17 Best Time and Attendance Software in 2026
The best time and attendance software includes Buddy Punch, TCP, Connecteam, and Paylocity..
The best time and attendance software helps companies record employee working hours, often through web-based punch-in and timesheet systems.
These solutions can accommodate all your time-tracking needs, from generating employee schedules and managing time-off requests and PTO to tracking hours for specific projects and reporting on clock-in/out locations. Plus, some cover scheduling or payroll features, or can integrate with a system that does.
We know there are way too many options out there, so we've done the hard work for you (researched, demoed, tested, and compared over 30 different vendors). Check out our list below for the best time and attendance software around.
In our relentless pursuit of the best time and attendance software, we thoroughly evaluated over 30 tools across three main criteria: time-tracking, payroll (native features or via integrations), and employee scheduling capabilities. Combined with insights driven from conversations with dozens of users and HR & payroll experts, we curated a list of the top-performing solutions.
- Time Tracking: The selected time and attendance software goes beyond the basics of time-off requests and PTO functionality. We prioritized vendors with user-friendly, advanced time-tracking features, such as GPS-enabled clock-ins and customizable timesheets.
- Payroll Functionality (or Integrations): We sought out software options that include payroll functionality, or integrate with trusted payroll providers. The chosen solutions enable the automatic syncing of online time data with payroll, at the very least.
- Scheduling Capabilities: We focused on systems that include robust employee scheduling tools. The best time and attendance tracking solutions should offer scheduling features such as shift planning, employee availability tracking, shift swapping, and scheduling templates.
To better understand our meticulous evaluation process, explore our post detailing how we curate the best HR tech.
Connecteam
Connecteam is one of the few vendors that offer robust GPS clock-ins and flexible job scheduling at such a competitive rate (or for free if your user count remains at or below 10).
PROS
- Great employee scheduling capabilities.
- Set clock-in and automatic clock-out times for shifts.
- GPS-enabled clock-ins to avoid time theft.
- Customizable automated timesheet exports.
- Job Insights for resource allocation details.
- Automated break deduction/calculation.
- One of the only fully-mobile HR tech tools for deskless workers
- Very adequately-priced for all it entails, SMB-friendly
- Quite open to feedback, having implemented user suggestions as features in the past.
CONS
- Limited payroll integration options.
- No phone support.
- In the communication hub, the app offers no confirmation that messages were sent and/or seen.
- Certain features that some teams consider essential, such as GPS-tracking, are only available in the higher-tier pricing plans.
If you want a robust location tracking feature in your time and attendance software, Connecteam could be the answer. Featuring Geofence, this platform enables employers to track employees' real-time location and limit where they can clock in and out.
Job scheduling is another aspect that Connecteam handles well. This tool covers shift planning, staff availability, and shift rescheduling. Plus, depending on what you need, it can work independently or be synced with the time tracking feature.
For example, for your hourly-paid workers, you can let the sync happen to make things easier for the workers to clock in directly from their shift and for you to track hours. On the other hand, keeping these two tools un-synced would make more sense for salaried workers whose time does not need to be tracked.
Connecteam doesn’t have its own payroll function, which is fine if the vendor has good integration capabilities. Unfortunately, the integration list is rather disappointing, with only four options. Furthermore, only those paying for the priciest plan gain API access.
Connecteam’s Help Center is timely and informative. Email support and live chat are also in good shape, with an average turnaround time of about 1 hour. Note, though, that there is no phone support and the only immediate support option, dedicated CSM, is limited to the Enterprise plan.
36,000+ organizations, including Edible, Mango, and Subway.
Connecteam’s time and attendance features are part of its Operations Hub and priced by plan and employee count.
- Basic starts at $29 per month for up to 30 users and includes GPS-enabled clock-ins, job-based time tracking, payroll integrations, and basic scheduling.
- Advanced, from $49 per month, adds customizable time clocks, auto clock-outs, geofencing, and recurring shift templates.
- Expert starts at $99 per month and introduces deeper automation, including unlimited geofences, auto-assigned shifts, automated reports, and API access.
- Enterprise is available with custom pricing for larger teams, offering enhanced security, unlimited reporting, and dedicated support.
All plans include a free trial.
Best For
Great for multi-branch businesses that need to track employee time and attendance.
We use Connecteam to monitor shift statuses and changes, how many hours employees were working a week, and to provide site-wide communications to our team. We've always leveraged the chat option to optimize employee engagement, the location during check-ins for quality assurance, and our financials.
I specifically do most of the report extractions to visualize how many employees are onsite per day directly and to support forecasted staffing plans.
I love the easy employee and administrator interface, so the training guidelines are easy. I value the reporting features, which make collecting data seamless. Also, Connecteam has an app, so it's useful for those who leverage their phones for timekeeping and the chat system for direct contact with employees.
We initially purchased Connecteam to assist with our onsite hourly personnel. Their export template aligned perfectly with our corporate timesheet system, Unanet, so it was a seamless integration to ensure our invoices were accurate for billing.
We used Connecteam for 3 years, leveraging the personnel allocated to each shift, the seamless check-in process, and the direct communication tool to reach onsite management on time. Since the onsite Program Managers weren't always next to their email, they could view the employees' questions and check-ins from their phones for fast turnarounds with responses.
The only con I could think of is that sometimes the site glitches, and their customer service team is overseas, so the timezones can result in delayed support.
It's very affordable, supportive of customer service, and easy to use. Monthly costs are not driven per license, and it's better with allocating funding or keeping on-site timesheets.
Connecteam is easy to integrate for employers who staff employees who are shift workers or hourly personnel working outside of the primary headquarters. It's best to implement it after a pay period so you can track the hours worked with the provided pay schedule.
Monitoring is also included, where you can track the employees' location when they're checking in to prevent any pay discrepancies. It's an amazing, user-friendly system to implement into a business.
Yes, Connecteam’s chat feature and app support have surely evolved. Their response time has been fast, fluid, and very supportive.
Small or large organizations, hourly workers, onsite personnel, and companies who staff shift workers can benefit from Connecteam.
I don't believe full-time staff workers would benefit much from Connecteam since they're exempt. There's not much need to track the personnel and their worksites.
Paychex
An all-in-one platform, Paychex Flex integrates its time attendance software with payroll and HR, giving you access to your company and employee information in one single place.
PROS
- Timecard processing can be fully automated.
- Integrates well with benefits providers like Benetrac for benefits management.
- User-friendly interface for reviewing W2s and paystubs.
CONS
- Limited third-party integrations.
- Some users reported slow app login.
- Less modern looking compared to competitors.
Paychex Flex offers a time and attendance platform that helps businesses save time and improve accuracy with online timekeeping, time clocks, and integrated payroll. They have many flexible options based on how you track time, providing a solution that is easily integrated and mobile for users. This is a great all-in-one solution for very small businesses, who need guidance on the time and attendance side of things.
ESET, Funnelbox Inc., Smile Cafe, H.Y.P.E. Counseling Services, ASG, Pet Partners.
Paychex pricing typically begins at a base rate of approximately $39 per month, plus an additional $5 for each employee.
Best For
Companies of all sizes looking for an all-in-one solution for payroll, time and attendance, benefits, and more.
The company uses Paychex Flex as its central system of record, so time tracking, pay, benefits, and compliance all run from a single employee profile. New hires are onboarded through an online workflow, and employees manage ongoing updates and benefit elections through self-service, which limits day-to-day administrative work for the owner and me.
Each pay cycle, contribution data feeds directly into a fully integrated 401(k) plan, where Paychex acts as the recordkeeper and works with an external fiduciary partner to handle investment oversight.
This integration keeps payroll, contributions, compliance testing, and participant reporting aligned in one place.
The owner, who oversees accounting, uses the general ledger integration to push payroll, tax, benefits, and retirement expenses into the accounting software through predefined mappings, which streamlines month-end close.
- They appreciate the employee self-service features that allow staff to update information and view pay and benefits independently.
- The full integration of benefits and 401(k) services with the rest of the platform keeps everything in one system and running smoothly.
- The document storage is secure and robust, allowing for electronic personnel files with access from any location.
A biopharmaceutical manufacturer in Illinois with 40 employees uses Paychex to automate payroll since they do not need a full-time HR and payroll person but still want to remain compliant.
The owner wanted to reclaim time for R&D, operations, and investor-related matters, so outsourcing routine administration and tax management to an all-in-one platform was a priority.
Paychex Flex gave employees self-service access for onboarding, personal data updates, tax forms, and pay and benefits information, which reduced day-to-day interruptions to leadership.
The company leveraged Paychex’s benefits administration and broker capabilities to align with its existing ASO health plan structure while integrating payroll and benefits into one system.
The company has used Paychex for approximately 12 years, and I have worked with it for about one year, which has been long enough to standardize processes and consolidate HR, payroll, and benefits workflows into a single platform.
- The pricing can feel high once all modules and the ASO components are added.
- The payroll side of the system can be complex to navigate at first, so new administrators face a learning curve.
- The ASO broker component for benefits is not as well-networked with carriers as some independent brokers.
Paychex differs from competitors like ADP and Gusto by placing strong emphasis on bundling payroll, HR, benefits, and retirement services into one tightly integrated system, with payroll as the foundation.
Compared with Gusto, Paychex is built to scale into more complex environments with multi-state compliance, richer benefits options, and configurable modules.
Compared with ADP, which often serves larger enterprises, Paychex focuses more on small to mid-sized companies and offers PEO or ASO support with dedicated specialists.
They prefer Paychex since it provides the necessary technical features along with responsive customer support.
When evaluating Paychex, buyers should look closely at the total cost, including base fees and add-ons, and compare it with simpler tools like Gusto or larger platforms like ADP.
They should assess whether they truly need an all-in-one platform that bundles HR, benefits, and retirement services or if a basic payroll system combined with separate vendors would be more cost-effective. It is important to consider scalability for future headcount growth.
Paychex Flex has evolved from a basic small-business payroll solution into a more comprehensive HR and payroll platform.
Paychex is best suited for small to mid-sized organizations that are scaling, potentially up to 3,000 employees, and want a single system under one umbrella that stays current with technology and provides strong customer support and reporting capabilities.
Paychex may not be as suitable for large, international organizations or companies with multiple FEINs and highly complex payroll structures with multiple pay schedules.
QuickBooks Time
QuickBooks Time comes with a plethora of features; track time, build employee schedules, use geofencing technology, connect to your favorite accounting or payroll software, and gain business insights with real-time, interactive reports.
PROS
- Quickbooks boasts frequent promotional offers, occasionally providing discounts of up to 50%.
- Personalized customer service approach, with scheduled call options that receive positive feedback for courteous and tailored issue resolutions.
- Streamlined central clock-in/clock-out system for core work locations.
- This product offers promotions and discounts (up to 50%) from time to time.
- Their customer service is personalized. You get to reach them by scheduling a call and customers have commended the courteous, tailored responses to issues they have.
- Consolidated clock in/clock out system for central work locations.
CONS
- Some users have reported occasional delays in GPS technology updating current locations, displaying prior employee locations rather than live updates.
- There are limited customer support contact options. You usually have to schedule calls for assistance.
- The GPS technology is slow to catch up on current locations at times. Instead of live updates, the software shows the employee’s previous locations.
- While their customer support is very helpful, they don’t provide many options for you to contact them. You can only schedule a call.
Formally known as TSheets, QuickBooks Time is a time and attendance solution. It allows users to ducky review and employee time, process payroll, or recreate invoices in an accessible way. QuickBooks Time keeps a timesheet for each employee and allows them to clock in via a mobile device, or manually add time within the platform. QuickBooks Time is great for companies that are looking for accessibility, and those that are looking for additional time tracking features such as time-tracking and geofencing.
QuickBooks Time requires a QuickBooks Online account and offers two core time and attendance plans.
- Time Premium starts at $20 per month plus $8 per user and includes mobile time tracking, scheduling, time-off management, alerts, photo attachments, a time kiosk, and customizable reports.
- Time Elite, priced from $40 per month plus $10 per user, adds advanced capabilities such as project tracking, mileage tracking, geofencing, timesheet signatures, and real-time project insights.
Businesses that want payroll can bundle either plan with QuickBooks Payroll for an additional per-employee fee, but QuickBooks Time can also be used as a standalone time and attendance solution.
Best For
Any company looking for a robust time and attendance tracking solution.
Over 4 years, I have used the system with smaller companies who prefer simple accounting and time tracking. Quickbooks Time is easy to use with any Quickbooks system. The system is user-friendly and allows for multiple administrative controls. Quickbooks Time's mobile app is a popular feature for employees to update their hours and request time off. The system also offers a variety of reports that are useful in measuring employee action.
- Quickbooks Time is user-friendly.
- I enjoy the simplicity of the app.
- Quickbooks Time is easy to set up.
Quickbooks Time was purchased to streamline employee timekeeping information. I have used Quickbooks Time with different clients over the past 4 years. Quickbooks Time has primarily been used by my clients to manage time off requests. It is easy to combine with your payroll system. Quickbooks Time also has manual hour entry.
- Customer service is difficult to reach.
- If the system has a glitch, time off may be approved or denied automatically.
- The app has bugs often.
Quickbooks Time is very similar to its competitors if you are looking for a simple/cost-effective tool. Unfortunately, users complain of login/service issues that make them less likely to be recommended to others.
Do you need data past time off/time in? Can you spend time manually inputting data because system bugs will transpose user information?
Quickbooks Time has been consistent in its delivery of the latest features and updates.
Small businesses, companies that hire per diem workers.
Large companies that want their data to tell a story.
When I Work
With its sleek user interface that enhances communication, When I Work focuses on decreasing labor costs and time spent on scheduling.
PROS
CONS
When I work is a simple to use scheduling and timekeeping platform that provides an easy way for managers to manage employee time and their staff. Time can be managed from their mobile app, or their desktop application.
Known for its robust scheduling product, users can manage and view the entire staff schedule, setup time for staff to clock in and out, and alert staff via notifications. Employees can clock in and out and view their hours, or trade shifts with coworkers. This is a great platform for shift based or hourly workers.
Ben and Jerry’s, Harvard University, CVS Pharmacy, Verizon, Taco John’s.
When I Work offers per-user pricing with a 14-day free trial.
- Single Location plan costs $2.50 per user per month and includes employee scheduling, time tracking and attendance, team messaging, time-off and availability management, labor reporting, and geofencing.
- Multiple Locations plan is $5 per user per month and adds support for unlimited locations, schedules, and job sites, plus labor sharing, custom reporting, role permissions, and time zone controls.
Best For
Companies of all sizes across different industries looking to track and manage their employee’s working hours, attendance, shifts as well as improve communication.
We use the tool daily to manage day-to-day scheduling of employees, including approving or denying time off requests. It's also instrumental in planning large special events such as fundraisers or camp activities. Additionally, the When I Work app aids in payroll functions, making it an integral part of our operations.
I appreciate that the app has a clean interface and is easy to use, which our employees also seem to like.
Our organization has been using this tool for over 15 months to schedule per diem employees, who are hired as needed. Previously, there was a significant inefficiency in coordinating between management and gig workers, particularly in contacting workers promptly. This platform allows temp workers to schedule themselves at any time of day, effectively resolving the issue and streamlining the scheduling process for gig workers.
Currently, there’s nothing specific that I dislike about the tool.
While there are competitors like UKG and Q-Genda that offer similar services, this tool stands out for our particular needs.
Consider whether you employ many temporary workers and if your workforce is tech-savvy enough to utilize mobile technology effectively. These factors are crucial in determining the suitability of this tool for your organization.
To my understanding, the services provided by this tool have not undergone significant changes since their inception.
This tool is highly effective for small organizations that rely heavily on part-time or temporary workers.
This tool is versatile enough to be beneficial for all types of organizations.
Calamari
We especially appreciate how intuitive Calamari is to clock in using mobile geofencing, QR codes, or via Slack and Teams. The fact that you can start or stop your shift, request leave, and check balances without leaving your team collaboration tools makes it a meaningful advantage for everyday use.
PROS
- Supports multiple clock-in options, including mobile geofencing, QR codes with photo captures, kiosks, and NFC cards.
- Works natively with multiple team collaboration and project management tools.
- Implementation is free and can be completed in as little as three days.
- Built-in global-ready time-off policies.
CONS
- No native payroll tools. Payroll and HRIS integration must rely on its API documentation.
- Standard API quotas (2 requests/second, 600/hour, 6,000/day) may be restrictive for high-volume data syncs.
We spent time demoing and actively testing Calamari’s time and attendance offerings to understand how it holds up in real-world workflows. What stood out immediately was how flexible and approachable the platform felt, especially for teams managing a combination of desk-based and frontline staff.
Calamari’s multiple desirable clock-in methods are all available in the basic plan. We could initiate shifts via Slack, geofence mobile alerts, and QR codes at a simulated kiosk, all of which functioned as expected during our testing.
The Slack and Microsoft Teams integrations, in particular, were among our stand-out features. Employees can clock in, request leave, check balances, and approve absences all from the collaboration tools they already use. That kind of convenience is spot-on for both remote teams experiencing multi-app fatigue, or deskless workers with little time and on the go.
The Time Off module also performed well in our estimation. You can build region-specific leave types, set up accrual rules (monthly, annual, prorated), and even assign visibility restrictions and attachment requirements. During our demo walkthrough of the platform, we found everything to be logically structured and agile, which we believe would be particularly beneficial for companies with employees across multiple countries or subject to different labor laws. The company is based mostly in Poland, but the customer base is all over the world, with a focus on the European Union and the United States. They’ve transformed their location into an asset, since the tool is flexible enough to fit the needs of all kinds of geographies.
On the downside, however, Calamari doesn’t offer native payroll features. As stated before, the platform relies on APIs for its integrations with payroll or HRIS rather than plug-and-play or native connections, or using a tool like Merge. While the API is a good bet and you can count on technical assistance from the Calamari team, we think the standard API limits (600 requests/hour) could be a hurdle for high-volume syncs.
And to not end on a down note, we’ll add that the customer support is lauded for its efficiency and dedication. You can reach out to them via chat or email, and expect a swift reply. If the issue is not resolved soon, they are very accommodating— for instance, jumping on a call with you to figure out the issue and offer a solution.
130,000+ users, including BRAND24, UNICEF, Sonar, and Netguru.
Calamari has a modular pricing model, billed either monthly or annually, and a 14-day free trial. The Time and Attendance module has a minimum cost of $25 per month for annual billing. You can also bundle it with other modules, including Time Off ($2 per user per month), Core HR ($2 per user per month), Performance (coming soon, $2.50 per user per month), and SAML SSO add-on ($0.80 per user per month).
Best For
Calamari is best for small to mid-sized teams with hybrid or fully distributed workforces that need flexible time and attendance tracking.
Parim
Parim is a mobile-first, location-aware time tracking platform that’s built specifically for shift-based and event-driven teams. Its geofencing capabilities, flexible clock-in methods, and real-time visibility into active shifts stood out in our testing as a smart choice for companies that need operational control without unnecessary overhead.
PROS
- Real-time clock-ins with color-coded shift statuses for quick decision-making.
- GPS geofencing supports location-specific clock-ins, breaks, and clock-outs.
- Multiple input methods: mobile app, tablet, browser, SMS, or voice call.
- Filtered attendance view to easily spot and resolve issues.
- Robust absence tracking and approval workflows directly tied to scheduling.
- Real-time clock-ins with color-coded shift statuses for quick decision-making.
- GPS geofencing supports location-specific clock-ins, breaks, and clock-outs.
- Multiple input methods: mobile app, tablet, browser, SMS, or voice call.
- Filtered attendance view to easily spot and resolve issues.
- Robust absence tracking and approval workflows directly tied to scheduling.
CONS
- No built-in payroll features.
- Pricing may be hard to interpret without a sales conversation.
- Integration options were previously limited, though they are improving.
- Mobile browser-based clock-ins have less reliable location accuracy.
- No built-in payroll features.
- Pricing may be hard to interpret without a sales conversation.
- Integration options were previously limited, though they are improving.
- Mobile browser-based clock-ins have less reliable location accuracy.
Parim’s time and attendance software brings together real-time visibility, flexible scheduling, and mobile-enabled workforce management in a single, compliance-ready interface. We were particularly impressed with Parim’s Time Clock view, which shows active shifts in real time. Managers can instantly identify who’s currently working (in green), and any clock-in issues or discrepancies (like late arrivals or off-location punches) are highlighted in red. This visual interface simplifies day-to-day oversight and accelerates timesheet approvals.
From a usability perspective, Parim supports a good range of clock-in methods. Staff can punch in via mobile app (with geofencing support), browser, shared tablet, SMS, or even voice call using a PIN. This flexibility gives businesses more control over how attendance is captured based on their operational needs, which we like. Our tests also confirmed what the vendor recommends, which is that the mobile app is the most accurate option for geolocation compared to browser-based check-ins.
Geofencing is one of Parim’s strongest compliance features, in our opinion. Available on Premium and Enterprise plans, it ensures employees are within a defined radius before they can clock in, out, or take breaks. You can configure these settings by location or event, and the ability to restrict access through the staff portal helps prevent workarounds.
Beyond clock-ins, Parim includes an absence management tab that gives managers a clear overview of holiday and sick leave. You can approve or reject requests, and even add absences directly into the calendar to ensure schedules reflect real-time availability, which makes shift planning significantly easier and reduces the risk of short-staffing.
However, unlike some other vendors, such as Paychex and Rippling, Parim doesn’t have built-in payroll, so it might not be the first choice if you want an all-in-one workforce management solution. We also noticed that Parim’s development has been a bit slow over the past 18 months, but that seems to be changing. They're working on a major upgrade and have recently rolled out new features, including Incident Reporting, Team View, and enhanced compliance tools. This shows that they are investing in its future, which should be good news for long-term users.
200+ companies, including Chelsea FC, Interim Healthcare, Glastonbury Festival, HAP Solutions, and CH&Co.
Parim offers time and attendance tools as part of its workforce management plans, priced with unlimited users starting at £47 per month. The Pro plan is where core time and attendance features begin, including configurable timesheets, attendance tracking, pay run reports, automated pay schedules, and CSV exports. The Premium plan builds on this with deeper attendance analytics, payroll exports, pay locks, and reporting that supports compliance and payroll accuracy.
Best For
Parim is best suited for fast-moving, shift-based industries such as staffing, events, healthcare, and hospitality, particularly those needing mobile-first time tracking with location control.
Jibble
Jibble stands out for offering a powerful mix of attendance tracking, facial recognition, and productivity monitoring all within a generous free plan. It’s also one of the few tools that combines strong anti-buddy punching controls with flexible policy customization and hardware-free deployment.
PROS
- Facial recognition, device lock, and geofencing provide strong protection against time fraud.
- Fully hardware-free kiosk mode using existing mobile devices.
- Highly customizable policies for different teams and work environments.
- Offline tracking with automatic sync when back online.
- Built-in productivity monitoring with screenshot capture and idle detection.
- Open API access available on all plans.
- Generous free plan with solid core functionality.
- Facial recognition, device lock, and geofencing provide strong protection against time fraud.
- Fully hardware-free kiosk mode using existing mobile devices.
- Highly customizable policies for different teams and work environments.
- Offline tracking with automatic sync when back online.
- Built-in productivity monitoring with screenshot capture and idle detection.
- Open API access available on all plans.
- Generous free plan with solid core functionality.
CONS
- Screenshot monitoring may feel intrusive for some teams.
- Currently, the software lacks idle detection functionality.
- Advanced leave and admin features locked behind paid tiers.
- Screenshot monitoring may feel intrusive for some teams.
- Currently, the software lacks idle detection functionality.
- Advanced leave and admin features locked behind paid tiers.
Jibble is a capable time-tracking tool that covers the basics well and then goes a bit further without asking you to pay upfront. In our testing, it handled day-to-day attendance tracking reliably, and we found it easy to set up and start using across devices. Because it runs entirely in the cloud, you can access it from a phone, computer, or browser, and the kiosk mode works on any spare tablet or smartphone.
What makes Jibble stand out is how it approaches time verification. It layers features like facial recognition, device locking, and GPS-based geofencing to reduce time fraud. In testing, these tools worked as expected: employees could only clock in within a set location, and the system added a level of accountability that simpler tools lack. The option to automate clock-ins and outs based on location is also useful, especially for teams moving between job sites.
The platform is also quite flexible. You can create different rules for different groups—for example, requiring office staff to use a kiosk while allowing field workers to clock in via mobile with location tracking. This kind of customization isn’t always available in entry-level tools, and it makes Jibble a better fit for teams with mixed work environments.
The desktop app adds optional productivity tracking such as periodic screenshots to offer employers a deeper understanding of how time is being used, helping to identify potential bottlenecks and ensure focus on work-related tasks. Reporting, on the other hand, is broadly useful. The platform’s attendance reports make it easy to spot patterns like lateness or missed hours, and exporting data for payroll or analysis is straightforward even on the free plan.
That said, it’s worth pointing out that Jibble doesn’t yet include built-in shift scheduling, meaning you’ll need a separate tool if you’re managing more complex or dynamic schedules. Compared to dedicated workforce management software, its scheduling features also seem fairly basic.
Regarding payroll capability, while the time and attendance software integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, and a handful of other payroll tools, the fact that it doesn’t offer a fully native system makes it less attractive to teams seeking advanced payroll and scheduling built directly into the platform.
Tesla, Turing, Cepco, Neom, Roni Group, Beck & Pollitzer
Jibble offers a free plan and three paid plans: Premium costs $4.49 per user when billed annually and $5.99 per user when billed monthly, Ultimate is priced at $7.99 per user for an annual subscription and $10.99 per user for a monthly subscription, and Enterprise with custom pricing.
Best For
Teams seeking flexible, fraud-resistant time tracking, especially those managing a mix of remote, field, and office-based employees.
Workable
We picked Workable for its refreshing simplicity and automation in time tracking. Setting up policies was easy, and we loved how employees could clock in and out right from their mobile app. The automated reminders and detailed reporting, especially the scheduled vs. actual hours comparison, also made a big difference in streamlining attendance management.
PROS
- Easy setup of time tracking policies with customizable rules for departments and teams.
- Employees can clock in and out via desktop or mobile app, with automated reminders to reduce missed punches.
- Reporting features make it easy to compare scheduled vs. actual hours worked and export data for payroll.
- Consistently introduces new features and enhancements to the product.
- User-friendly interface with minimal training required for HR teams and employees.
- You can post jobs with one click to over 200 sites. You also get access to access to Workable’s talent pool with over 400 million profiles.
- Workable has built-in cognitive and personality candidate assessment. The platform also has features for offer management, which means you can create offer letters and collect e-signatures without needing to use third-party tools
- You can reduce unconscious hiring bias with Workable’s anonymized screening feature. It helps you hide identifying candidate information from the sourced and applied stages of the hiring process.
CONS
- No native payroll tool and payroll integrations only available on highest-tier plan.
- Lacks GPS-enabled clock-in, making it less ideal for tracking remote or field workers.
- Designed primarily for white-collar teams, with limitations for industries requiring more complex workforce tracking.
- Workable doesn’t provide automated reference checking and onboarding features.
- Useful features such as candidate texting, video interviews, and assessments are not offered in any of Workable’’s plans and instead, sold separately.
- Several users complained about the reporting feature not being detailed or customizable enough, and that the candidate search function could use more filters.
Since Workable has primarily been known for its recruiting tools and HRIS, we were intrigued when they launched their time tracking feature in open beta for all HR customers in February 2025. Naturally, we wanted to see how well it handled time and attendance management, and we have to say, our experience wasn’t bad at all. The tool is still new but already shows a lot of promise.
Right from the start, setting up time tracking policies was straightforward. We could apply different rules for specific departments, teams, or locations without any confusion. Compared to the manual Excel and spreadsheet tracking we’ve used, this was a major upgrade. Employees could clock in and out easily using either the desktop or mobile app, and we especially appreciated the automated reminders, which helped reduce missed punches.
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Workable’s time tracking is its reporting function. After running a test with a small team, we generated reports comparing scheduled vs. actual hours worked. The system made it easy to spot discrepancies—like employees forgetting to clock out—and allowed us to export the data for payroll processing. However, we quickly realized that Workable doesn’t offer native payroll functionality, and payroll integrations are only available on the highest-tier plan. For companies looking for a smooth payroll sync without upgrading, this could be a significant drawback.
We also tested the scheduling feature and found that while it worked well for white-collar teams, it had some limitations for more complex workforce needs. Assigning shifts and setting recurring schedules was simple, but the lack of a GPS-enabled clock-in feature makes it less ideal for tracking remote or field employees in industries like construction or manufacturing.
That said, it’s clear that Workable is focused on continuous improvement—just in the past few months, they’ve rolled out features like automatic calendar updates for booked time off and a time-off balance calculator, which we found useful for planning PTO more efficiently. Given this proactive approach, we wouldn’t be surprised if Workable secures a strong foothold in the time tracking space in the coming months.
30,000+ companies, including The Telegraph, Ogilvy, and Eurobank.
Workable includes time tracking and time-off management as part of its bundled Recruiting and HR plans. Both the Standard plan, starting at $99 per month, and the Premier plan, starting at $219 per month, provide employee time tracking, time-off management, payroll preparation, and payroll integrations, alongside core HR features such as onboarding and employee records. Pricing scales by employee count, and higher tiers add capabilities such as performance reviews, single sign-on, and priority support.
Best For
If you're a growing SMB looking to combine your recruiting technology and HRIS, Workable's time tracking software is an excellent option.
I used Workable on a daily basis to manage our full-cycle recruitment process. It was my go-to tool for posting open positions across multiple job boards, screening incoming applications, and coordinating with hiring managers.
One of the main workflows I relied on was creating and managing customized hiring pipelines, which helped us track candidates by stage and ensure timely follow-up. I also used Workable to schedule interviews, send automated communications, and collect structured feedback from interviewers, which kept everyone aligned.
Additionally, I generated reports through Workable to monitor our time-to-fill, source effectiveness, and overall hiring activity, which supported more strategic decision-making in our talent acquisition efforts.
Workable has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and manage the entire hiring process efficiently.
Its customizable hiring pipelines and automation features helped streamline collaboration with hiring managers and improved overall workflow.
The reporting and analytics tools provided valuable insights into our recruitment metrics, supporting better strategic planning.
My prior organization implemented Workable to improve and centralize our recruiting process, which had previously been inconsistent and heavily reliant on manual tracking through emails and spreadsheets.
We needed a tool that could streamline job postings, manage candidate pipelines more effectively, and improve collaboration between hiring managers and HR. Workable provided a user-friendly interface, automated workflows, and seamless communication with candidates, which helped us reduce time-to-hire and improve the candidate experience.
It also offered valuable reporting features that gave us better insight into our recruiting metrics and helped us make data-driven decisions. I personally used Workable for about a year, and it’s become an essential part of the hiring process.
Workable’s pricing can be high for smaller teams or companies with fluctuating hiring needs.
Sometimes there were duplicate candidate profiles that Workable didn’t detect.
Integration options with some third-party tools were limited or required workarounds.
The higher-level plans did offer good features, including AI and ATS systems. Workable was also mobile-friendly, which isn't true for some competitors.
Customers should primarily consider how many job openings they currently have and how many they plan to post. It’s also essential to think about which features they actually need and whether they intend to use the system for the entire hiring process or just for posting jobs.
The integration of AI has been a more recent development.
Smaller to mid-sized companies that don't have ongoing hiring efforts can benefit from Workable.
Larger organizations and organizations that have high turnover or minimum wage jobs won’t find Workable the right fit.
Paylocity
Paylocity’s Time & Attendance software simplifies workforce management with intuitive tools for tracking employee hours, enforcing attendance policies, and managing schedules. Its seamless integration with payroll and HR modules ensures businesses avoid redundant data entry and reduce errors.
PROS
- Multiple clock-in options, including a mobile app with geofencing.
- Both employers and employees commend Paylocity’s customer support for its helpfulness and professionalism.
- Automated alerts for missed punches and overtime.
- Scheduling tools that allow employees to claim open shifts.
- Provides strong value relative to other high-end payroll and workforce management solutions.
- The app is easy to use and handles essential payroll and time-tracking functions.
- Paylocity offers step-by-step onboarding assistance, making the transition smoother for new users.
- Paylocity’s customer support is highly rated for always being available to answer questions.
- Global payroll support for 100+ countries.
- Provides free and unlimited training modules on the website.
- Paylocity’s mobile app has a good UI and functionality
- The tool is easy to use for both employees and employers.
- Has 350+ pre-built integrations.
CONS
- Larger teams may find the reporting features less comprehensive than of competitors.
- Custom reports require external data manipulation.
- Customer support is available only in English, limiting accessibility for global teams.
- Smaller businesses may find Paylocity’s feature set more than they require for their workforce size.
- Response times for customer support can be inconsistent.
- Limited international functionality.
- Undisclosed pricing.
- It doesn’t have a free trial or free plan.
- Support is available in English only.
- It isn’t the best solution for remote teams looking for a tool to manage payroll and benefits for their contractors.
Paylocity’s Time & Attendance software is offered within a broader HCM tool. We’ve been writing about this company, one of the leaders in the space, for years now. That said, the recent development of their time and attendance modules made it beckoning for us to feature them on this page.
While perhaps the main benefit is that it integrates 100% with payroll and core HR if you’re already using Paylocity for those workflows, the time tracking tool’s ease of use is also quite notable. Diving into the module, we immediately noticed how easily it is to flow from one action to the other. Employees can clock in via a web portal, mobile app, or physical time clock, and managers receive automatic alerts for late punches and overtime risks.
Praise must also be made for the variety of methods they provide for time and attendance tracking. You can configure clocks within the employee’s platform, which is accessible via browser, web app, and mobile. They also offer a Kiosk Tablet, which can be preconfigured to be used physically at a location of your choice for employees to punch in at the start of their day.
Another standout feature was the shift scheduling tool. Employees could claim open shifts, reducing administrative burden. However, while scheduling worked well, we found that reporting was more limited compared to enterprise-grade alternatives. Custom reports often required exporting data to spreadsheets for further analysis.
Despite these drawbacks, Paylocity’s time-tracking software is a strong choice for mid-sized U.S. businesses looking for an integrated and user-friendly workforce management solution.
Paylocity is used by over 40,000 companies. Some notable names include Momentus, Watters, and Weigel’s.
Pricing is custom and depends on company needs.
Best For
Paylocity is best suited for mid-sized U.S.-based companies who’d favor keeping recruiting, core HR tools, time tracking, and payroll within the same tool.
During my year as an HR Consultant, I used Paylocity regularly—several times a week and daily when updating information. I managed payroll processing, tracked time-off requests, and oversaw employee benefits to ensure accurate and timely payments.
The reporting features were essential for identifying and addressing discrepancies, helping me maintain accuracy. I also relied on the platform's built-in processes to guide onboarding and manage new hires efficiently.
It was an integral part of my workflow for maintaining data consistency and compliance.
- It made payroll processing simple and user-friendly.
- The accurate reporting features helped maintain data integrity.
- Employees could access their payroll information independently, reducing the need for me to provide printed payslips.
I was an HR Consultant contracted by various companies and used Paylocity intermittently for about a year. Although I was not involved in purchasing the tool, I saw firsthand how it streamlined compliance processes, which saved a significant amount of time.
The platform was easy to use and had great features that supported my HR role, especially as a remote user managing multiple clients. Its accessibility and functionality made it an effective tool for handling essential HR tasks.
Overall, Paylocity provided a reliable solution for managing payroll and compliance efficiently.
- Employees were occasionally locked out of their accounts, often due to forgotten login credentials, requiring me to guide them through the reset process.
- Customer service was overly automated, making it frustrating to reach a live representative when needed.
- The platform could be slow at times, especially when running reports, which delayed task completion.
I have also used ADP, which was more suited for larger companies with complex HR needs and extensive data management. Paylocity, by contrast, was a better fit for the smaller companies I worked with due to its simplicity and user-friendly design. It required less training to use effectively, making it a more practical solution for smaller-scale operations.
When considering Paylocity, it’s important to evaluate whether it suits the size of your business and aligns with your specific HR tasks. Determine if you need the tool exclusively for payroll or for additional HR functions such as benefits management and employee performance tracking.
Scalability and user access requirements should also be considered to ensure it meets your organization’s needs efficiently.
A year ago, when I used Paylocity, new features like time tracking and benefits management had been implemented, making it more user-friendly and competitive. These updates allowed it to better rival other platforms in the market by providing more comprehensive functionality.
Paylocity is well-suited for payroll specialists, managers overseeing HR processes, and administrators handling bulk updates from spreadsheets. It is a great platform for small to medium-sized businesses across various industries.
It may not be the best option for large companies requiring advanced reporting capabilities and comprehensive HR management tools.
Buddy Punch
Buddy Punch goes beyond basic time and attendance tracking; it packs advanced features that enable companies to identify and record when, how, where and by whom time is being logged.
PROS
- The drag-and-drop builder makes shift creation fast and intuitive.
- Employees can view schedules, request time off, and swap shifts via self-service.
- Scheduling and time tracking are integrated into one system.
- Labor cost controls, such as auto clock-outs and early punch-in limits, are built in.
- Supports multi-location, department, and role-based scheduling.
CONS
- The mobile app has fewer scheduling tools for managers than the desktop app.
- Limited reminder options for missed punches or schedule changes.
- Some users have reported sync issues with the QuickBooks integration.
Buddy Punch is a cloud-based software solution that digitizes how companies track their employee’s attendance, time off, and overtime. With features such as webcam photo capture, facial recognition, GPS tracking, and IP address locks, Buddy Punch not only tells you when employee hours are logged, but also where and how those hours were logged.
The University of Michigan, The YMCA, Manpower Group, StateFarm
Buddy Punch offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Paid plans are billed monthly or annually, and all plans include a $19 monthly base fee in addition to per-user pricing.
- Starter costs $4.49 per user per month and includes core time-tracking features such as mobile apps, GPS punches, time-off tracking, alerts, payroll integrations, and reporting.
- Pro priced at $5.99 per user per month, adds tools such as geofencing, QR code and kiosk punches, webcam verification, and includes the scheduling add-on.
- Enterprise costs $10.99 per user per month and includes advanced capabilities like dedicated support, API access, single sign-on, and real-time GPS, with additional add-ons available across tiers.
Best For
Buddy Punch can be used by companies of all sizes.
I use Buddy Punch at least twice a week to supervise payroll, and employee requests. In those sessions, I review all updates, approve requests and submit items for future discussion. The platform is a straightforward employee management system. Buddy Punch makes employee communication a more effective process. It also integrates easily to other services that my clients use.
The platform is straightforward and user friendly. It allows me to keep track of any employee requests. Its tracker for employee disciplinary issues is easy to follow. The system is great for payroll management.
I have used Buddy Punch to manage employees for clients since 2021. The service is a platform that allows employees to have hands-on access to necessary information like time off and payroll. My clients were looking for an option that enabled them to track expenses, manage employees, and maintain disciplinary information for each member of the team i.e. late arrivals. It has been an affordable alternative to other products for my clients (particularly small team startups). Buddy Punch simple interface allows the HR team to keep track of important changes when I need legal guidelines or employee related team management.
I don’t have any major complaints about the product outside of it being difficult to contact support. The software can be slow to update but it is more than worth the price. It can take extra time to manually upload data.
Buddy Punch is pretty great in comparison to some of its competitors. The service is affordable and user friendly. For about $60 per year, you know what you are getting and your expectations are often exceeded.
Do you need a product that is more AI focused? Are you rapidly expanding and will you have time to manually update information?
I have used Buddy Punch since 2021 and it has been a consistent service. They have improved the loading time.
Buddy Punch is good for small-medium sized organizations that are easing their way into effective HR. At a $60 annual price point, it is easy to manage and offers simple functionality but a great experience.
I would not recommend Buddy Punch to large companies or rapidly expanding businesses. If you want a more aesthetically pleasing service, there are other options.
TCP
Apart from providing all the bare necessities of time and attendance software, we love how TCP (formerly TimeClock Plus) takes it up a notch by helping you stay ahead of labor laws and ensuring that your data is secure.
PROS
- AI-powered Demand Scheduler forecasts needs and auto-builds compliant schedules.
- Auto-fill assigns qualified staff based on availability, skills, and compliance rules (labor laws, overtime).
- Prevents compliance violations with built-in Fair Workweek, FLSA, and minor labor rule configurations.
- Labor Optimizer compares scheduled vs. actual hours to control overtime and budgets.
- Mobile app allows employees to manage shifts, time-off requests, and availability with notifications.
- Task management tools enable managers to assign and track shift-specific duties in real time.
CONS
- Higher-tier plans or add-ons required to access Labor Optimizer and Shift Tasks features.
- HRIS integrations and API access are restricted to Professional (add-on) or Enterprise tiers.
- All pricing and payments are in USD only.
TCP Software offers a reliable, flexible solution for timekeeping and compliance that we find well-suited to US-based businesses.
One of the standout features we discovered was the Default Rules and Conflicts Library. Setting up time tracking and scheduling rules was straightforward, with configurable defaults for maximum and minimum working hours, shift gaps, and consecutive workdays. TCP also allows for custom rules for teams with specific operational needs, which is good for unique schedules or specific labor requirements.
The Minor Work Rules feature deserves a mention for its practical application. During our test, we connected with a TCP customer in the food service industry to hear their experience with this feature. They loved it. “It simplified the way we tracked work schedules for minors based on age, school calendar, and legal guidelines,” they shared, “we feel reassured now that we can ensure compliance with labor laws around minor employees and avoid scheduling conflicts.”
TCP’s compliance tools don’t stop there. With state-specific break rules—like California’s strict meal break requirements—the platform automatically enforces compliant break schedules. This will be especially helpful for teams based on the state to see in action, as it eliminates the risks associated with labor violations and provides peace of mind in highly regulated environments.
TCP offers multiple options for time collection, including hardware clocks and mobile clocks with geofencing, which in our test, only allowed our tester to clock in and out when they’re in our designated work area.
While TCP’s compliance features are comprehensive, it’s hyperfocused on the US market, meaning it may not be the best fit for international companies. Also, we wouldn’t recommend this vendor if you’re looking for a plug-and-play time tracking system with in-minute deployment. TCP typically takes 30 to 60 days to implement.
Another thing worth noting is the recent price increase from $2.50 to $4 per user per month since our last review of the tool. Although TCP remains affordable for most small companies, it’s a factor for budget-conscious teams to keep in mind.
18,000+ companies, including Marriott, the University of Georgia, Texas Tech, and Kaiser Permanente.
TCP pricing starts at $4 per employee per month. A free trial is available post-demo.
Best For
US-based SMBs, especially those in healthcare, government, and education.
We used TimeClock Plus to track all timekeeping for both hourly and salaried employees, therefore, daily. TCP's geofencing was extremely important for our owner to track all remote staff, and it was used daily. The app allows the employer to map a location to an employee, and geofencing in this app is extensive. TCP setup for the entire company was very streamlined, and new hire onboarding was simplified. Tech support is very competent. Tracking employees by what they're working on can be preset, and an employee can switch tasks for accurate job costing. Employees and managers used the app daily to clock in and out, track their hours, request and approve PTO, see regular hours and overtime hours, and communicate via notifications.
TimeClock Plus is robust, with many features we do not use because our payroll company provides them, but it's nice to know the tools are there. The dashboard and exceptions filter make it simple for managers to approve their employees' hours and time-off requests. TCP has decent training videos. The PTO calendar and employee notifications are very helpful. Integration into my payroll, Gusto, was seamless.
We switched to TimeClock Plus (TCP) when we experienced unacceptable issues with Homebase. TCP integrated with my payroll company, Gusto. TCP was very cost-effective when we used the minimum features. TCP has decent geofencing and geolocation, which was a requirement by the owner. TCP also has overlapping features with my payroll that we didn't need, but it was nice to have the option as a backup.
TimeClock Plus can be overwhelming for a small business, as it has many features that might not be used. Some employees reported that their times weren't being recorded properly, but managers could easily log in and make adjustments. It can be expensive if you purchase features you do not utilize.
TimeClock Plus is a lot like Kronos to me, with many features. I like it for how customizable everything is, and their help team walked me through the process for anything I couldn't figure out.
First, determine if you need all the features offered. We narrowed everything down to the Time and Attendance Essentials. TimeClock Plus integrates with everything, but ensure it's a seamless integration with your payroll. TCP has serious scalability, so if you anticipate a lot of growth, this is a solid system.
I've only used TimeClock Plus recently.
TimeClock Plus is great for mid-sized to large organizations that need a high level of customization. TCP worked extremely well for a small manufacturing business, though we only utilized the minimum features.
TimeClock Plus isn't needed for a very small organization. There are many other timekeeping systems specifically designed for very small businesses.
Rippling
Workflow automation has long been Rippling’s signature, and it’s well showcased in the vendor’s time and attendance product.
PROS
- One platform for performance, payroll, time and attendance, and more.
- In-app policy non-compliance alerts with one-click solutions.
- Ability to set security restrictions to prevent timecard fraud.
- Excellent workflow automation features.
- Self-service capabilities included.
- All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products
- With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
- Operates globally with any currency
- Workflow automation
- Analytics opportunities
- Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included
CONS
- Requires annual subscription. No free plan (a free trial is occasionally available, though).
- The mobile app offers core functionalities, but some advanced features and administrative tasks are only doable on the web platform.
- Additional charges may apply for phone support, depending on the plan.
- Total buy-in to Rippling is essential
- Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company.
- New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing
Being a diverse, distributed team ourselves, we understand how hard it is to keep up with the ever-changing labor regulations and laws. This was why we were immediately drawn to Rippling’s automated policies upon testing them. Regardless of whether your workers are based in the U.S. or abroad, the system will automatically inform you if your policies are not in compliance with local regulations and the needed actions to resolve these issues.
As expected from a high-tech startup, Rippling’s automation capabilities extend beyond compliance. With this tool, you can create custom rules for alerts and notifications concerning meal breaks, shift endings, early clock-outs, overtime, approvals, and even cost control.
For teams with onsite, deskless workers, Rippling’s Time and Attendance tracking tool supports scheduling and allows employers to limit the geolocation where employees can clock in and out. And, if you’re considering not just the time and attendance but also the payroll product from Rippling, there's more good news: All approved hours in the time and attendance will auto-sync with payroll. Plus, you can even review time cards right inside each pay run.
A fair warning, though. Rippling is not for those on a tight budget, as the platform pricing is on the higher end, on an annual basis, and comes with no free option like Connecteam. But they do sometimes have short-term free trials which you may want to keep an eye out for.
16,000+ companies, including Dwell, Superhuman, and Expensify.
Rippling offers quote-based pricing, with a starting cost of $8 per month for each user.
Best For
Companies who prioritize automation and customization in their time and attendance software.
As an HR user, Rippling is used almost daily for HR operations. It plays a key role in recruiting, benefits management, and absence/time tracking. An HR admin can vet candidates, configure and manage benefits, track and pay PTO, and handle compliance documentation. The system supports various workflows, making HR processes more efficient.
- Rippling has a clean, visually appealing interface.
- It offers strong integrations and is user-friendly for beginner admins.
- Implementation is quick and straightforward for organizations.
I consulted with a tech startup on a tech stack selection project, where they chose to use Rippling. My engagement lasted about six months, covering implementation and organizational change management.
Rippling is a workforce management platform specializing in HR management, compliance, and expense management. The organization needed an HRIS as it began scaling aggressively and required a system to streamline HR operations.
- The system lacks flexibility for complex HR requirements compared to platforms like Oracle or Workday.
- Customer support is among the weakest in the HRIS market.
- While onboarding is fast, it can be confusing, as Rippling prioritizes speed over thorough implementation.
Rippling targets the middle market, catering to fast-growing startups and mid-sized enterprises. It offers more features than basic HRIS options but lacks the depth and complexity of Workday. While many companies find it appealing, I don’t think it’s worth the price.
- Budget vs. features—how much are you willing to spend for the functionality you need? HRIS options vary widely.
- Organization size and HR complexity—ensure the system can handle your operational demands.
Founded in 2016, Rippling has effectively targeted fast-growing startups and mid-sized enterprises. However, its development team focuses more on UI enhancements than adding meaningful features.
- Companies that prioritize an intuitive interface for admins and employees.
- Those looking for more features than basic HRIS options but not ready to invest in enterprise-level solutions.
- Companies with either very small or very large HR budgets, as their needs likely don’t align with Rippling’s offerings.
- Organizations with advanced HR architecture or complex requirements.
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Deel
Deel is a global payroll system that incorporates a basic time and attendance module into its offering. Notably, it can adjust to regional public holidays and schedules completely automatically.
PROS
- One of Deel’s key benefits is its customer support. They offer 24-hour in-app assistance, and users can access localized payroll professionals in their regions.
- Generate invoices automatically for both the company and contractor/employee.
- Incorporate employee virtual hangouts within the platform.
- Enhance engagement with pulse surveys through Slack integration.
- Organize employee responses on a segmented dashboard for improved insights.
- Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
- Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
- User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
- Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.
CONS
- Currently lacks performance management functionalities.
- Lacks goal tracking and OKRs integration.
- Does not offer built-in coaching capabilities.
- Premium offerings from Deel, such as onboarding automation, are only offered as add-ons.
- Flexibility in altering contracts or service agreements is restricted; adjustments usually necessitate addendums.
- A $5 payout fee is applicable for each transaction.
- Invoice generation seems restricted to English only.
- Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
- Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
- Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.
Deel has embraced a global, remote-first approach that's woven throughout the product in subtle ways. Of course, this is evident in their basic time and attendance module. This part of the tool automates the tracking of public holidays, time off, and expenses for employees regardless of where they are in the world.
We’ve been familiar with Deel since late 2020 and were happy to see this addition to their tool shortly thereafter. It makes a lot of sense for international teams to count with a time and attendance tool that automatically syncs with the local calendar for each employee. This way, you can account for public holidays in each jurisdiction and respect the local employee leave regulations. From what we saw in a demo, employees can submit requests and get them approved with only a couple of clicks.
As we’ve stated in other reviews of Deel, their evolution from addressing global payroll to offering robust employee experience software is remarkable.
Deel serves over 10,000 customers, including big names like Nike, Shopify, Dropbox, Notion, Reddit, and Airtable. They also have a strong contingent of SMBs and start-ups in their client roster.
Deel time and tracking software starts at $5 per user per month.
As a new product, Deel has changed a lot since its inception. Its newest offering, DeelHR, allows companies to complete most of their HR operations tasks in Deel.
Best For
Deel’s infrastructure can support businesses at any size, from one to 10,000+ employees. They even offer some free services for companies under 200 employees. While their current focus is SMBs that are growing and want to explore different global markets and talent pools, there is also a large market for mid-market and enterprise companies.
We use Deel to onboard and pay contractors. After hiring someone, we invite them to Deel, where they upload their information. We run a background check and request specific documents from them. If everything is uploaded successfully, we then use Deel to pay contractors on a weekly basis.
Deel also serves as our central repository for employee information, securely storing details such as legal name, address, SSN, and birthday. It provides new hire paperwork, such as W-9 forms, and ensures these forms are fully completed.
Deel has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The 24/7 chat feature is helpful whenever I have questions. Creating background checks through Deel is straightforward.
We purchased Deel in the spring of 2024. Our company was expanding its contractor base and needed payroll software to streamline the process. Our goals included simplifying contractor onboarding and payment while allowing contractors to upload their timesheets.
We needed a platform that could support these tasks, answer questions along the way, and assist with tax filing. We used Deel for about two months before deciding to switch to a different platform.
I’m not a fan of the pricing model, as it charges for all contractors added, even if they haven’t been paid. It feels as though there is a fee associated with nearly every action. Contractors also often seem confused when uploading their timesheets.
I appreciate Deel’s customer service, especially the 24/7 chat feature. Other tools require calling during business hours, which can be inconvenient.
I suggest prioritizing ease of use, price, and potential hidden costs. Ask whether the tool charges for customer service inquiries, monthly fees, and how pricing is structured for each contractor or employee. Personally, I prefer not to pay for a contractor I haven’t actually paid yet.
The home page and navigation were recently updated and look improved, though I don’t find this to be a significant change.
Deel is suitable for established small businesses.
Deel may not be ideal for new small businesses. Due to various fees, costs can add up unexpectedly, which might be challenging for businesses aiming to manage expenses carefully while growing.
Homebase
We liked how Homebase enables users to run the same time-tracking workflow from a browser-based time clock, a dedicated tablet app, the mobile app, or even select POS systems, then roll those punches straight into auto-calculated timesheets. Beyond convenience, the platform adds strong guardrails that help managers spot missed breaks, handle waivers, and automate the payment of missed-break penalties.
PROS
- Multiple time clock options (mobile, tablet app, web browser, and select POS), useful for mixed onsite and remote teams.
- Automated timesheets calculate hours, breaks, overtime, tips, and multiple wage rates.
- Strong guardrails for time theft and compliance: geofencing, GPS snapshots, photo capture on tablet, early clock-in controls, and auto clock-outs.
- Breaks & Compliance settings include mandatory break reminders, break waivers, and (California-only) missed break penalties.
- Separate dashboards for managers and employees
- Real-time communication features allow for schedule changes on the move
- Requesting and approving paid time off is easy
- Great scheduling templates help managers streamline work
CONS
- Several “control” features are paywalled (e.g., mobile clock-in, GPS snapshots, and geofencing require Essentials or higher; shift photos require Plus or higher).
- Some capabilities have notable constraints (one geofence per location; Amazon Fire tablets unsupported for the tablet clock).
- Doesn’t support international businesses and those without hourly employees.
- Limited third-party integration support
- Additional features are somewhat expensive
Homebase positions its time tracking as an “easy button” for hourly small businesses, and the strongest evidence is how many ways teams can clock in: a web time clock on any browser, a dedicated tablet app (Time Clock by Homebase), mobile punch in/out with location controls, and even select POS time clocks (including systems like Clover, Square, Toast, and Lightspeed). Having a wide range is really important for small businesses managing a kiosk up front, a computer in the back, and need their managers to have the flexibility to move around.
We appreciate how Homebase handles timekeeping. In our test, the software automatically generated timesheets as we clocked in and out, tallying up breaks, overtime, tips, and different pay rates without any hassle. We found the tools for managers to prevent early clock-ins and set up auto clock-outs particularly helpful to keep labor costs in line with schedules and budgets.
When it comes to break rules, Homebase puts everything in one place and can manage whether breaks are paid or unpaid. According to feedback from some of Homebase's customers, we’ve been in touch with, the system enables them to add or waive missed breaks at clock-out and supports break penalty pay for staff located in California.
We also like the “cleanup” workflows, especially Assisted Clock In. If a\ worker forgets to clock in, they can just send their actual start time along with a note. Then, managers can either accept it, make changes, or send a message for any clarifications when they're reviewing.
However, the trade-off is that some of the most valuable controls, such as GPS snapshots and geofencing to verify location, and tablet “shift pictures” (photo capture at punch-in/out), are available only in higher tiers. If you go with the free Basic plan, keep in mind that you'll be able to access your time cards only for up to 3 months. Operationally, Assisted Clock In can streamline missed punch corrections, but it’s not universal: it’s limited to Plus and All-in-One (and explicitly unavailable for Clover customers).
Over 100,000 customers, including Fuzzy Goat Yarn Shop, The Blind Goat & Xin Chao, as well as Arthritis and Osteoporosis.
Homebase offers four main pricing tiers:
- Basic ($0/location/month, up to 10 employees) for fundamental scheduling/POS
- Essentials ($30/location/month, unlimited employees) adding advanced scheduling/team communication
- Plus ($70/location/month) including AI Scheduling, PTO, and departments
- All-in-One ($120/location/month) covering onboarding, labor cost management, and HR/compliance.
Payroll, Tip Manager, Background checks, Task Manager, Job post boosts, and Hiring Assistant are available as add-ons.
Best For
U.S.-based small businesses with hourly staff seeking straightforward clock-ins across devices and stronger break and timekeeping controls.
I utilize Homebase as a comprehensive scheduling solution for managing cleanings for my LLC's short-term rentals. The platform allows me to create and organize cleaning shifts for each property, ensuring that our units are consistently maintained to high standards and ready for guests' arrival.
With Homebase, we start by signing in and adding "Open Shifts" on any days we have turnovers for a given property. Then, based on each cleaning team member's availability (availability is shown within the app), we assign the shifts to prospective team members.
Homebase's user-friendly interface simplifies the scheduling process, allowing us to quickly make adjustments or reschedule shifts as needed.
- It is free! The free version of the app provides everything we need to solve our scheduling challenges.
- It is user-friendly. The web app is great for monthly scheduling, and the mobile app works for our team to view their shifts, etc.
- It was great that I could begin using it right away. There was no complicated onboarding process or steep learning curve.
I stumbled upon Homebase after a Google search looking for a scheduling tool. It has proven to be invaluable for coordinating the cleanings for my LLC's short-term rentals. Prior to using Homebase, we experienced significant challenges in efficiently managing and organizing the cleaning schedule for multiple properties with multiple members of our cleaning team. It was a time-consuming and error-prone process, resulting in delays and dissatisfaction among the team. We have used it for over three months now and have thoroughly enjoyed using the tool.
- The system sends a lot of automated notifications (app alerts, emails, text messages).
- There is a lot more functionality than we use it for, which is frustrating. We don't handle payroll, etc., through the app, but get notifications about these features all the time.
- Limited customization; I don't need an alert every time there is a scheduling "conflict" because oftentimes one employee will handle the turnover for multiple properties in a given day. I wish I could customize my views, alerts, etc., to better meet our needs.
I have never used other scheduling tools so I'm unsure how it compares.
One thing to think about is how you will handle communication and collaboration. Homebase's communication tools work adequately but aren't very robust. I sometimes get better responses from our team by just texting them, so consider how the tool facilitates communication and collaboration among team members. Look for features such as real-time notifications, messaging capabilities, and the ability to easily share schedule updates and changes.
No changes that I'm aware of.
It's hard to answer this, but it's worked great for us - a small team of people managing short-term rental properties with a small team of people handling the scheduled cleanings for these properties.
It's hard to answer this, but it probably would not be a good fit for an organization that does not have scheduling demands.
BambooHR
Extremely user friendly and full of HR features, Bamboo HR can help you save considerable amounts of time spent on time tracking. Automatic reminders, fast clock-in-clock-out for employees, one-click timesheet approval for managers.
PROS
- Time tracking capabilities, though offered as a separate module, are precise and easy to use.
- BambooHR’s multiple tiers and custom pricing models are good for diverse business needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability.
- With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, BambooHR provides a straightforward tool that can be easily navigated and utilized by HR pros of all levels.
- Integrates with several payroll and accounting systems, providing a streamlined process for U.S.-based employees to ensure efficient and error-free payroll management.
- Flexible packaging and custom pricing is the way they roll. You can pick out one or two packages and pick other modules as add-ons based on your needs.
- Very simple and straightforward tool, easy to use.
CONS
- Options for non-U.S. employees are limited, which may pose challenges for multinational companies.
- Customer support availability is restricted to U.S. business hours, potentially causing delays and difficulties for businesses operating in different time zones.
- Time tracking is offered only as an add-on, and the same goes for some advanced scheduling features.
- The reporting and analytics capabilities for time tracking data are somewhat limited in BambooHR, which may hinder in-depth analysis and insights for workforce management.
- Payroll is only available for US-based employees
- Customer support is only offered during US business hours.
- Some modules like time tracking, performance management, and surveys are only available as add-ons.
BambooHR is a cloud-based SaaS HR platform for all types of businesses. They automate many of the HR functions, and can help make HR tasks simple and fast. As an add-on, they offer a robust time and attendance platform, which includes a clock-in/clock-out functionality, timesheets and paid time off tracking. Bamboo HR’s easy to use platform is great for those that are looking to track project hours for salaried employees, or utilize a platform for hourly workers.
Among the 20,000+ companies that use BambooHR, you’d find names like Quora, Universal Group, Reddit, Asana, Change.org, University of Maryland, Grammarly, Stance, Postmates, Wistia, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and ZipRecruiter.
Pricing is not disclosed upfront, but they do offer a free trial of their all-in-one software and then go out of their way to find a version that will suit you. Before they come up with a personalized quote that will align with your budget, however, they are also likely to extend your free trial upon request or even give you a free demo of the advanced features.
Best For
BambooHR is ideal for companies seeking a highly customizable HR product with flexible pricing options. Its popularity is particularly evident among teams that operate partially or fully remotely, as BambooHR efficiently addresses the need for effective time and attendance management in such environments.
We primarily use BambooHR for payroll and internal HR processes. It consolidates various HR functions into one platform, making it easier to manage workflows, merit increases, and communication during site closures. The system also helps track employee performance and manage compensation reviews, streamlining our overall HR operations. Additionally, we use it for onboarding and recruiting, as it simplifies job postings across multiple platforms. The integrated features create a consistent candidate experience, making the hiring process more efficient.
- It is easy to use, allowing users to quickly become proficient without extensive training.
- The setup process is simple, ensuring a hassle-free installation.
- It offers a variety of features, providing flexibility for different HR needs.
One of the key issues we aimed to address was the need for better support for our internal team. We required a system that would provide reliable assistance whenever needed.
Previously, we used ADP, which offered various features, but its customer service was lacking. This often left our team feeling frustrated, especially during critical times when timely support was essential.
In contrast, BambooHR made it easy to get assistance and resolve issues quickly. Their responsive customer support significantly improved our experience, allowing us to navigate challenges more efficiently. Additionally, the platform was simple to install and use, with an intuitive interface that helped our team transition smoothly.
- Many useful features require additional payments, which can increase costs.
- The billing structure works well for smaller organizations but may become expensive as employee counts grow.
I find BambooHR to be more intuitive and accessible than other HR platforms, which can often feel clunky or overly complex. Its user-friendly interface allows me to work more efficiently with fewer obstacles, making the overall experience more enjoyable.
The number of employees in an organization is a key consideration, as pricing can increase significantly with a larger workforce. It’s also important to assess which features are necessary and which ones can be omitted to manage costs effectively. Identifying essential tools ahead of time can help keep monthly expenses reasonable.
BambooHR has continuously improved by listening to user feedback and adding features that enhance usability and efficiency. These updates have made the platform even more valuable for HR teams.
BambooHR is ideal for HR professionals and organizations looking to streamline recruitment, improve employee engagement, and manage workforce operations efficiently.
BambooHR may not be the best fit for sales teams or organizations primarily focused on direct sales activities, as it is designed for HR and workforce management rather than sales tracking.
UKG
UKG Ready (formerly Kronos) enables efficiency by simplifying routine time and attendance tasks. It also helps HR professionals improve compliance and mitigate risk with automatic updates.
PROS
- Vast experience in people tech with UKG Pro HR solution.
- Comprehensive toolset with UKG Pro for HRMS and UKG Ready for workforce management.
- Administrators have the power to configure user group visibility within the system.
- The Ultimate Community provides on-demand information and fosters connections among UKG Pro users.
- Includes an iOS app and an Android app.
- Super robust product, packing years of experience with HCM and Workforce Management technology
- Since they offer UKG Pro for HRMS and UKG Ready for workforce management, you could arrive at a combination of products that suits many of your HR needs from the same set of tools.
CONS
- May lack a unique selling point or specific focus for niche businesses.
- The Android app has some bugs when logging in and accessing timecards.
- Relatively expensive, particularly for teams with limited budgets.
- Broad range of solutions may not suit those seeking a few specific use cases.
- Compared to newer tools, UKG Pro and UKG Ready tend to miss a unique selling point or a specific focus on a certain type of business. While they work great for bigger companies in all sorts of industries, very niche operations might have a hard time adapting to the tool.
- Similarly, UKG offers many solutions under one umbrella, so it's not the best fit if you're looking for only a handful of specific use cases.
Formerly known as Kronos, UKG Ready stands out as a well-established time and attendance tool for its ability to streamline routine tasks and enhance compliance for HR professionals. It aims to drive efficiencies and mitigate risks with its automatic updates and simplified processes.
One highlight is the ease of configurability for administrators who need to assign user group visibility within the system. This level of control allows organizations to tailor permission— a big plus for teams looking to maintain solid data security.
The abundance of features can make navigation overwhelming. However, the Ultimate Community has been a valuable resource as we explored UKG. We were able to access vendor and user-made product instructions by browsing previous conversations and asking other users for their product knowledge.
We also appreciate that UKG provides an iOS and an Android app that enhances accessibility and convenience for employees, especially ones that usually work onsite. However, logging in and accessing timecards on the time clock app isn’t always easy and occasional bugs prove to be a source of frustration.
The price range for UKG Ready is out of reach for teams with limited budgets. Since the software doesn’t publish its pricing, it's crucial to get on a demo with sales to weigh the cost against your organization's specific needs.
Tesla, Marriott, Yamaha, Aramark, Puma, Sony Music, Samsung.
- Our research indicates that licenses for UKG Pro begin at around $600.00 per year for every 5 users.
Best For
UKG Pro can be a sound option for companies in many different industries looking to track the hours and attendance of both salaried and hourly employees in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia/Pacific.
I use UKG daily. It is used for performance reviews and performance improvement plans. Grievances and corrective actions are tracked in the system. UKG provides a way to send out employee communications or policies and then obtain employee certification that they have read and understood them. The survey tool is beneficial for targeted or company-wide surveys as well as exit interviews. The ticketing system is used to address any related questions or needs.
I appreciate how easy it is to complete the I-9 verification process through UKG. Employee communications are streamlined and can be sent to targeted audiences using employee attributes. The survey tool comes with survey templates that are easy to modify for our needs.
It was important to have a tool that could easily allow us to conduct and track performance reviews, manage employee grievances or corrective actions, collect and submit government-required information (EEOC), automate onboarding, and conduct I-9 verification. We lacked a way to track HR-related requests, identify who was responsible for addressing them, and monitor how long it took HR to respond. We did not have an easy way to track or schedule people-related communications. Our employees had to go to multiple areas to access people-related information. UKG addressed all of these needs and more. I have used UKG for more than a year now.
It is not easy to modify certain areas of UKG to fit our needs. UKG is designed to be very standardized and somewhat basic, which can be a problem for companies that need a more agile system. The survey tool is a bit clunky, and the data reporting is harder than I would like it to be. Reports from the system in general are difficult to run. Responses to issues or needs are sometimes lacking.
UKG is a great mid-range tool. It provides enough flexibility and automation to be helpful but isn’t overwhelming in its offerings either.
Evaluate what systems you wish to link to UKG. Some of these are easy and some are not. Make sure you understand your HR workflows and the gaps you’re trying to fill. This will make the startup process with UKG much smoother.
We are relatively new in our use of the tool, so its evolution over time is not yet obvious.
UKG is perfect for small, medium, or large organizations that would benefit from automation, templates, and a ticketing system.
UKG would likely be too robust for very small organizations or those that do not have an established HR department.
nettime solutions
stratustime by nettime solutions integrates well with hundred of devices, payroll systems, and HR platforms. Use this simple software to scale your business in a seamless way.
PROS
CONS
nettime solution’s stratustime is a time and attendance platform that is cloud based and helps companies increase efficiency and make informed workplace decisions. Employees can clock in and out, and request time off. Admins and managers can view dashboards that have labor cost, and wag requirement information. It can also be integrated with many various payroll platforms. This is a great solution for small businesses, at just $4 per month per employee.
University of Pennsylvania, HomeExchange.com, Bossier Parish Library.
The pricing of nettime solutions’ plans and services isn’t listed on their website. Contact their sales team for a price quote.
Best For
Companies looking for a time and attendance software with compensatory time tracking and geofencing capabilities.
Clockify
Clockify allows you to not only track hours but also apps and websites to later create time entries. Clockify's features are wide ranging – you can track time, get graphical reports, set hourly rates. And best of all, it's free.
PROS
- Clockify offers unlimited time tracking for free, for any number of projects.
- Users have praised the software’s ease of use. There really isn’t any hardcore learning required to get a hand of it.
- Open API functionality for custom solutions
- The product is available on all mobile devices (android, iPhone), desktop (windows, mac, linux), and as a web app.
CONS
- Basic project management features. You can only create assign and sort. No deep features like visualization (kanban boards, gantt chart, etc.) or scheduling to maximize team capacity.
- It can get glitchy when the internet connection times out.
Clockify is a simplified, free time tracking timesheet application that allows companies to track team hours and projects. It allows users to keep track of employees timesheets, billable hours, and schedules, as well as generate reports. Clockify integrates with several different technology platforms, such as Jira and Asana, which is a great solution for those looking for a simple solution that is efficient and easy to use.
Atlassian, Google, Amazon, HP, Cisco, IBM, American Express.
Clockify offers a free plan with unlimited users and core features like time tracking, timesheets, kiosk mode, reports, and mobile apps. Paid plans add more control and compliance features: Basic starts at $3.99 per seat per month (billed annually) and introduces breaks, approvals, audits, and export customization, while Standard at $5.49 per seat adds attendance and overtime tracking, time-off management, invoicing, and locking time entries. Teams needing scheduling, GPS tracking, or labor cost insights can upgrade to Pro ($7.99 per seat), and Enterprise ($11.99 per seat) adds security features like SSO and audit logs.
Best For
Companies of all sizes as well as individuals looking for an easy-to-use, affordable and multi-access time tracking solution.
Clockify is used daily as some Freelance workers are weekend employees. We used it to organize each employee for each project to properly bill the client. We were a National Delivery Service company and each employee, i.e., the recruiter for a certain region, was able to track their time. By seeing what area took each person a certain amount of time to recruit, we were able to better schedule and hire. We were able to use the GPS tracking on the drivers as well which allowed management to confirm the time spent on each route. The clockify dashboard made it easy to pull reports to send to the Owners so they could manage each project with ease.
I like that each employee was able to enter their time spent on individual projects/regions set. The easy flow of the mobile app or desktop made it extremely simple to have new hires begin using it. Customer service was kind and very helpful. The various reports were also beneficial from an accounting, organization as well as management point of view.
We purchased Clockify to streamline the management of multiple freelance employees and have been using it for about 2 years. Clockify was a good tool to implement so users could accurately track their time down to the minutes. It also gave the accounting manager a more streamlined approach to organize the many freelancers on each project. It was used to organize each project to know exactly what labor was being used where and when. Customer service had always been very friendly and approachable as well. The ability to link Google calendars was beneficial for meetings and keeping everyone on the same page daily. It was a great tool to keep projects and employees organized and on task.
Sometimes, the mobile app would get "glitchy" when the internet isn’t strong. It could be a great tool to utilize if scheduling could be entered and implemented. A big con was the inability to track phone calls made by recruiters.
This would be a great option for smaller companies since it is very inexpensive to use. I prefer using 7shifts or Toast in the larger projects though as Clockify is a little too simple.
Buyers should consider the invoicing capabilities and how important to their company it is. It should also be considered that this is a Windows based program and the compatibility may not be for everyone. The lack of schedule changing or implementation may also be an important factor to take into consideration.
I liked how the calendar and the schedule syncing was updated as well as the project milestone was implemented. I feel they are keeping up to date with competitors.
Any business freelance or remote workers are a big part of.
Companies where computers or smartphones are not accessible.
ZoomShift
Designed for hourly employees, ZoomShift has helped 20,000+ small businesses in saving time and money. ZoomShift is incredibly user friendly; It lets you easily make schedule, add staff, and view the summary of each hour.
PROS
- Manage staff scheduling on the move
- Color-coded schedules
- Forecast labor costs and hours with ease
CONS
- Updates too often for an employee scheduling software, which some customers may find confusing
- Some reports indicates that the tool tends to crashes and disconnects from the server
- Accidentally deleted shifts cannot be retrieved
ZoomShift is an employee scheduling software designed for hourly employees. It allows for better time management so that milestones can be easily viewed and you schedule work in minutes. Employees can clock-in for assigned shifts using the web time clock or mobile time clock and management can edit timesheets on the fly from the free iOS and Android apps.
ZoomShift will help you to keep your team on the same page, you can invite your team to check their schedule and manage their availability. The drag and drop schedule builder makes it extremely easy for you to create your schedule. You also have the option to share the schedule via text, email to remind your team and keep them updated.
Plus, the app communication features allows for real-time discussion between team members to increase productivity, and improve the quality of work.
Ace Hardware, Amazon, Holiday Inn, Walgreens, ClearWater Outdoor.
ZoomShift offers a 14-day free trial and 3 paid plans:
- Essentials is free for up to 20 users and covers basic scheduling and team communication but does not include time tracking.
- Starter costs $2 per active user per month and introduces core time and attendance features such as timesheets, a time clock, payroll reports, PTO and break tracking, and calendar sync, making it suitable for growing hourly teams.
- Premium priced at $4 per active user per month, adds advanced attendance controls including geofenced clock-ins, overtime warnings, clock-in restrictions, schedule-versus-timesheet comparisons, and audit history, along with priority support and onboarding assistance.
Best For
Companies across different industries looking to track and manage their employee’s working hours, attendance, as well as shifts.
ZoomShift was used regularly for scheduling employees. Managers used it to assign shifts and check clock-in and clock-out times. This helped reduce questions about hours worked. It was also used when preparing payroll, since time was already recorded. I mainly used it to review schedules and attendance. It was part of normal day-to-day operations.
- ZoomShift is easy to use.
- Scheduling and time tracking are in one place.
- It does not take long to learn.
My organization started using ZoomShift to help with employee scheduling and attendance tracking. Before that, much of the scheduling was done manually, which caused occasional issues. It wasn’t always easy to keep things consistent.
ZoomShift gave us a single place to view schedules and employee hours. It also helped keep time records organized for payroll purposes. I’ve personally used ZoomShift for less than a year.
- ZoomShift is limited compared to larger tools.
- Reporting features are basic.
- There is not much room for customization.
ZoomShift is more basic than many other tools. It focuses on scheduling and attendance without many extra features. This makes it easier to use, but also more limited. Other platforms offer more options for larger teams.
People should consider how many employees they need to schedule. They should also think about whether detailed reports or integrations are important. If the organization is growing quickly, this may not be the best long-term option.
I have not seen any major changes while using ZoomShift. It seems mostly the same. The platform does appear to still be in development.
Small businesses or small teams with simple scheduling needs can benefit from ZoomShift.
Larger organizations with complex scheduling or reporting needs require more robust tools than ZoomShift.
Benefits of Time and Attendance Software
There are many benefits to using a time and attendance platform. We’ve listed some of these below.
- Increased accuracy and efficiency: Time and Attendance software can help improve overall efficiency and productivity. Within a single database, you’ll only have to enter employee information once, which will flow through various stages of your employee lifecycle, which can reduce the need for importing and exporting data.
- Access to a wider pool of talent: Implementing consistent time tracking best practices will make it easier to hire outside of your usual talent pool as remote workers can now be managed more efficiently. When used in combination with services like EOR companies, time and attendance software can help you build a global presence with relatively little effort.
- Automate your processes: Many systems have alerts and notifications that can proactively give employees reminders when employees are nearing overtime. This can notify managers for those in hourly shifts or positions that they need to better address overtime, or better manage their schedule. There can also be alerts that show when an employee has clocked in or out for the day.
- Improved bottom line: when you are using a modem platform, work hours are recorded in real time, which decreases opportunity for manual error. They can also cut down on time theft and things like buddy punching, which help improve your bottom line.
- Avoid tax, payroll and compliance issues: having a time and attendance platform that can help ensure that employees are being paid properly, and decrease any potential issues from a tax or compliance standpoint. Many benefits, such as vacation and overtime are tied to hours worked helps also ensure HR efficiency and compliance.
- Track projects and tasks: some platforms let users track hours for specific tasks or projects, which can be helpful for those that are looking to bill clients for specific tasks, specifically those in the corporate world - such as consultants and lawyers.
- Improve employee engagement and visibility: with time and attendance platforms, you can give your employees access to their schedules through an online profile or sometimes even a mobile time clock app. Your staff should be able to check their own schedule, view the schedule of coworkers or view available PTO time. Many platforms also allow employees to submit time off requests, which will then route directly to a manager. This can empower employees to have control over their own schedule, and increase engagement with any platform.
- Better scheduling: managers can view, build and access employees schedules to ensure there is coverage across the board. With a time and attendance platform you can start to enforce your attendance policy, and log the hours that your staff works (whether they are hourly or salaried). With robust analytics and reporting, this also makes it easy to assign shifts and cut down on employee issues of absenteeism.
- Reporting and analytics are your fingertips: real-time reporting helps you review and monitor your staff attendance. You can have easy access to schedules, see who is in your office or on the floor, and know who is off. This is beneficial for those that are managing shift based schedules or creating future schedules.
How to Choose Time and Attendance Software
To choose the best time and attendance software for your business comes down to fit: how your team tracks time today, the level of compliance and control you need, how well the system integrates with payroll or HR tools, and whether it can scale as your workforce grows.
- Do we need a standalone tool or an all-in-one platform? First, decide whether your team needs a standalone time and attendance tool that integrates with payroll or HR software, or an all-in-one platform that bundles time tracking with scheduling, payroll, or HRIS features. Standalone tools are often simpler and easier to replace, while all-in-one systems reduce tool sprawl but are harder to switch later.
- How does your team track time today? Map your current process before comparing vendors. Understand how employees clock in, who approves time, how edits are handled, and where data flows for payroll. Teams with simple workflows may need only basic tracking, while multi-location or shift-based teams often benefit from controls like geofencing, overtime alerts, and approval rules.
- What compliance risks do you need to manage? Compliance should factor heavily into your decision. Features such as break tracking, audit trails, edit histories, and overtime warnings help reduce wage-and-hour risk, particularly for hourly and frontline teams.
- How many employees and locations do you need to support? Practical constraints matter. Consider how many employees and locations you need to track, whether worksites have reliable internet access, and whether you’ll rely on mobile apps, kiosks, or physical clocks. Pricing usually scales with headcount and locations, so growth plans like seasonal hiring or expansion should be considered upfront.
- Will employees and managers actually use this tool? Ease of use is critical. Even capable systems fail if employees struggle to clock in or managers avoid approving time. Free trials are especially useful here, since they reveal friction that feature lists don’t.
- What level of support will you need long-term? Finally, look beyond features to ongoing support. If you don’t have in-house IT resources, vendor support quality, documentation, and integration reliability can matter as much as the software itself.
How Much Does Time and Attendance Software Cost?
Here are the different pricing models you can expect to see from various Time and Attendance Systems. Many companies have different pricing structures depending on what the product offers. We’ve broken out some of the various options below:
- Employees/User: Many companies charge on a monthly basis per user. For example, if you have 20 employees, you may pay a fee X per employee per month.
- By Month: Many platforms use a monthly pricing model that includes a base fee plus a per-employee cost. Some companies may also offer a flat fee.
- Annually: Some companies bill annually for a subscription.
Pro Tip: Know which companies charge for integrations and those that don’t. For example, some companies may charge for a direct integration or an API with a payroll platform.
Pro Tip 2: Many Time and Attendance companies offer discounts as part of their pricing model.
Pro Tip 3: Most software companies will require at least a one-year contract, although some may offer month-to-month. Ask this up front, so you know what you are committing to.
Overall Cost
Time and Attendance systems can cost anywhere between $240 – $1,600 for a monthly subscription, depending on the number of employees and the product suite. This also varies with the time tracking services, integrations, and any hardware associated.
A time and Attendance system can be very affordable with some of the basics.
What to budget:
Small companies can opt into a basic time tracking system for a small investment of $1000 or less. For companies with less than 25 employees, basic time clocks or a timekeeping platform can be implemented for around $500 to $750 (with implementation fees included). For more complex software and additional hardware, this could run from $2000 - $4000 for companies with around 25 to 150 employees.
Mid market - enterprise: For larger companies, they can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 - $100,000 depending on the customization and need. This depends on employee count and total location count. Implementation fees can cost anywhere from $300 - $500, with hardware costing an additional $500 to $1,000 that can be purchased or rented for a monthly fee.
Features to Look for in Time and Attendance Software
The best time and attendance software platforms should offer clock-in and clock-out, timesheets, leave management, time accruals, reporting, and employee scheduling.
- Clocking in and out: This is a must-have for time and attendance - employees must be able to track time, clock in, record breaks, and clock out when the workday is done. This can be done using either card readers, pins, or personalized employee numbers. Devices for clocking in and clocking out can be at a punch station (tablet), on a computer, or a mobile device.
- Timesheets: Any basic timekeeping software should have an electronic timesheets within the software that includes all time entries for the corresponding pay period. These can be found on a dashboard, or on an individual’s profile.
- Leave management: Leave or time off management is a key aspect of time and attendance. There should be some standard level of time off tracking, such as having employees taking a half day, tracking sick time, or being able to add this onto timesheets.
- Time accruals: Some time and attendance platforms automatically record time off and accrue work hours on employee profiles based on rules set up on the back end. This is important for employees to view how much time they have available and can take off for any associated vacation or sick time.
- Reporting: Supporting the creation and maintenance of accurate record keeping and reporting is key for any time and attendance platform, and key for any HR activities within an organization. There should be basic reports, such as a total number of hours, overtime, and time off for employees, as well as data exports to CSV and Excel.
- Mobile/cloud-based: A cloud-based solution is key because it allows you and your staff to access your timekeeping platform anywhere. This often includes a browser integration, which means a device can be used to punch in without an app. Mobile and cloud support can help those who are remote time tracking and clocking hours, making it especially helpful for businesses with onsite and remote employees.
- Employee profiles: employees should be able to log in via their browser or the application to view time, clock in and out, view attendance records, and view schedules. This also encourages employees to take ownership of their own schedules.
- Manager dashboard: Most platforms offer a dashboard accessible to managers to approve time or time recorded for the week or pay period. The dashboard may include employees who report to them or those who are in their location. This often includes search functionality that lets managers view profiles and check hours for those who report to them.
- Scheduling: Having the option to schedule employee shifts is key to an efficient time-and-attendance tracking solution. This may include assigning employees shifts or creating an electronic schedule that employees can view.
Nice-to-haves:
- Biometric attendance: This is great for large workforces and for those with clock-in and clock-out functionality. This helps reduce the risk of fraud by using employee fingerprints or a personal identification number to authenticate clock-in and clock-out.
- Alerts: Most platforms will have automated alerts that notify recipients of missed punches or of approaching overtime.
- Integrations w/ calendars: many platforms that offer scheduling functionality also integrate with Google, Outlook, and more.
- Overtime tracking: Many systems have overtime settings, which are crucial for tracking hourly employees. These settings allow you to set a work week for the corresponding overtime requirements, such as overtime for a 40-hour work week or daily overtime.
- Payroll integration: Some time and attendance platforms offer payroll within the platform, or allow integration with an external payroll solution. There should be some level of integration that will pull through directly into your payroll processing dashboard. This may cost extra, but it will save lots of time and effort.
- Timeclock devices: Some platforms offer tablets and other devices for punching in and out. For those looking for a punch station, these devices can often be installed on-site by the company.
Questions To Ask Time and Attendance Vendors On Demos
Here are several questions we think every HR/Management team should be asking vendors while on demos:
- Can you clock in and out on a tablet or mobile device?
- Do you need an installer to add?
- What types of internet browsers does this run on?
- Can you export data to payroll/HRIS?
- Can you export data and run reports?
- How does clocking and clocking out work? What data do employees need to have when clocking in and out (i.e. employee number)?
- Is payroll included?
- Do you have an open API?
- What types of reporting functionality do you have?
- Do you have different types of security permissions based on roles?
- How do you approve time?
- Can employees access via an App? Is there mobile functionality?
- Are there any workflows or alerts?
- What types of security do you have in your system?
- Are there additional costs and setup fees per location?
- Does your platform require that we install anything?
- Can any custom PTO policies be tracked or set up?
- Are PTO accruals automated?
- Can you track tips?
- Is there a timesheet dashboard to view hours?
- Does the system include daily, weekly, and seventh day overtime?
- Can the system handle hourly and salaried employees?
- Does the system include the reports you require?
- Does the system include public holidays?
- Can the system handle sick and vacation accruals?
- Can the Administrator add, edit, and delete employee time punches?
- Can employees view their own timecard?
- Can employees request time off from within the system?
- Can the system round employee time punches?
There are many different types of customization within various platforms. It’s important that you ask questions up front based on your needs. Make sure you find a software that meets your needs efficiently, whether you need something focused on time and attendance solely, or need a platform that includes this functionality, and additional HR tools.
Common Terms to Know:
Here are some common terms to know when looking for a Time and Attendance platform.
- Overtime Tracking: Overtime tracking is a must for all time and attendance platforms; it typically allows you to track hours outside of the standard overtime rules and regulations by state.
- Flexible Pay Periods: This allows you to customize the start and end time (i.e., Monday - Sunday).
- 24 Hour Shift: For employees who are able to work time periods of longer than 24 hours without being required to clock in or out.
- Shift Swap Features: Employees can switch shifts through a timekeeping platform (great for hourly employees).
- Badge Terminal Systems: When a system uses badges or cards for access in order to clock in and out.
- Alerts and notifications: This refers to notifications or alerts around policies, or reminders on when schedules have changed or it’s time to clock in and out (these may vary across each software platform).
- Managing permissions: This allows you to restrict access to various platform areas based on role.
- Timecard: Displays each employee's attendance, including the time clocked in and clocked out.
- Geofencing: Tracking employees’ location via GPS and only allowing them to clock in from a specific area
- Group clock-ins: The ability for multiple employees to punch in using one device
- Time clock kiosk or tablet: This is a designated tablet that acts as a time clock device for punching in and out.
- Hardware: The electronic equipment you may need to get your time-tracking system up and running, including clock-in devices such as barcode or biometric scanners. This is not always necessary if you aren’t tracking hours of employees on-site.
- Software: This includes all of the cloud-based functionality for time and attendance, such as the ability to record, organize, and store employee hours.
Time and Attendance Software FAQs
What is time and attendance software?
Time and attendance software is designed to be a virtual punch card for your employees, where both the employer and employees can keep track of hours worked.
Why should you use time and attendance software?
You should use a time and attendance software because it increases accuracy and efficiency, improves your bottom line, automates processes, avoids compliance issues, tracks projects and tasks, improves engagement, and provides reporting and analytics.
What features does time and attendance software provide?
Key features of time and attendance software include clocking in and out, timesheet creation, leave management, time accruals, reporting, mobile apps, employee profiles, manager dashboards and scheduling, alerts, and integration with calendars.
Time and Attendance Software Trends
There are many trends on the horizon that are worth noting when evaluating time clock software. Some significant trends are:
- Mobile devices: Most companies have a mobile app that allows employees to clock in and out on their devices.
- Cloud-based systems: These are becoming increasingly commonplace for software companies. The benefit is that it allows employees to record and monitor time through devices they are already familiar with. It also allows for accurate time and attendance data to be captured and recorded in real time, with both managers and employees being able to make adjustments as needed.
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