Gusto
Best all-in-one clock-in app for employees
Overview
Gusto’s built-in time tracking is perfect for small businesses that want an all-in-one solution. Employees can clock in via web, mobile app, or time kiosk—with GPS-enabled tracking to confirm on-site check-ins. Timesheets automatically sync with payroll, saving you hours each month and reducing costly errors.
Gusto is recognized as a Leader on G2's Small-Business Grid® Reports for both Payroll and Core HR, Spring 2026 — its time tracking, PTO, and payroll tools are integrated into a single platform rated by verified small business users.
Key Features
Integrated time tracking, payroll, and HR
Clock-in options via mobile, web, or kiosk
GPS tracking and location-based restrictions
Automated PTO accrual and approval
Compliance alerts for breaks and overtime
Customizable reports for labor and job costing
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless payroll and HR integration
Easy setup and user-friendly interface
Accurate time tracking with GPS and kiosks
Cons
Time tracking not included with the Simple plan
No biometric clock-in option
Pricing
Time tracking is included with Gusto’s Plus and Premium plans.
Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month
Premium: $180/month + $22/person/month
Time Kiosk: Additional cost per user (free promo available)
Free trial: Yes — you don’t pay until your first payroll
Free plan: No
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Deputy
Best for shift-based schedules
Overview
Built for shift-based teams, Deputy shines in scheduling. With biometric, geolocation, and touchless clock-in options, it helps retail, hospitality, and healthcare businesses manage shifts and stay compliant with labor laws.
Key Features
Biometric and GPS clock-ins
AI-powered scheduling
Shift swapping and SMS reminders
Skill-based shift assignments
Compliance alerts for meals and breaks
Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent for hourly and shift-based roles
Smart scheduling saves time
Great for multi-location teams
Cons
Time and scheduling tools sold separately at lower tiers
Requires third-party payroll integrations
Pricing
Scheduling Only: $3.50/user/mo
Time & Attendance Only: $3.50/user/mo
Combined: $4.90/user/mo
Free trial: Yes — 30 days
Free plan: No
Learn more about Deputy
TimeCamp
Best for hybrid & remote teams
Overview
TimeCamp helps remote and hybrid teams track work in the office or online. It can log hours based on apps used, track time by project, and monitor productivity. It’s also a great fit for agencies or freelancers who need to invoice clients.
Key Features
Manual and automatic time tracking
Productivity monitoring by app or site
Project-based invoicing
GPS-enabled kiosk clock-ins
Integration with Google, Asana, JIRA, and more
Pros and Cons
Pros
Free plan with unlimited users
Great for project- and client-based work
Robust productivity tools
Cons
Learning curve for new users
All-in-one functionality requires paid plans
Pricing
Free: Basic time tracking
Starter: $3.99/mo
Basic: $7.99/mo
Pro: $10.99/mo
Free trial: Yes — 14 days
Free plan: Yes
Learn more about TimeCamp
Clockify
Best for project tracking & reporting
Overview
Clockify is a favorite for businesses that bill by the hour or want insight into how employees spend time. With automated tracking, GPS, Pomodoro timers, and idle detection, it’s packed with features to help teams stay focused and accurate.
Key Features
Project and task time tracking
Kiosk, mobile, and web-based check-ins
GPS, idle time, and Pomodoro tracking
Forecasting and budgeting tools
PTO tracking and approvals
Pros and Cons
Pros
Unlimited time tracking on all plans
Excellent reporting and forecasting tools
Privacy-friendly—auto-tracker visible only to user
Cons
Payroll integration is limited
Reporting tools reserved for higher tiers
Pricing
Free: Core time tracking features
Basic: $4.99/mo
Standard: $6.99/mo
Pro: $9.99/mo
Kiosk add-on: $0.99/user/mo
Free trial: Yes — 14 days
Free plan: Yes
Learn more about Clockify
Hubstaff
Best for employee monitoring & productivity
Overview
Hubstaff is more than a clock-in tool—it’s a productivity powerhouse for remote teams. Track time, log activity, take screenshots, and monitor keystrokes to keep employees accountable and projects on track.
Key Features
Manual and automated time tracking
GPS and geofencing
Productivity tracking (keystrokes, URLs, screenshots)
Scheduling, budgeting, and labor cost tracking
Integration with 30+ tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong remote team management features
Detailed activity insights and reports
Integrated payments with multi-currency support
Cons
Advanced tools locked behind premium plans
No native payroll tools
Pricing
Starter: $4.99/user/mo
Grow: $7.50/user/mo
Team: $10/user/mo
Free trial: Yes — 14 day
Free plan: Yes (1 user only)
Learn more about Hubstaff
Workyard
Best for field-based businesses
Overview
Workyard’s GPS tracking is built for precision, making it ideal for contractors, landscapers, cleaners, and anyone managing workers on the move. Know exactly when and where your team clocks in—and track mileage, travel time, and job costs in real time.
Key Features
High-accuracy GPS with route tracking
Clock-in reminders on job arrival
Labor cost tracking by location/project
Scheduling and checklists
Payroll integration with Gusto
Pros and Cons
Pros
Accurate GPS tracking
Live updates and robust job costing
Easy-to-use mobile app
Cons
Higher base pricing
Limited tools outside of field use cases
Pricing
Time Tracking: $50/mo + $6/user/mo
Workforce Management: $50/mo + $13/user/mo
Free trial: Yes — 14 days
Free plan: No
Learn more about Workyard
Connecteam
Best free clock-in app for small business
Overview
Connecteam gives small teams robust features at no cost. Free for up to 10 users at a single location, it includes scheduling, messaging, time tracking, and basic HR—all accessible from a single app.
Key Features
Clock-in with GPS, reminders, geofencing
Shift scheduling and task assignments
In-app chat and surveys
PTO and document tracking
Works with QuickBooks, Gusto, and more
Pros and Cons
Pros
More free tools than competitors
Easy for small teams to get started
Modular pricing for larger teams
Cons
Payroll requires third-party integration
Pricing and hub access can get complex fast
Pricing
Free: Up to 10 users
Basic (Operations Hub): $29/mo (first 30 users)
Advanced: $49/mo
Expert: $99/mo
Free trial: Yes — 14 days
Free plan: Yes
Learn more about Connecteam
Buddy Punch
Most secure clock-in app for employees
Overview
If time theft is a concern, Buddy Punch offers serious accountability. Use facial recognition, QR codes, or PINs—plus set custom restrictions to prevent off-site or off-hours punches. Includes basic scheduling and payroll add-ons.
Key Features
Biometric and photo-based clock-in options
Restrict punches by time, shift, or location
Drag-and-drop scheduler with notifications
Basic payroll and direct deposit
Integrations with Gusto, QuickBooks, and others
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong anti-fraud tools
Easy to use with great customer reviews
Affordable time tracking plans
Cons
Payroll tools are basic and add-on priced
Time card edits can be clunky
Pricing
Standard: $19/mo + $2.99/user/mo
Pro (adds scheduling): $19/mo + $3.99/user/mo
Payroll: +$39/mo + $6/user/mo
Free trial: Yes — 14 days
Free plan: No
Learn more about Buddy Punch
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Small businesses wanting clock-in/out tightly integrated with payroll and HR | ||
 | $3–$6/user/mo | (31 days) | Shift-based teams in retail, hospitality, and healthcare | |
 | Free; Starter $2.99/user/month; Premium $4.99/user/month; Ultimate $7.99/user/month | (14 days) | Hybrid and remote teams tracking projects and productivity | |
 | Free; paid plans $3.99–$11.99/user/mo | Teams needing project-based time tracking and reporting | ||
 | ~$4.99/user/mo | (14 days) | (limited) | Remote teams needing productivity and activity monitoring |
 | ~$50/mo + per-user fees | (14 days) | Field-based businesses needing high-accuracy GPS tracking | |
 | Free up to ~10 users; paid from ~$29/mo | (14 days) | Small businesses needing a free or low-cost clock-in app | |
 | ~$19/mo + ~$2.99–$3.99/user | (14 days) | Businesses prioritizing secure, anti-time-theft clock-ins |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $3–$6/user/mo | (31 days) |
| Free; Starter $2.99/user/month; Premium $4.99/user/month; Ultimate $7.99/user/month | (14 days) |
| Free; paid plans $3.99–$11.99/user/mo | |
| ~$4.99/user/mo | (14 days) |
| ~$50/mo + per-user fees | (14 days) |
| Free up to ~10 users; paid from ~$29/mo | (14 days) |
| ~$19/mo + ~$2.99–$3.99/user | (14 days) |
FAQ
How is Gusto rated by users for time tracking and payroll?
Gusto is named a Leader on G2's Small-Business Grid® Reports for Payroll and Core HR, Spring 2026, based on verified small business reviews. Gusto's time tracking syncs directly to payroll, eliminating the manual handoffs that drive lower satisfaction scores on standalone clock-in apps.
How does a clock-in, clock-out app work?
Employees digitally log their start and end times using a mobile app, web browser, or physical kiosk. Many apps use GPS or facial recognition to confirm identity and location.
What are the benefits of using a time tracking app?
Time tracking apps save time, reduce payroll errors, and increase employee accountability. Many also offer scheduling, compliance alerts, and integrations with payroll tools.
Can these apps help with payroll?
Yes. Some apps (like Gusto) include payroll. Others offer basic payroll or integrate with full-service providers like QuickBooks or ADP.
What is geofencing in time tracking?
Geofencing sets virtual boundaries. Employees can only clock in when they’re physically within a designated job site—preventing early or off-site check-ins.
Do I need a separate time clock for each location?
Not always. Some apps let you set up unlimited kiosks or allow employees to clock in from their mobile devices with location tracking.
