best timesheet apps for small businesses let you avoid manual data transfer, streamline processes, and minimize errors.
6. Try before you buy
Don’t be afraid to test two or three options on real projects. Invite a few team members to pilot timesheet submissions, approvals, and reporting. Take note of what works well, what’s confusing, and how easily you can access support when you need it.
7. Plan your rollout and team training
Once you’ve chosen your app, prepare a simple rollout plan. Send clear instructions, schedule a demo walkthrough, and set aside time for Q&A. Automated reminders and in-app guidance go a long way to making sure everyone submits on time and correctly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best timesheet app for your small business is about more than simply tracking hours—it’s about setting up the foundations for smoother operations, improved morale, and confident, data-driven decisions. The right tool can relieve the stress of payroll compliance, make billing easier, and give you valuable insights into how your team and projects operate.
If you’ve ever struggled with late timesheets, manual calculation errors, or time lost to unnecessary approvals, now is the perfect moment to invest in a system that lets you focus more on growth and less on paperwork. Whether you’re drawn to a customizable, all-in-one app that brings timesheets, approvals, and reporting into a single platform, or you prefer a specialized tracker that shines in one specific area, you’re in control of picking the fit that truly serves your business.
Take the next step: try out free plans or demos, involve your team in the trial, and see which workflow feels most natural. The results—a more productive, happy, and organized workplace—will speak for themselves. The best timesheet app for small business isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner on your journey to greater efficiency and lasting success.
FAQs
Is there a free timesheet app for small businesses?
Yes, several leading apps offer truly free plans with core features like time tracking and basic reporting, making them a solid choice for small teams with simple needs.
How do timesheet apps keep my payroll data secure?
The best timesheet apps use encryption, permission controls, and audit logs to protect your data, and often meet strict compliance standards required for payroll and HR.
Can timesheet apps integrate with my payroll or accounting software?
Most top apps integrate directly with popular payroll and accounting systems, automating data transfer to cut errors and save you time on manual entry.
What if my team works remotely or in the field?
Modern timesheet apps support mobile access, location tracking, and even offline logging, letting every employee track hours easily from any job site or device.
Is it difficult to switch from paper or spreadsheets to a digital timesheet app?
Most tools offer simple onboarding, templates, and support—making setup fast, even for beginners. Training is usually minimal, and adoption is smooth for small teams.
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