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15 Top Time Tracking for Remote Workers & Digital Nomad Solutions (2024)
Are you struggling to keep track of your time as a remote worker or digital nomad? You’ve come to the right place!
At the Tutor Resource, we’ve been remote workers for over a decade and have been digital nomads since 2019. So we’ve experienced the challenges of time tracking for remote workers first-hand!
Based on that experience, we’ve thoroughly explored various solutions for time-tracking for remote workers and digital nomads to bring you reliable, unbiased advice.
Leveraging real-world testing and comprehensive research, we offer insightful reviews to help you make the best choice for your needs.
So let’s dive in to discover which time-tracking tool will empower your remote work and enhance your daily productivity.
Essential Features in Time Tracking for Remote Workers
When selecting the ideal time tracking for remote workers and digital nomads, several key features differentiate the average from the exceptional.
The right solution should not just measure the seconds on the clock but also contribute to a more organized, productive, and motivated work environment. Here’s what we’ve considered in our suggestions:
- User Interface (UI): A clean, intuitive interface ensures seamless adoption and minimizes the learning curve for new users.
- Integrations: Compatibility with frequently used applications and services streamlines workflow and reduces the need to toggle between different software.
- Real-Time Tracking: Immediate data access empowers teams to make informed decisions on time management.
- Data Reporting: Comprehensive reports and analytics offer insights into productivity patterns and time expenditures.
- Privacy: A balance between transparency and privacy is crucial, particularly for teams that value discretion and data security.
- Scalability: As teams grow, the software should be able to accommodate an increasing number of users and more complex project management needs.
- Customer Support: Reliable support ensures that any issues can be promptly addressed, minimizing downtime and frustration.
- Price Point: An affordable yet powerful tool can provide a high return on investment without straining your budget.
Time Tracking Solutions for Remote Workers & Digital Nomads
1. Buddy Punch
Buddy Punch is a user-friendly time-tracking platform designed specifically for remote workers who need efficient and reliable time management solutions.
With features such as GPS tracking, facial recognition, and payroll integrations, Buddy Punch offers a robust set of tools to streamline the timekeeping process.
🔑 Key Features: Customizable time cards, overtime calculations, time off tracking, scheduling, and advanced reporting features. Geofencing capabilities ensure accuracy in time tracking for mobile employees.
💰 Cost: Pricing starts at $25.99 per month for up to 9 employees. Each additional user adds $3.49 to the monthly cost. A free trial is also available to test its capabilities before committing.
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. Clockify
Clockify leverages simplicity and efficiency to cater to the time-tracking needs of remote workers.
Branded as the only truly free time tracker, it’s an appealing option for freelancers and teams alike. Its straightforward design facilitates time logging, report generation, and project management.
🔑 Key Features: Unlimited users and projects, a built-in calendar, time rounding, billable hours tracking, and an array of useful integrations with popular management tools such as Trello, Asana, and more.
💰 Cost: Offers a perpetually free plan with essential features, with more advanced features available on paid plans starting at $3.99/user per month.
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. Connecteam
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee app that’s ideal for remote and deskless teams, offering a suite of tools that go beyond time tracking to include communication, scheduling, and task management.
It’s designed to keep remote workers engaged and connected, while also providing managers with the insights they need.
🔑 Key Features: GPS time clock, geofencing, job scheduling, real-time communication, checklists, forms and workflows, task management, and an employee time clock with integrated chat.
💰 Cost: Connecteam offers a free plan for up to 50 users, with paid plans starting at $29 per month for the first 30 users and $0.60/month for each additional user thereafter. A free trial is also available for the premium plans.
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. DeskTime
DeskTime is a real-time tracking software that sharpens the focus on efficiency and productivity, making it an invaluable asset for remote workers keen on optimizing their workday.
It offers automatic start of the time tracking as soon as the computer is turned on, ensuring all work is accounted for.
🔑 Key Features: Auto screenshots, URL and app tracking, absence calendar, invoice creation, and integration with project management software such as Basecamp and Asana.
💰 Cost: DeskTime offers a 14-day free trial. After the trial, pricing starts at $7 per user per month with pricing tiers based on the size of the team and the inclusion of additional features.
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. Hivedesk
Hivedesk is a time-tracking solution designed for remote and freelance workers. It specializes in helping managers keep tabs on their remote teams by offering transparent and automated work tracking, ensuring that every hour worked is an hour paid.
🔑 Key Features: Automatic time tracking, random screen captures, easy task assignment, project reporting, and detailed activity logging.
💰 Cost: Hivedesk operates on a tiered pricing model starting from $15 per month for up to 3 users, with additional users costing extra. There is a free trial available to help businesses determine if the software fits their needs.
Product Pros
Product Cons
6. Hubstaff
Hubstaff offers a comprehensive platform for remote workers that combines time tracking, productivity monitoring, and team management.
It is built to facilitate streamlined workflows for freelancers and teams, offering detailed insights and automation to free up time for more critical tasks.
🔑 Key Features: Time tracking with screenshots, activity levels, and in-depth reports, GPS tracking, timesheet automation, payroll software integration, and more than 30 app integrations, including Asana and Trello.
💰 Cost: Hubstaff offers a limited free plan for solo users, with paid plans starting at $7 per user per month, including a 14-day free trial.
Product Pros
Product Cons
7. Insightful
Insightful provides a holistic approach to time tracking, offering features that target not only timekeeping but also workforce analytics.
Tailored for remote teams, it gives managers comprehensive insights into productivity while respecting the privacy of employees.
🔑 Key Features: Automatic time mapping, employee monitoring, productivity measurement, and detailed reports. It also offers project time tracking, website and application monitoring, and optional screenshots.
💰 Cost: No free plan is available, but Insightful does offer a free trial. Paid plans start from $8 per user per month, with the cost decreasing as more team members are added.
Product Pros
Product Cons
8. OnTheClock
OnTheClock presents a practical time tracking solution that caters to the needs of both remote workers and their employers.
It’s designed to be user-friendly and to facilitate accurate payroll processing with ease, making it a sound choice for a variety of business sizes.
🔑 Key Features: GPS tracking, PTO tracking, clock-in restrictions to prevent early punch-ins, automated time card reports, and options for clocking in via phone or web.
💰 Cost: OnTheClock offers a free plan for up to two users, making it an attractive choice for very small businesses and freelancers.
Paid plans begin at $2.95 per user per month, with volume discounts available as more employees are added.
Product Pros
Product Cons
9. Paymo
Paymo is a project management app with a strong time tracking component, tailored for freelancers and small to medium-sized teams.
It combines task management, resource scheduling, and invoicing into one platform, making it a versatile solution for managing an entire business’s workflow.
🔑 Key Features: Automatic time tracking, manual time entries, desktop and mobile apps, visual task boards, and invoicing tied directly to the time worked, along with advanced reporting.
💰 Cost: Paymo offers a free tier for freelancers which includes basic task management and time tracking. Paid plans start at $9.56 per user per month and increase with access to more features.
Product Pros
Product Cons
10. Quickbooks Time
Quickbooks Time, formerly known as TSheets, is a time tracking and employee scheduling app that integrates seamlessly with Quickbooks accounting software.
It’s designed to suit the needs of small to large businesses, emphasizing ease of use, real-time tracking, and efficiency in payroll processing.
🔑 Key Features: GPS time tracking, clock-in/clock-out functionality, employee scheduling, actionable insights with real-time reports, and seamless integration with various accounting and payroll services.
💰 Cost: Quickbooks Time offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial, the pricing starts at $8 per user per month, plus a $20 base fee per month. Discounts are often available for new customers.
Product Pros
Product Cons
11. TimeCamp
TimeCamp offers a solution focused on automated time tracking with an emphasis on boosting productivity and profitability.
Its simple yet powerful toolset caters to freelancers, small businesses, and even large enterprises looking to better understand how work time is allocated.
🔑 Key Features: Automatic time tracking, productivity tracking, integrations with project management software, detailed reporting, and invoicing based on tracked hours.
💰 Cost: There’s a free solo plan with basic time tracking features, and paid plans start at $6.30 per user per month, with a free trial available to explore the full range of features.
Product Pros
Product Cons
12. TimeDoctor
TimeDoctor is an advanced time tracking tool that helps remote teams stay focused and productive with a suite of monitoring features.
It is designed to provide detailed insights into how employees spend their working hours, ultimately empowering better time management practices.
🔑 Key Features: Time tracking with screenshots, website and application monitoring, distraction alerts, client login for transparency, and integrations with various project management tools.
💰 Cost: TimeDoctor does not offer a permanent free plan but provides a 14-day free trial. The paid plans start at $7 per user per month with all features included.
Product Pros
Product Cons
13. Timeular
Timeular is a unique time tracking solution aimed at making time management as tangible as possible.
The offering centers around a physical device, the Timeular Tracker, which pairs with an app to effortlessly switch tasks with a flip of the device. It’s designed for individuals and teams who value a tactile approach to time tracking.
🔑 Key Features: The physical Timeular Tracker, desktop and mobile app, over 3,000 integrations including with Jira and Asana, online and offline tracking, editable time entries, and analytics.
💰 Cost: Offers a free plan for 30 days, after which paid plans start from EUR 6.30 per month.
Product Pros
Product Cons
14. Toggl Track
Toggl Track stands out in the realm of time tracking solutions with its sleek design and user-centric functionality.
It’s a great tool for freelancers and teams of all sizes seeking a versatile and uncomplicated approach to understanding how they spend their time.
🔑 Key Features: One-click timers, idle time detection, reminders, detailed reporting, team dashboard, and more than 100 integrations with popular productivity tools.
💰 Cost: Toggl Track operates a freemium model, offering a generous free tier limited to teams of up to 5 users. Paid plans start at 10€ per user per month, and there’s a 30-day free trial available for premium features.
Product Pros
Product Cons
15. When I Work
When I Work provides an all-in-one scheduling and time tracking solution that facilitates effective team coordination and management, especially catering to shift-based workplaces.
It’s recognized for helping businesses reduce scheduling headaches and streamline time tracking processes.
🔑 Key Features: Employee scheduling, time clock functionality with GPS tracking, timesheets, team messaging, and shift trading capabilities.
💰 Cost: Offers a free plan for up to 75 users with basic scheduling and communication tools. Paid plans begin at $2 per user per month, which include the time tracking features and advanced schedule forecasting.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Time Tracking Tool
With the plethora of time tracking tools available in the market today, selecting the one that best aligns with your individual or team requirements can be daunting.
The key to a beneficial investment is understanding the distinctive features and services each platform offers. Here are some pivotal considerations to guide you in choosing an ideal time tracking solution:
✔️ Scalability
Consider whether the software can grow with your business. The ideal time tracking tool should accommodate an increasing number of users and projects without hindering performance.
Look for platforms that offer flexible pricing plans and features that support scalability.
✔️ Customization
Every team has unique needs, and a customizable time tracking tool can adapt to various work environments. Identify if the application allows you to tailor aspects such as reports, billing rates, and project tracking to suit your workflow.
✔️ User Experience
The effectiveness of a tracking system depends on its adoption by the users. Evaluate the tool’s design for intuitiveness and ease of use. User-friendly interfaces and straightforward functionality are key to ensuring staff will actively use the software.
✔️ Budgeting
Assess the tool’s cost against your budget constraints. Consider not only the monthly subscription fees but also the potential return on investment.
A lower-priced tool might seem attractive, but it’s crucial to evaluate its value based on features, efficiency, and the quality of data obtained.
✔️ Privacy and Security
When handling sensitive time data, security can’t be overlooked. Explore how the time tracking tools safeguard information and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
Features such as secure data encryption and user permissions are significant for protecting your data.
✔️ Integration
The capability to integrate with other systems streamlines processes and enhances productivity. Check whether the time tracking solution can connect seamlessly with your existing tools, such as project management software, calendars, and accounting systems.
✔️ Customer Support and Resources
Robust customer support can drastically improve your time tracking experience. A tool may offer an extensive knowledge base, live chat support, or personalized assistance.
Opt for a service that provides ample support and resources to help you make the most of the application.
✔️ Free Trial or Demo
Before fully committing to a time tracking tool, take advantage of any free trials or demos. These allow you to test the software’s features and ensure they meet your expectations without any financial investment.
By considering these aspects, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your operational needs and maximizes the efficiency of your remote workforce.
It’s not just about tracking time; it’s about harnessing a system that propels productivity and bolsters the management of your distributed team.
Exploring Alternative Tools on Time Tracking for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
In addition to our roundup of the top time tracking solutions for remote workers, there are other noteworthy tools in the market that you may want to explore.
Each of these alternatives comes with its unique set of features, and they could very well be the right fit for your remote team or individual needs:
Wrike
Wrike stands as a versatile project management platform that also offers time tracking as part of its robust feature set.
It’s designed for teams that need a comprehensive solution for managing tasks, projects, and deadlines, with the added benefit of tracking the time spent on each assignment.
Timely
Timely is known for its automatic time tracking that captures the work you do for accurate, private reporting.
It minimizes the manual entry of tasks and projects, making time tracking simpler and less obtrusive for remote workers who are juggling multiple responsibilities.
ClockShark
Geared towards field service and construction industries, ClockShark combines GPS tracking with time tracking to help manage mobile workforces effectively.
Its platform is built to withstand the rugged nature of on-the-go job sites while giving managers insight into their operations.
Deputy
Deputy is primarily a scheduling and time management system, great for businesses who also want to integrate their time tracking with employee scheduling and payroll. Its user-friendly interface simplifies shift planning and the tracking of hourly labor.
These additional tools each bring their unique strengths to the table and might offer specific features that better cater to particular industries or company sizes.
By understanding the different capabilities and focuses of each system, you can further refine your search for the perfect time tracking solution that fits your remote work requirements.
Final Thoughts on Time Tracking for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
In the pursuit of optimizing productivity and efficiency, the recommended time tracking tools for remote workers stand out for their exceptional features and user satisfaction, catering to the diverse needs of remote workers and digital nomads.
Timeular offers a unique physical Tracker and privacy-focused tracking, alongside a range of integrations. It’s the perfect choice for those who value tangible interaction and data security.
Toggl Track, on the other hand, stands out with its user-friendly interface, idle time detection, and a free tier for small teams, making it an excellent fit for freelancers and startups.
Other alternatives like Buddy Punch, Paymo, and Time Doctor provide a diverse set of features to meet different organizational needs.
For even more options, there’s Wrike, Timely, Clockify, TimeCamp, ClockShark, and Deputy, ensuring a time tracking solution for every remote work scenario.
The journey through these time tracking solutions should empower remote professionals and teams to make informed decisions tailored to their workflow, collaboration, and productivity goals.
