The 10 best time tracking software for small businesses

Tracking employee hours might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it’s essential. Without a reliable time tracking tool, payroll mistakes can happen, compliance gets trickier than it needs to be, and business owners may have to waste time fixing errors instead of focusing on growth. Employee time tracking software for small business can take the guesswork out of managing hours and help you stay on top of payroll without unnecessary hassle.

A good time tracking app goes beyond just logging billable hours. It can streamline timesheet processes, reduce manual data entry, and ensure staff receive accurate payment. 

In this guide, we share some of the best time and attendance systems for small businesses in 2025, the key benefits of using a time tracker system, and what to look for when choosing the right fit for your business. 

5 benefits of time and attendance systems for small businesses

Running a small business is already a juggling act without timesheets adding to the chaos. A good timesheet software for small business can make life a lot easier by automating time tracking, improving accuracy, and simplifying payroll. Here’s how:

Eliminate manual timesheets

Manually tracking hours can be slow, frustrating, and prone to mistakes. Whether it's employees forgetting to clock in, miscalculating hours, or rounding up time here and there, errors can add up fast. 

Time tracking software for small businesses can remove all that guesswork. Employees log their time digitally, and the software calculates everything automatically. This can mean no messy spreadsheets, no chasing people for timesheets, and no end-of-week panic.

Improve compliance

Labor laws don't just apply to big companies. Small businesses also have to comply with wage and hour regulations, overtime rules, and fair work practices. A good time tracking tool can help by recording hours accurately, flagging overtime, and storing records in case of audits. 

Some software even alerts you when employees approach overtime, so you can manage costs and stay compliant without the stress.

Reduce payroll costs

Payroll errors can be expensive, especially for small businesses. Overpaying employees for unworked hours or fixing payroll mistakes can be a big waste of money and time. An automated time tracking app can track every minute accurately. This can translate to no rounding up, no time padding, and far fewer disputes. 

Some of these time tracker apps can also connect directly with payroll software, which can cut admin time and make paycheck calculations much faster and easier.

Better workforce management

A good time tracking app can log hours, help you manage schedules, track productivity, and optimize staffing. For example, if you schedule too many employees, you can cut unnecessary shifts. And if you don’t schedule enough, you can catch the problem early and fix it before it creates operational problems. 

Some time tracker systems also let you assign hours to specific jobs or projects, so you always know where time and money go. 

Increase employee accountability

Tracking hours accurately can keep employees accountable. When they know their time gets recorded fairly, they’re more likely to focus and follow schedules. A digital time tracker system can stop buddy punching (when employees clock in for each other), track breaks, and keep everything transparent. 

Some time tracker tools also let employees review their own hours, spot mistakes, and correct issues before payroll. This can reduce disputes, keep payroll accurate, and cut down on admin work.

The 10 best time tracking software tools for small business

If you’re running a small business, you probably don't have time to chase timesheets or double-check payroll calculations. That’s why a time clock app for small business is a must-have. It can help keep everything accurate, automate many parts of maintaining compliance, and give you a real-time view of who's working, where, and on what.

Below, you can find some of the best small business time tracking systems in 2025, along with their key features, pros, cons, and use cases to help you choose the right one for your business.

1. Rippling

Rippling isn't just a time tracking tool. It’s a full-service workforce management platform that enables small businesses to automate time and attendance without juggling multiple tools.

Key features

• Tracks employee hours automatically with a digital clock in system.
• Syncs time tracking with payroll in real-time, so businesses don’t need to enter hours manually.
• Lets managers set up custom overtime, break, and compliance rules based on location and company policy.
• Assigns hours to specific jobs or projects, helping businesses track labor costs accurately.
• Provides mobile access and GPS tracking for businesses with remote or hybrid teams.
• Allows employees to request time off within the system, making PTO management simple.
• Stores detailed records of hours, breaks, and overtime, helping businesses meet compliance requirements.
• Includes built-in scheduling tools, so managers can create, edit, and adjust work shifts easily.

Pros

• Integrates fully with payroll, eliminating the need for manual calculations or data entry.
• Provides an easy-to-use dashboard, so employees and managers can track and approve hours with little effort.
• Helps businesses comply with wage laws and overtime rules through automated tracking and reporting.
• Supports both hourly and salaried employees, making it a great choice for small businesses with mixed workforces.

Cons

• Requires an internet connection for full functionality, so employees must be online to log time.
• Works best as part of Rippling’s full HR suite, rather than as a standalone time-tracking tool.

Use cases

• Rippling can be ideal for small businesses that need an all-in-one HR and payroll system to manage time tracking, payroll, and compliance without having to use multiple tools.
• The software can be a perfect fit for companies with remote or hybrid teams that need GPS tracking and mobile access to ensure accurate time tracking from any location.
• Rippling can be a great option for businesses that need compliance support, offering automated overtime tracking and built-in labor law compliance tools to reduce risk and simplify reporting.
• The platform can be a perfect match for growing teams that need scalable HR tools, enabling them to expand without switching to a different system.

2. Clockify

Clockify is a standalone time tracking tool that focuses on basic time logging and reporting.

Key features

• Employees can log hours manually or use a timer to track time in real-time.
• Managers can review and approve timesheets that staff submit at the end of each day or week.
• Businesses can track billable hours that relate to specific projects and tasks to monitor productivity.
• The platform includes basic reporting tools that generate summaries of total hours worked.
• Teams can collaborate using shared workspaces to track time across multiple projects.
• Clockify can integrate with some other business tools, but payroll and compliance functions require third-party software.

Pros

• Clockify offers a free plan with basic time tracking features.
• Businesses that already use separate payroll and HR software can add Clockify without switching systems, as it operates as a standalone product.

Cons

• Clockify doesn't include payroll integration, so businesses must manually transfer time data to their payroll software.
• The software lacks integration with Google Workspace calendars and email notification approvals, forcing users to log into the portal to check team availability or review requests.
• The free version has limitations on advanced features like project management and budgeting, requiring businesses to upgrade for more functionality.

Use cases

• Clockify may be suitable for businesses that only need basic time tracking and don't require payroll, compliance, or workforce management features.
• Clockify can be a potential option for teams that manually track project hours and don't need real-time employee monitoring or automated time tracking.

3. Jibble

Jibble is a standalone time tracking tool that enables businesses to log work hours and monitor employee attendance.

Key features

• Employees can clock in and out manually using facial recognition, mobile devices, or desktop access. 
• Jibble provides GPS tracking for remote teams.
• The software enables businesses to track time for different projects and tasks.
• Basic reporting tools can generate summaries of total hours worked.
• Jibble includes shared workspaces where teams can log time together.
• The software integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and some other apps.

Pros

• Jibble offers a free plan with basic time tracking features.
• The software allows businesses to track attendance using facial recognition and mobile clock-ins.

Cons

• Jibble doesn't include built-in payroll processing, so businesses must manually transfer time data to payroll software.
• Users report that the Jibble app frequently stops working, causing disruptions in time tracking and requiring frequent restarts.
• Jibble doesn't offer a dedicated "Work-From-Home" option, forcing remote employees to share their location data, which some users find intrusive.

Use cases

• Jibble might be suitable for businesses that need a simple clock-in and clock-out system but don't require payroll processing or compliance tracking.
• Jibble can be a potential fit for teams that rely on Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication and need a time tracking tool that integrates with those platforms.

4. ADP

ADP offers a time tracking app as part of its larger payroll and HR software suite.

Key features

• Employees can clock in and out using web, mobile, or biometric time clocks, though setup requires integration with ADP’s broader HR platform.
• The system automatically tracks hours worked and overtime.
• ADP’s time tracking integrates directly with its payroll software.
• The platform includes compliance tools that track labor laws and overtime rules.
• Managers can create employee schedules within ADP.
• The software provides real-time workforce tracking.

Pros

• ADP’s system supports multiple time capture methods, including mobile clock-ins, web-based tracking, and biometric time clocks.
• The platform includes automated alerts for overtime and compliance risks, which can help businesses avoid costly labor law violations.

Cons

• ADP’s time tracking isn't a standalone product, so businesses must purchase ADP’s broader payroll or HR system to access it.

• Users report that ADP’s time tracking interface is complex and difficult to navigate, requiring additional training to use effectively.
• Customer support response times can be slow, making it difficult for businesses to resolve issues quickly.

Use cases

• ADP may be suitable for businesses that already use ADP’s payroll and HR system and want a time tracking tool that integrates with their existing setup.
• ADP can be a potential fit for companies that need compliance tracking tools.

5. Paylocity

Paylocity is a time tracking system that is part of Paylocity’s broader payroll and workforce management software.

Key features

• Employees can clock in and out using web, mobile, or biometric methods.
• The platform tracks work hours, overtime, and paid time off (PTO) automatically.
• Paylocity includes an employee self-service portal, enabling staff to view their schedules and submit time-off requests.
• Managers can create and adjust schedules within the platform.
• The system syncs directly with Paylocity’s payroll processing tools.
• Reports can provide insights on labor costs, attendance trends, and overtime expenses.

Pros

• Employees can manage their own schedules and time-off requests.
• Automated compliance tracking can help businesses stay on top of overtime laws.

Cons

• Paylocity’s time tracking isn't a standalone product, requiring businesses to subscribe to its full HR suite to access time and attendance features.

• Some users report that the navigation isn't as intuitive as they'd expect, making some features difficult to find.
• Smaller companies with limited tech experience may struggle with the learning curve, as the platform takes time to adjust to.

Use cases

• Paylocity may be a suitable option for businesses that already use Paylocity’s payroll and HR system and want an integrated time tracking solution.
• Paylocity can be a potential fit for companies that need built-in compliance tracking tools, particularly those managing overtime regulations and labor law requirements.

6. DeskTime

DeskTime is a time tracking app with a core focus on employee productivity monitoring and project tracking.

Key features

• DeskTime automatically tracks time spent on applications and websites, categorizing them as productive or unproductive based on predefined settings.
• The software includes screenshot monitoring, capturing images of employees’ screens at random intervals.
• DeskTime enables businesses to track billable hours.
• Project and task tracking features enable managers to measure productivity.
• DeskTime offers shift scheduling capabilities.
• The platform provides mobile access.

Pros

• DeskTime automatically tracks time in the background, eliminating the need for manual clock-ins or timesheets.
• The software includes productivity monitoring tools, which categorize apps and websites based on their impact on work efficiency.

Cons

• DeskTime lacks built-in payroll integration, meaning businesses must export data and process payroll separately.
• Downloading reports can be slow, and screenshots sometimes disappear, making it difficult to verify employee activity when needed.
• Users report that DeskTime occasionally logs out automatically, interrupting time tracking and causing gaps in recorded work hours.

Use cases

• DeskTime may be a suitable option for companies that want a time tracking solution focused on productivity monitoring rather than payroll or compliance.
• DeskTime can be a potential fit for businesses that need basic project time tracking but don't require advanced workforce management or payroll features.

7. Timesheets.com

Timesheets.com is a time tracking tool with a focus on employee timesheets, project tracking, and basic HR management.

Key features

• Employees can track time using manual entry or real-time timers.
• Timesheets.com provides GPS tracking.
• The software includes project tracking tools, so businesses can allocate hours to different tasks and monitor job-related labor costs.
• Businesses can set up leave management, enabling employees to submit vacation and time-off requests for manager approval.
• Reports can summarize timesheet data.
• Timesheets.com includes a basic expense tracking feature.

Pros

• Timesheets.com offers a free plan for freelancers and small teams.
• The platform provides a straightforward interface.

Cons

• Timesheets.com lacks payroll processing features, meaning businesses must export data and manually enter it into separate payroll software.
• Users report that the platform can be a little slow, and updates take a long time, causing delays in tracking and reporting.
• The mobile experience can present restrictions, with limited customization options, making it less flexible for businesses that need a fully optimized mobile workflow.

Use cases

• Timesheets.com may be a potential fit for small businesses that need a simple, standalone time tracking tool without payroll or compliance management features.
• Freelancers or small teams looking for a free or low-cost solution to track billable hours might find Timesheets.com a useful option.

8. BambooHR

BambooHR offers a time tracker system as part of its all-in-one HR software.

Key features

• Employees can clock in and out via desktop or mobile.
• Time tracking integrates with BambooHR’s payroll system.
• Managers can set approval workflows for time entries.
• The software includes basic PTO and leave tracking.
• BambooHR provides automated overtime tracking.
• Reports can generate summaries of employee work hours and attendance trends.

Pros

• BambooHR syncs time tracking with its payroll system, reducing administrative effort for businesses already using its HR tools.
• The interface is simple and clean.

Cons

• BambooHR’s time tracking isn't available as a standalone product, meaning businesses must purchase the full HR suite to access it.
• While the tool integrates with third-party scheduling software, BambooHR itself doesn’t offer any scheduling options.
• BambooHR doesn’t provide any pricing information on its website, making it difficult for businesses to determine costs upfront, including for add-ons like Time Tracking.

Use cases

• BambooHR may be suitable for businesses that already use BambooHR’s HR and payroll system and want a built-in time tracking tool rather than a separate solution.
• Companies with simple time tracking needs and minimal reporting requirements might find BambooHR a reasonable option.

9. Quickbooks

QuickBooks Time is a time tracker system that is part of the QuickBooks ecosystem.

Key features

• Employees can clock in and out using web, mobile, or a physical time kiosk.
• The software includes GPS tracking.
• QuickBooks Time supports project tracking.
• Payroll integration is available for QuickBooks Payroll users.
• The platform offers automated alerts for overtime and schedule changes.
• Reports can generate summaries of hours worked, overtime, and labor costs.

Pros

• QuickBooks Time integrates with QuickBooks Payroll and accounting tools, which can be convenient for businesses already using QuickBooks.
• The mobile app includes GPS tracking, enabling businesses with mobile workforces to verify employee locations when they clock in and out.

Cons

• While it integrates well with QuickBooks products, businesses using other payroll or accounting software may find the integration process less seamless.
• Users report numerous unused features that clutter the interface, making navigation difficult and creating an inconvenient user experience.
• The app can be glitchy at times, causing time-tracking errors that require manual adjustments by managers or business owners.

Use cases

• QuickBooks Time may be a potential fit for businesses that already use QuickBooks for payroll and accounting and want a fully integrated time tracking solution.
• Construction companies, field service businesses, and other industries with remote workers may find QuickBooks Time to be a suitable option because of the GPS tracking and mobile clock-in features.

10. Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a time tracking software with a focus on remote teams and businesses that require workforce monitoring.

Key features

• Hubstaff automatically tracks employee work hours in real-time.
• The software includes GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities.
• Hubstaff captures random screenshots of employee screens at set intervals.
• The software includes project and task tracking tools.
• Hubstaff monitors employee activity levels based on keyboard and mouse usage.
• The platform offers payroll processing integration with third-party providers.

Pros

• Hubstaff provides detailed activity tracking, including screenshots and keyboard/mouse monitoring.
• The platform offers automated time tracking and reporting.

Cons

• Hubstaff lacks built-in payroll processing, meaning businesses must rely on external payroll tools to process payments.
• There are a few limitations on the web timer that can be frustrating, such as the inability to add notes to time entries.
• The software has basic reporting features only and limited offline functionality, which may not be ideal for businesses needing more advanced analytics or offline time tracking.

Use cases

• Hubstaff may be a potential option for businesses managing remote teams or field employees that require GPS tracking and productivity monitoring to verify work locations and track hours.
• Hubstaff could be a suitable fit for companies that need a simple, automated time tracking tool but don’t require advanced reporting or extensive offline functionality.

How to choose the right employee time tracking software for small business

When choosing a time clock app for small business you need to consider more than the software's ability to simply log hours. The right time tracker software should help streamline operations, improve payroll accuracy, and simplify compliance without creating extra work for HR teams and business owners.

Below are six essential features to look for when selecting an employee time tracking app, along with examples of how they help businesses stay efficient and productive:

Automated time tracking

Manual timesheets can be prone to errors, and tracking work hours by hand can be tedious and time-consuming. Automated time tracking eliminates the need for manual data entry by recording hours in real time. Employees clock in and out digitally, and the software logs their work periods automatically.

For example, a retail business with multiple employees working different shifts can use automated time tracking to ensure everyone records their hours accurately. If an employee forgets to clock out, the system can send an automatic reminder or flag discrepancies for review. This can reduce errors and prevent payroll disputes.

Additionally, businesses that bill clients based on hours worked can use automated time tracking to log billable hours effortlessly. A consulting firm, for example, can track the exact time spent on each client project and generate accurate invoices without relying on employee estimates.

Mobile access and GPS tracking

It's common these days for not every employee to work from a desk. Businesses with remote workers, field teams, or employees who travel need a time tracking software that offers mobile access and GPS tracking.

A construction company, for instance, can use GPS-enabled time tracking to verify that workers are clocking in from job sites rather than logging hours remotely. If an employee forgets to check in at the site, geofencing features can send a reminder to clock in when they arrive.

For remote teams, mobile access enables employees working from different locations to log their hours conveniently, regardless of where they are. This can be especially useful for businesses that offer flexible work arrangements, ensuring accurate time tracking across different locations and time zones.

Overtime and compliance management

Keeping up with labor laws, overtime regulations, and payroll compliance can be a challenge, especially for small businesses without dedicated HR teams. A time tracker system with built-in overtime and compliance management can help businesses comply with wage laws by automatically tracking hours worked, alerting managers when employees approach overtime limits, and generating reports for audits.

For example, a restaurant that employs both full-time and part-time staff can use compliance tracking to prevent excessive overtime costs. If an employee is close to exceeding the legal work-hour limits, the system can notify managers so they can adjust schedules accordingly. This not only helps businesses avoid costly labor law violations, but also helps them make sure they pay their employees correctly for their time.

Some time tracking software also includes break tracking to ensure employees take mandatory meal and rest breaks. This can be a particularly helpful feature for industries with strict labor regulations, such as healthcare or retail.

Customizable reports and analytics

A good time tracking software should do more than just log hours. It should also provide customizable reports and analytics that give business owners insights into workforce productivity, labor costs, and payroll trends.

For instance, a marketing agency that works on multiple client projects can use custom reports to analyze how much time staff spend on different tasks. If certain projects take longer than expected, managers can adjust workflows or allocate resources more effectively.

Additionally, businesses can generate payroll reports to identify patterns in employee attendance, track absenteeism, and forecast labor expenses. A retail store, for example, can use these reports to determine peak hours and schedule staff accordingly, ensuring they have enough coverage without overstaffing.

Employee self-service portal

An employee self-service portal enables staff to track their own hours, request time off, and review their timesheets without having to go through a manager for every small update.

For example, a law firm using time tracking software can enable its attorneys to log the time they spend on different client cases. Employees can then review their own hours and make corrections before payroll processing, reducing the chances of disputes.

For businesses with multiple shifts, an employee self-service portal can also let staff swap shifts or submit PTO requests directly within the system. This reduces administrative workload for managers while ensuring employees have control over their schedules.

Integration with payroll and accounting software

A solid time clock app for small businesses should offer seamless payroll integration, making it easier to process wages accurately. Instead of manually transferring time data, businesses can sync a time tracker with payroll and accounting software to calculate wages based on hours worked.

For example, a small e-commerce business can sync its time tracking software with payroll to automate wage calculations, reduce errors, and eliminate manual data entry, ensuring employees receive accurate pay.

Businesses that offer overtime pay, holiday pay, or shift differentials can also apply the correct pay rates automatically, which can help with consistency and compliance without extra effort.

Easily manage employee time and attendance with Rippling

Rippling's time and attendance software offers small businesses an efficient way to automate employee time-tracking. It automatically tracks employees' hours from clock-in to paycheck, ensuring accurate payroll processing without manual intervention.

Designed to manage hourly workforces effectively, Rippling allows you to create and enforce custom policies tailored to your specific needs. Managers can build rules for staffing, receive real-time alerts when employees clock in late or miss shifts, and set up a points system to monitor attendance.

Rippling's seamless payroll synchronization eliminates errors and compliance risks by integrating time and attendance data directly with payroll. Approved hours instantly sync to payroll, helping you make sure you compensate your employees accurately and on time.

Rippling can also help you reduce compliance risks by automating break and overtime enforcement, sending real-time alerts for potential compliance violations, and offering pre-built policies that can you can configure to assist you in meeting labor law requirements. This automation simplifies compliance management and reduces the risk of payroll errors or legal issues.

Beyond time and attendance, Rippling serves as an all-in-one workforce management system, combining HR, Payroll, IT, and Spend management into a unified platform. Built on a single source of truth, Rippling enables you to manage payroll, benefits, devices, apps, and more, all in one place, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

Best time tracking software for small business FAQs

What is the difference between time-tracking and timesheet software tools?

Time-tracking and timesheet software tools both help businesses monitor employee work hours, but they serve different purposes. A time tracker records hours in real-time, automatically logging when employees start and stop work. This can include clock-in/clock-out systems, mobile time tracking, and integrations with payroll software.

In contrast, timesheet software typically requires employees to enter their hours manually, often at the end of a work period. While timesheet software provides flexibility for salaried employees or project-based work, a time tracker can be more useful for businesses that need precise, real-time monitoring of work hours, overtime, and compliance.

How do small businesses track employee time?

Some small businesses may still rely on manual processes to track time. However, these days, many small businesses use small business time tracking software to simplify payroll, ensure compliance, and eliminate manual data entry. Depending on their needs, small businesses can track employee hours using web-based clock-ins, biometric time clocks, or GPS-based mobile tracking.

For example, a retail store with multiple shifts might implement a time clock app that allows employees to clock in and out digitally, track breaks, and log overtime. Meanwhile, a consulting firm might use a project-based time tracker to record billable hours for different clients, ensuring accurate invoicing and payroll processing.

What is the best time clock app for small businesses?

The best time clock app or timecard software for small business depends on the company’s needs. Businesses with remote or field employees may need a time tracking app with GPS tracking, while those with hourly workers might benefit from automatic time tracking that syncs with payroll.

A time clock app should also support project management features for businesses tracking hours on different tasks. 

What is the best time-tracking software?

The best automatic time tracking software integrates with payroll, simplifies compliance, and reduces administrative workload. Businesses should prioritize features like real-time tracking, mobile access, project tracking, and payroll synchronization to streamline operations.

For example, a small business with flexible work arrangements might need automatic time tracking software with self-service features, allowing employees to review and correct their hours before payroll. Meanwhile, a business with hourly workers may prefer a system that enforces timekeeping rules to prevent compliance risks.

Rippling offers a complete time and attendance solution that automatically tracks employees' hours from clock-in to paycheck, syncs directly with payroll, and provides built-in compliance tools to reduce errors and enforcement risks. Its customizable policies, automated overtime tracking, and real-time alerts make it a top choice for businesses looking for an integrated workforce management system.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of March 4, 2025.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.