6 Cool Tools to Track Your Time
If you’re a freelancer, chances are you need to track your time in order to bill your clients. And that can be a major hassle.
You might also be a mobile freelancer, like me, who uses multiple computers and wants to be able to work from anywhere. In that case, a web-based time tracker might be the way to go. You want something easy to use, cheap, with a nice interface. Preferably even fun to use.
Whatever your needs, here are 6 of the coolest tools for tracking your time. Most of them aren’t free, but then the best tools often aren’t.
1. Toggl. Nice interface, simple to use, and there’s both a web version and now a downloadable version (Windows only). And it’s free. Nuff said.
2. Tick. Very slick interface. A simple web-based interface, easy to use (after configuration), and fast. Pretty much all you’re looking for.
3. Harvest. One of the nicest interfaces around, Harvest is definitely a professional package. It works well for teams, it has project estimates, some great reports, and as a web app it’s available from anywhere. Like most of these apps, it has a pricing plan from free to premium.
4. Cashboard. The interface isn’t as slick as the first three on this list, but it does have some very useful and detailed features that go beyond tracking time, including producing and tracking invoices, keeping track of accounts and clients, producing estimates, and more.
5. FreshBooks. A slightly older-looking interface, when compared to the first few items on this list, but it’s a basic product that definitely gets the job done. If integrates with invoicing software which is useful when you’re billing by the hour.
6. yaTimer. The only app on this list that’s not available for the web, yaTimer is a downloadable desktop app. It’s also probably the simplest of the apps on this list, doing simple time tracking and not much else. For those with basic needs, it’s perfect.
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This review is great but I prefer desktop applications like Toggl though it has a few disadvantages I’ve already found after using it for 2 minutes. Online registration is not what I’m looking for. My list of user names are a way big to add a new line their
There are two applications you can be interested in reviewing too. This is not spam but just quick googling: GI Time tracker and TimeCult
I think it really depends on what type of business you have and what you need time tracking for. Desktop time tracking is important if you want to track everything in real time and want to make sure that your time is tracked accurately. Most time tracking software and websites are flawed, I wrote a whole article on it, search for “time tracking flawed” in Google to see why.
If you are looking for a simple online timer that also works on the iPad I recommend http://ipadstopwatch.com/timer.html
MrTickTock works very well on the iPad: track time with start/stop button, change task order with drag & drop, page size designed for small displays, etc.
You can try it at http://mrticktock.com.
A timer works but time tracking software should really have a way to store a record of how long you worked for and what on, and ideally some way to get that back out too. Otherwise you might as well use a sheet of paper and your watch.
If you are looking for a nice desktop application you should try http://www.timetrack.eu – really simple to use and it’s for free
Denys you make a nice point I also have used Toggl earlier but now they have become quite costly, so have switched to a cheaper but equally good option Talygen (http://www.talygen.com) it is cost effective for me and my small team and has web, desktop and mobile options so I can track time whereever I go. Only thing their blackberry app, which I was looking forward to is delayed. This is something I use I also would not like to spam.
My favorite is Slim Timer – very simple, very easy.
I’ve been using SlimTimer with a small workgroup. I enter the projects and give 4 others permissions to enter time. After using this for about a year and a half, it is working great and I can instantly run reports on total times for each project.
I second Binny VA on Slim Timer
I’ve started using simple and free Google Spreadsheets to track client time. Why? My current client likes to keep tabs on his project and Google Spreadsheets allows me to share a read only version. My client can “check in” anytime. Plus, I can get to my timesheet for that project from anywhere. Not its original intent I know, but it’s a simple little hack.
Keep up the great work.
Would you be willing to share the template for your time tracker?
Did you ever give out a template to your timesheet?
I have tried all free and trial time sheets for iPhone I could get my hands on yet did not find a single app that was an acceptable solution.
Reasons compiled and prioritised (from the top of my head):
1. App looks messy and complicated – interface not neat, smooth and simple. Some even had horrific colour schemes, like screaming orange.
2. Functionality is not flexible enough and not integrated enough (like have to first go into a project folder, then out and into a sub folder that measures and aspect of the project)
3. Can’t be exported into Excel
4. Too expensive
5. No proper stop watch (shouldn’t look like a massive stop watch that needs to be open so I can use nothing else on my phone, just discretely count the hours somewhere in the background)
I can recommend http://www.xperttimer.com/ (its a desktop application).
+1 for slimtimer.com
I use the donationware downloadable ap called TimeStamp. http://www.syntap.com/products_timestamp.htm
It’s easy to use, exports, tracks as many clients as you wish, and more. I save a separate time file for each client in a separate folder for each month and then when I do my invoicing, I simply enter the time into my accounting software (Microsoft Office Accounting Express, free) and I done.
Easy deal.
Lance
For an all out client management system, including time tracking.. I am a big fan of Billings. I believe it’s a Mac only app (not sure) but it’s excellent in keeping track of everything. It’s not web based but my laptop is strapped to my back at all times anyways.
Another vote for SlimTimer – suprised it wasn’t on this list. I couldn’t live without it. So easy to use and kicks out all the reports I need, whether detailed or aggregate.
Yesterday I started to use Work Timer (for mac users): http://www.gersh.no/projects/worktimer
So far I think it’s very nice and handy (and free!).
Håkan from Sweden
I’m actually involved with creating a project management system for my current employer. These are excellent sources of motivation. I love their look and feel way more than the boring suit-n-tie feel of Microsoft Project. Thanks for putting together the list!
I use SlimTimer too, and I learned about it here, so I was also surprised not to see it on the list.
I am surprised to see only Windows based applications – this is not Windows-only site does it? There are a lot of freelancers working on a Mac. It would be nice to see tools for the Mac also…
I exclusively use Taskcapture ($79) http://www.captureworks.com/taskcapture.html
Can be installed on 2 PC’s (ie desktop and laptop)
It paid for itself the same day. I track everything from 5 minute conversations to email replies. All that stuff adds up quick and keeps you honest. I’ll check these other tools, too.
I have been using Fanurio. It’s free if you maintain less than 20 clients.
http://www.fanuriotimetracking.com/
It is available for windows and OSX.
I’ve gotten used to Fanurio too. But now I have an iPhone, and there’s no app.
I’m thinking of building an app myself.
MrTickTock is going to release Android app in two weeks. There is also a plan for an iPhone app.
Web interface is really nice. It still does not contain few important features but the development is going forward.
I too am shocked that so far, it’s been mostly Windows. I thought that the majority of designers are Mac based.
Why would you assume this? The only thing a mac provides is less software options, and less general options. It is incorrect to think a pc or lappy has less memory or processing power than a mac. In fact, the price/performance ratio is way against macs.
Keep the (freeware) apps coming! I’ve coincidently been searching for time managements apps all day yesterday. This one really isn’t for projects, but it keeps track of your internet browsing time to keep you in check. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5168
Some stopwatch type programs I’ve been using…
Multi Timer:
http://www.programming.de/freeware_windows.php
Mini Timer:
http://soucek.clearwire.net/filetrac.html
Please keep the links coming for what you use, I’ll try all the free ones out when I have some time. haaahaha
I may sound like an old stick in a mud here, but I use good old QuickBooks for all aspects of managing my business (from sales to invoices and taxes) and it has a time tracker built in. Makes it easier for me to have it all in one place.
If you rely on iCal, the following application works very well in tandem with it, it uses your iCal data to tally time spent on projects and then you can associate rates with that time and use that data to calculate billings: TimeLog http://www.mediaatelier.com/TimeLog/
OfficeTime for Mac is the way to go; been using it for years. Also generates nice reports as well as invoices (though I use QuickBooks for that). Worth more than the $40.00 price.
http://www.officetime.net/download.html
One of the greater features of Harvest is the widgets, provided for Mac and Windows. Brings time tracking to a brand new level funkiness
As the rare Linux user, I use Stopwatch which is both cross platform, open source and uses templates for reports. I’ve made a few minor modifications myself, and intend to customize the interface to my needs…but it gets the job done as is so I’ve never really found the time to get started:)
https://stopwatch.dev.java.net/
I’ve never used Stopwatch.
I’m on Linux most of the time and I use Hamster. It’s simple and that keeps it fast to use: just type the name of the task and tag it with the name of the project. The only thing I don’t like is that the reports export as HTML. But I just take a screenshot of the report graph and send the cropped image to my client, so it works for me.
I would add mite. But it’s German. I love it!
Great overview!
In the past I have been using On the Job (http://www.stuntsoftware.com/OnTheJob/)
It doesn’t do all the bells and whistles, but it is enough for the average freelance. And most importantly, the interface is usable and not completely cluttered up like in so many other time-tracking-applications.
I would never used something web-based for time tracking, I use on the job. It is very simple but also has useful cool extras such as asking if you want to subtract the time when your computer goes idle with a clock running.
I’ve been using Fanurio. $49 one-time fee with free upgrades. Invoicing, time-tracking, and client management. It’s simple and I love that there isn’t a subscription fee like a lot of the stuff out there.
http://www.fanuriotimetracking.com/
Hey Leo,
A one-stop-shop for the freelancer is oDesk (http://www.odesk.com). For those of you not familiar with the site, oDesk is a global marketplace for remote work. The best part is that once you find a job on oDesk (there are thousands of jobs posted there each month), oDesk’s Team software keeps track of your time and automatically sends your logged time to the oDesk site. Through oDesk, your client’s credit card is charged every week and you can get your paycheck automatically deposited into your account. There are no membership fees and no fees to download any of their software. For more information on their time-keeping tools or how oDesk works, check out http://www.odesk.com.
~Michelle, oDesk
I wrote about this topic on August 27 — my list contains some other apps that do timetracking as well:
http://julianschrader.de/20070827-keep-track-of-what-youre-doing-3-applications-to-further-efficient-working/
Here’s another vote for slimtimer! I use it all day, every day.
Harvest is great but definately to expensive. Due to the 30 days test period it’s worthless for me.
I used “On The Job” (OS X) untill I found SlimTimer.
We’re looking for a time tracking application that integrates well with Basecamp (http://www.basecamphq.com). We tried Cashboard but would be interested to see if there are any others to try.
Check out Time Hawk (http://timehawk.net/). Not only is it a really simple time tracking tool, it also lets you enter estimates, rates, and generate reports. There’s a 30-day free trial. Instant integration with Basecamp too. It even synchronizes your previous time entries.
I can really recommend 14dayz.com
In a free version you can have up to 4 projects and 10 categories (activities like designing, programming, meeting, etc.).
It is web-based and easy to use.
I’ve used free TraxTime from SpudCity.com for ages and it’s fantastic. My new favorite that I think will go great with TraxTime is the beta of RescueTime.com which was profiled on TechCrunch.
I use slimtimer.com and it does an awesome job, gives good spreadsheets to download, ect. might be a good addition to the list.
I highly recommend actiTIME (http://www.actitime.com) – extremely comprehensive.
It`s free and very simple time tracking software providing good online support.
Been using Billings as well, found it more than worth its price with the time tracking and the (gasp) billing. So far it has saved me a lot of time and kept me fairly organized.
Complete Time Tracking is another awesome tool. I’ve been using it since about June last year. I specifically did *not* want a web based time tracking system – they suck (clunky, slow, sometimes not available). I looked at several desktop programs and settled on complete time tracking.
http://www.complete-time-tracking.com
There’s a standard version for freelancers and a pro version for companies. Great support too.
Rick
After looking at several options, I decided on Office Timesheets (www.officetimesheets.com)
The excellent interface, integration with Quickbooks and price ($9.95 per user) were the deciding factors. It also works with Mac AND Windows in the same envirmonment. You can also import/export from a variety of different applications in .csv or xml format.
For the price, it can’t be beat.
http://www.time59.com
$19.95 per year for unlimited use.
Time and expense tracking, online invoicing, payment processing.
I’ve used TraxTime for 5 or more years and love it’s ease of use!
May I mention my own offering ? Something I’ve been fine tuning for years as a freelancer
http://www.adderuppa.com
We use Pacific Timesheet (http://www.pacifictimesheet.com) to track time in our company not because of a whizzy interface (though it has that) but because it does what we need really well – time tracking, time off requests, custom reporting and integration into our payroll system. Don’t be fooled by a lot of the products out there that seem nice on the surface but have no depth. We’ve been burned before. Pacific Timesheet really understood our business space and that time payroll sheet software is mission-critical to a company like ours.
D. Chu
If I may throw my own hat on the pile, my own offering is called Tasksy (http://www.tasksy.com).
Instead of competing on features, which has been done in spades, we’re trying to compete on simplicity and utility to meet the needs of independent types.
Up until I started using Tasksy I used Toggl, which to be fair did a damn good job of tracking time in its own right.
I’ve started using http://www.rescuetime.com a few days back, finally an app that records what you’re doing without you fixing it.
you also see how much crap you do with your time..
This review is missing a few real good candidates, Make sure to try
– trackmypeople.com
– rescuetime.com
– xperttimer.com
All good, and missing in the “6 cool tools to track your time” post.
I’m also voting for xperttimer.com
Another good candidate to add to the list is Intervals, a web-based time tracking tool that includes some very useful reports for analyzing where your time is going.
+1 for slimtimer.com, for me its the most simple and helpful, since I am really bad calculating my time this tool has help me a lot.
I’ve started trying some of the web based tools, but I keep coming back to Rachota. It’s got a nice interface, and some really good reporting tools. Best of all it’s free, and since it’s Java, it’s cross platform.
http://rachota.sourceforge.net
Thanks again for this list Leo. I’ve been searching Google for something similar but to no avail. Nice one!
We use FreeTime for our design agency and tracking the time we spend on each project. It’s a web-app but it has a nifty desktop widget that’s like a stopwatch for timing yourself, that then gets saved directly into the web-app online. It’s so much easier than hand-writing timesheets, and transferring your times onto job sheets for billing.
I’ve always used Timepost a desktop time tracking widget that has the added bonus of integrating with our online accounting software FreeAgent.
Thanks, those are great tools.
You may also check out http://www.GoalsOnTrack.com, a very nicely built web app designed for tracking goals and todo lists, and has time tracking. It’s clear, focused, easy to navigate, worth a try.
I use an app called Plock. It minimizes neatly into the system tray. I click to tell it what I’m working on, click again when I’m done.
http://www.clockwithplock.com
Just a quick update on Christoph Hörl’s comment: mite is now available in English as well – and a pretty good alternative to Harvest or Tick, if I may add that.
The web-based tools are surely good for those who’re always on the move. On the desktop though, I use KTimeTracker
It’s a KDE application and KTimeTracker coupled with other KDE PIM apps make up an awesome package. Of course it works best for me on Linux platform.
…might as well what we use to this long list, because it’s free (yes, we’re cheap): http://xpunch.com
Anyone using http://www.creativeprooffice.com/?
just want to thank everyone for leaving their own suggestions as well!!! I think I might be going with Toggl, SlimTimer, or Fanurio….we’ll see.
+1 for resque time. I love the desktop client
Life-log.com – free online tool (Java agent is available for cells phones) for those who’d like to track time/anything else from everywhere. It enables to use template of work/life activities, immediately helps to change to very conscious life, gives complete picture of work/life priorities. Number of advanced features for analytics, creating important life events history etc.
Take a look to this one, we just launched it I think it will rock your world. http://tracking-time.com. Is a desktop application for mac, pc and linux in the user side and in the backend you have a strong dashboard with all the details that you need to evaluate your or your team performance.
Tracking-time is great! I’m a linux user, and this far surpassed my expectations. I’m not a big fan of the web-app timers in general because I have the habit of closing them mid-way through a project, and because of their inherent “set it and forget it” feeling, I often don’t realise until I go for a break some time later. Tracking-time was a happy medium – its web based so that the data can be updated across many machines – by different users – and it has a desktop air app (hence linux integration) that allows me to close all my web browsers and not face-palm several hours later when I realise what I’ve done. And to top it all off, tracking-time is free.
All-in-all 10/10 for tracking-time.com
We have just developed a new kind of time tracking tool it’s desktop based.
And it offers you the functionality to look back into time.
So you don’t have to keep track of your tasks during the day but you can enter them at the end of the day or week.
Check it out at hesiodsoftware.com
I used Mite for a couple of month, but switched to TimeWhale since Mite now costs per user. Love web interfaces, dont do much on the desktop since Gmail is around.
ktimetracker has a feature that totally makes time tracking effortless. What you do is set up a virtual workspace for each task, and set ktimetracker to track the amount of time you spend on each workspace.
I am trying Worktime (http://www.nestersoft.com/worktime – “fully automated PC usage and Project tracking software surveys time spent on PCs”) – so far looks very promising.
). Hopefully my boss would not find it…
Nice feature – it shows which web-sites I spent time (while pretending to be working on the projects
Wonderful Article ! Thank you for the links (and other commentors for their referrals) !
I’ve created a widget for Basecamp that tracks your time on projects, so if you’re already using Basecamp, why not just keep using it?
http://bitbucket.org/seph/basecamp-time-widget/
Regards
Seph
check Time Edition, simple and powerful app…and yes it is free.
Check out iClockr.
http://www.kedisoft.com/iclockr/
Pros: Free. Simple and easy to use.
Cons: Not web-based. Mac only.
Nice article! I’ve used Klok (http://klok.mcgraphix.com/klok/index.htm) for a while now.
It’s a free desktop app. You do need Adobe Air installed though.
For invoicing and billing, I love Harvest. It has a lovely, well thought out interface that gets out of my way.
For more reporting type stuff, I’m also a fan of Mite – http://mite.yo.lk/en/ – it too has a nice interface.
I’ve heard many people raving about Freshbooks and their customer service is excellent.
If you’re on the Mac, Billings from Market Circle is absolutely amazing too.
Hi there!
I had a look at most of the apps, but none of them really convinced me. I like some others, dislike web based time trackers.
I have found the following app quite useful and unobtrusive, win only:
Timetracker by 0xFF.net
-> http://0xff.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=47
Yes, i think this tool is one of the best. Easy, powerful, and free.
I too use OfficeTime but for the PC and it’s great. I used to just chuck all my hours in an Excel spreadsheet but that was a nightmare. OfficeTime helps me keep track of multiple tasks and clients with ease.
Fully automated PC usage/Project time tracking software that surveys the time spent on the PC.
I used to track all my work an billing using an excel sheet. But I guess things have changed a lot recently. I am trying Toggl for a while but I am looking into others that can track Hourly billable rates for free. I am going to check out the others now.
I always use online based to do list. I like rememberthemilk.com that is best for me. Thank you for nice post.
Nice selection, haven’t come across all of these before, but I think iGTD is worth a mention. Mac Only though. http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/24288
Try my (mac only) timer! http://www.chronosx.com.
If you are on Snow Leopard and if you like things minimal check out Minco.
http://www.celmaro.com/minco
There’s a lot already, but let me add to all these great tools: Timint.
I’m developing it and it should be released very soon. You can read the blog here http://timint.wordpress.com or go directly to timint.com
Hope you like it when it’ll be launched
HourDoc is tool for Time Tracking. http://www.HourDoc.com is right treatment for time and labor management processes has to be an easy-to-administer and affordable solution for Freelancers, supervisors, employees and HR and payroll managers. They offer free application to companies less than 50 employees.
opentempus (opentempus.org), very simple, not human intervention, full reports, working on windows (and in a future in linux and mac according the webpage)
It’s like manictime but free open source
Check out Chrometa (Windows only) — lawyers use it to track their billable time down to the second… so can you
http://www.chrometa.com
Features:
- Automated time tracking ( records what you do on your PC automatically)
- Responsive desktop interface. Drag and drop time entries to client categories
- Captures your time away from the PC too (i.e. phone calls, meetings, lunch)
Now thats what I was looking for. Thanls for the list I really liked the first one.
Timint has just opened today. It’s an everyday online time tracker.
http://www.timint.com/
It was made to be simple and generic.
I hope that it’ll save you time and you’ll like it.
Feel free to ask questions or give feedback.
PS: it’s in beta, expect enhancements over time.
I’m building a time tracker without timers for the Mac called Lapsus.
It’s aimed at Ruby on Rails developers initially, but long term it’ll be suitable for any freelancer using a Mac.
It runs in the background and watches what documents you work on. At the end of a day or month you approve the assignments then get back to work.
You can find out more at http://lapsusapp.co.uk
I’d love to hear what people think!
I personally like using an online service, StickyPaper.ca it seems to be the most useful, as you get more than what a desktop app can do.
Another one to add to the list for Windows users is Qlockwork (full disclosure: I’m working on it!) It’s an Outlook plug-in that writes all your activities to an Outlook calendar, and then it’s very easy to generate reports showing where your time has been spent, and how much time you’ve spent on different projects. There’s a free trial available from http://www.qlockwork.com.
My favorite is tahometer.com Good alternative to odesk.
My favorite is http://www.e-tim.org Project Time Tracker its very simple and more important its totally FREE.
I am a Freelance Graphic Designer , i was searching for a time tracker and landed at this page, I was really benefited with this post.. Thanks a lot
There is also Timetrack, available at http://www.timetrackonline.be
You can also use Google spreadsheet to track your time. I use Activity Tracker Plus and this tool uses Google spreadsheet to save time tracking details and generates reports.. a must see tool and its FREE. http://screeperzone.com/2009/06/05/activity-tracker-plus-track-all-your-life-activities-with-just-a-single-click/
I would also suggest you look at timeEdition – http://bit.ly/cSAZzE It’s a great free tool that work on Mac or Windows based computers and links to Google Calendar.
I am using tahometer time tracking tool http://tahometer.com for a while. The main advanture for me it’s completely free and works under different operation systems. I have tried wakoopa but actually it has a lot of disadvantages. I prefer to see the display screenshots instead of just app titles. You have missed rescue time also. This is great time tracker.
Tahometer is awesome and runs on Linux! Since writing this post, I’ve written an article about recommended linux apps for freelancers. Check it out here: http://www.johnhamelink.com/2010/07/linux-apps-freelancers/
At personal level, I love the iPhone app called “more than time log”
I find it is portable, easy to use, and actually quite robust.
It not only tracks my time but also tracks my energy level fluctuation so I also have a feedback on how I should re-plan my day. Typical time log software just tell me the percentage, but they never tell me what I can do to improve the use of my time.
Anyway, check it out here http://consciousanalytics.com
http://consciousanalytics.com/
These are great list. Especially the tools in comments are better than the six time tracking tools mentioned in the blog. I find free time tracking tool “Activity Tracker Plus” mentioned in the comments very interesting and fun to work with tool. Thanks
TrackTime (http://nimbleworks.co.uk/tracktime) has just been taken over, and is again in active development. It sits back and tracks everything that you are doing lets you retrospectively look at it later. Projects also supported.
I use Tempo for my freelance tracking. It can juggle multiple projects, export invoices to my clients and create graphs/charts. Makes me look professional which is always good.
http://zetetic.net/c/tempo-forum
Guys – Another vote for Slimtimer… may be its just me.. but i dont use it to bill my time or anything, i use it to track myself coz i was getting to a situation with so many projects floating around that i didnt realise that i was overwhelmed. Inorder to back my conviction to say No to any new project and be quantitatively justified i wanted to know where am i spending my time…
Important point to note is dont get glazed by swanky colorful reports , keep in mind that the motivation to log your time every time you start or stop should not hold youback, so you need a system that is light quick and saves your time.. you dont want to mark an entry to mark that you were marking time sheets
hence slim timer is free light quick no nonsense… gets the job done.. in and out and its set.
take care..
Lots of interesting stuff mentioned here, but nothing fits..
I need a freeware desktop app for Windows which is also able to track all system locks/unlocks I do – with this I want to track automatically exact start and stop time of a work day.
Can anybody recommend some?
I like Project Timer. I is pretty straightforward. It’s cloud so I can track time on any device I use (client-office-couch).
Shows Today-ThisWeek-LastWeek-Total time spent for each project. I have hundreds of projects in it…
…and a slick web interface.
http://projecttimer.com
true time tracker http://www.truetimetracker.com – very good free time tracking tool for WIndows.
An excellent program to use to track time is Time Doctor because it records everything for yourself easily.
Yeah, I agree! I tried using this software to 3 platforms (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and it runs smoothly. Until now this is the time tracking software that I could recommend to my business partners who are in the outsourcing industry.
TimeChunk is a free on, use your google account. http://www.timechunk.com/
Thanks for a great post. Was Googling to find a good tool for logging time in a simple way, since I´m pretty much always wondering where the time goes at the end of the day. Since reading your post I´m trying out Toggl which seems to be quite awesome, even in the free version, with a widget, web and an Android-app. Thanks!
I too love Spudcity’s Trax Time, but it’s not available for iMac, which is a shame. I’m new to iMac, so I wonder if there’s an application on here that will do the trick?
I second timeEdition…really easy to use, export in excel, ical and many other formats and it’s cross compatible, I use it on my windows and mac workstations
If you track your time in Google Calendar, you can create time reports automatically to Excel or Google Docs with GTimeReport.
http://www.gtimereport.com
If you haven’t used HiTask.com to manage your projects/tasks and your life. You haven’t lived! IT IS THAT GREAT!
I’ve been using the free version (10 projects max, which is all i need anyways cos i never have more than 10 active projects) and im sure i will upgrade to the $4/month version someday soon as i have started using it even for non-work related projects/tasks like planning my wedding, doctor’s visits, etc. FYI: I am not affiliated with them whatsoever, just so happy to have finally found a perfect tool for my busy life.
I have tried almost every kind of PM/task software i have heard of so far, incl. 90% of the ones mentioned here and HiTask fits like a glove. The UI is so perfectly designed. Everything is in one big pretty screen layout and you can drag/drop tasks between projects. It is featured packed. From PM, tasks mgmt/assigning, deadlines, clocking your time, back logging your time, email reminders, reports, calendar etc. The reports are something i can just print out and send to my boss or client if they need a detail analysis of my time on a project.
HiTask needs to send me a gift for this post..lol it is the first time I am giving a review on any web tool and I highly recommend it.
Now, i have to mention that ClockingIT is equally just as great feature-wise and it has graphs so you can visually see how you are doing. I used it extensively for like 2.5months before i found HiTask. With ClockingIT i found I had to do too many clicks to view my projects/tasks and the screen was somehow cluttered, not as user-friendly as I’d like.
While I am aware there may be better paid/expensive tools out there, I am a cheapskate and only pay attention to inexpensive or free tools that are well worth my time (time is money) before i can even think of paying a dime.
For our business, we absolutely LOVE Paymo (www.paymo.biz). We have several clients who need many different things, so accurate and specific time tracking is essential. Keeping track of our time is a snap, and Paymo has all kinds of awesome reports to help us see how we are doing. Invoices are a piece of cake, and the company is extremely responsive to questions or concerns. iPhone app is awesome. Highly recommend!!
For an alternative Android time tracking app, this is from the http://BusinessTimeApp.com website:
* Time sheet emails for easy invoicing
* Photos to ensure you keep accurate visual records
* Voice memos to minimise typing
* Projects to easily manage related tasks
* Maps to monitor time spent in each location
* Tags to see how much time you spend on similar tasks
* A to-do list to keep you focused
* Integrated address book to make it easy to contact clients
* Backup & restore functions to keep your data safe
Disclaimer: I am the developer of the app! Please contact me if you have any questions or feature requests!
This one is rather unique — http://www.worksnaps.net — It allows you to track time with work evidences, therefore your manager or your customer can verify the time and work you have completed. It is good in the case when you charge your customers on a hourly basis and want to show your customer your work without any ambiguity.
If you’re looking for something even simpler and browser based, I’ve been using this Task Timer light web app. (http://syntaxseed.com/project/tasktimerlight/) you can install it locally too if you don’t want to have ‘net access all the time.
I need to mention free online time tracker MrTickTock available at
http://mrticktock.com (disclaimer: I’m an author). It is simple, fast and secure web based system to track employee time – good choice for freelancers and small companies. The same category as harvest.
MrTickTock is being actively developed so you can expect several new features (including vacation tracking) and improved UX in the nearest future.
MrTickTock 1.0 has just been released.
We improved UX significantly, mostly on the time sheet page. We use AJAX to make interaction with the page very natural. Time entries are saved automatically so there is no need for Save button and no chance to loose unsaved time entries.
It contains several other improvements which you may like.
The next release will bring vacation tracking.
My Favorite Is http://www.JumboTask.com . I Use It For Everything.
Just registered at timeduck.com – another solutions worth to mention!
I just discovered Grindstone 2. Let me say a thing: I tried almost any time tracking tool for windows (desktop version) and I have to admit that Grindstone is by far one of the smartest and simple.
pros:
- simple
- fast
- customizable
- FREE
- video tutorials (in just 10 minutes I was able to use all the features)
cons:
- only windows
I really suggest to give a try, or at least whatch a tutorial on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w6ZzipVo6k&feature=BF&list=PL274B1AA96A1E038E&index=1
Grindstone 2: http://www.epiforge.com/Grindstone2/
Hello Neal,
We have launched cronsync this year. I look forward to your feedback!
http://www.cronsync.com
cronsync has a intelligent rights management for permanent and external staff, such as freelancers. Flexible time tracking settings, easily adjustable to your company’s and clients’ needs. Supports time tracking and invoicing on a time and material or on a flatrate basis. Invoices are automatically generated based on time tracking and project data. You choose what level of invoice detail you want to grant your client.
Best, Jakob
Slimtimer is really slick and so simple. Thanks!
Hi,
Just wanted to mention our recently re-released time tracking and project management application http://www.yanomo.com. It is a simple yet powerful calendar based web-app and is free for teams up to 3 users. We’d love your feedback.
You could try time2log.com, add unlimited customers, projects and hours, report on level of customer, project, employee, etc.
Harry is a spammer. time2log.com is not a time tracker site!
It looks like Jennifer Lanham is telling us wrong here!
Glad to see it is a real site now. It wasn’t last I looked.
I think Jennifer is either from the competition or has one or more viruses or trojans on her PC.. if pages look like spam but they aren’t that is most likely..
Jeez, Markus, I’m neither from the competition, nor do I have viruses. When I clicked the link the first time there was nothing there. A week later there was.
Didn’t you see my apology to Harry below?
I must agree with Jennifer. There was something totally unrelated when I clicked the link first time. The comment looked like a spam.
Glad to see it is a real site now. It wasn’t last I looked. Sorry for calling you a spammer, Harry!
Hi,
I have published an app on the App Store which is currently ranked 13 in the productivity category in italian top seller apps.
The app is a productivity tool which uses the GPS feature of the iPhone to automatically track working hours. The user just needs to register a location as the working location (you can register more than once) and setup some basic information about how long the working day lasts. The app will automatically track and record the presence in the office, and advise the user when it is time to leave. No human interaction is required after the initial setup apart of having the app running in the background.
I’ve evaluated a lot of these tools. For me it seems that TaskCapture was the best fit but unfortunately at $199 its just too pricy compared to its MANY competitors. If it were closer to $100 it’d be my number one pick put at that price… I can’t justify it.
Thanks for sharing this great post. I would also recommend you to give Invoicera (http://www.invoicera.com) a try, Invoicera is an online invoicing and time tracking application that helps you to effortlessely keep a track of time spend on each project and by each employee and help you to bill the project time to your clients.
I prefer Freckle. It’s a web-based application tool, user-friendly, and got all the nice features. It also has a very clean and cool design.
hi, can i know if these applications are applicable for students?
You should probably look at their websites, check if they are free and try the most interesting.
I can only say that http://mrticktock.com is free and simple so it may be a good choice for students and individuals as well.
I use timejim (https://timejim.com/). I think it has the best (+ good looking) and easiest interface around. There are also recurrent releases with new features.
I use JoyProof http://www.JoyProof.com to monitor my employees work days. it provides me with a video of everything that was done on their computer during work. It a great tool for remote employee monitoring.
what’s the cost of joyproof?
I guess since everybody else is, I might as well throw out my own project management/invoicing/time tracking system, Projectile.
The main advantage is the fully integrated time tracking, project management and invoicing systems. Also, your employees can track their workday hours for payroll. There’s a lot more…check it out!
Hi all,
may I add our Open Source Time Tracking Software (Web based time tracking for teams, published under Apache 2.0 Licence).
Project Page:
http://www.timejoe.com
Google Code Download Page:
http://code.google.com/p/timejoe/downloads/list
Hope you like it
Cheers,
Niki
Hi, there`s another one very simple/clean for Mac OS X: http://timekeeperapp.com
Bill4Time can track time on mac/PC/iPhone/Android/Blackberry.
You’ll have to have an online account to store all the tracked time, but it’s just to organize it according to client and project. A lot of freelancers use the Free subscription.
My company has just released an online time tracking tool called Mrs Bot available at http://www.mrsbot.com/ for small to medium sized teams. If you like, please check it out.
This article lacks a lot of description of how each product works, in fact a lot of words are written but not much of anything is said. There seems to be a category of time tracking that everyone is missing – a no click time tracking program. There is a few apps out there that keep track of how much time you spend working on files – and if you name your files with a job number and description you can track your time without even paying attention to this program that is running in the background.
RE Steves comment: I’ve tried TaskCapture which as you describe captures your time as you work on files. I loved the program but there seems to be no support for it and at $200 I’m reluctant to pony up that kind of cash if the tool isn’t being supported. Steve, you say that there are “a few apps out there”. Can you provide info on any others, I’d love to check em out.
@qdesign that expensive? what do they have in there?
if you’re looking for something affordable but got awesome features, you gotta try Freckle time tracking.
Speaking of clean, easy interface for time tracking, try Freckle (http://letsfreckle.com).
Although they have affordable plans, they’re offering a free account for you to start with.
I am currently using OroTimesheet for my time tracking and I must say I love it. It is really easy and it is also very affordable.
You can take a look at the company’s website. (http://www.orologic.com)
While a mobile time sheet app would be practical, the next best option would be a great spread sheet to save in Google Docs…
Should measure both billable hours and logged hours for other project-related tasks (like research that is not charged), so both for the invoice and for my own overview over total project cost.
Anyone has a great template and can link to it or email it?
Thanks in advance …
Anna.
My two cents is http://www.algtime.com
Lightweight desktop tool, freeware and easy two use. Portable version available.
Can’t say enough about FreshBooks. I am in the beta for Finch for Mac OS and I use that to automatically track my time (otherwise I’d never be able to remember what I was doing) and just copy the CSV from Finch in to FreshBooks and bill that way. Much more efficient than the “desktop timer” method, and definitely better than the old-school “spreadsheet” method.
I signed up for Toggl to make myself more self-accountable. It works great…when it works. The past 3 days it’s been down half the time I tried to use it. Their servers really suck.
Thank you for the post! I have been using a Time Attendance Software for my new company and could not be happier!
I am using Cuckoo System http://www.cuckoosystem.com
Not many fancy features but that what I like. Simple and intuitive. With a calendar interface which is easy to track down your works. Automatically generate invoices and receipts to the corresponding clients. The invoice generated is editable as well. Pretty handy!
Thank you for the post. I recently started using Timekeeping software for my company and could not be happier with my choice.
Thank you for the post. I recently started using Time attendance software for my company and could not be happier with my choice.
I really love Billings 3 from Market Circle! Time-tracking is AAAA++. Invoicing is excellent also.
I’ve found out about a new awesome tool. It’s called OnePageOnly. It’s very simple and intuitive and I think it would be nice to write a separate article about it.
http://www.onepageonly.net/
I’m looking at Rescue Time for the PC. No data entry. It tracks what software and which web sites I’m actively using. Helps me see where my time is going. It looks good at first blush.
Thanks for getting me motivated to find this software and for all the other useful links and comments.
I have been using FreshBooks with great success for several years now. In addition to it’s clean and easy interface, It has a large third-party developer community that pumps out some really cool add-ons for it as well. As an example, I recently found an app called CallTab, https://market.android.com/details?id=com.peg.cibs, for my Android phone that let’s me bill customers for time spent on the phone with them. It syncs with FreshBooks seamlessly and supports most of the other options listed in the article and comments here.
http://minutedock.com is also a very good online-based time tracking app. It’s probably the easiest to use of all online app; But is not a free service.
It can also connect to Xero invoicing app, so very handy for freelancers;
I have got to use one of these! Need it very badly… and while I’m at it, I have to share this to my co-worker. He needs it also. Believe me!
I recomment tabb http://www.tabb.ca
TABB is the online to do list and time management software. This project Schedule Tool ‘s #1 priority is getting your tasks and projects done smartly.
It is created for small business, cheap and simple. 30 days free trial is available.
I starting using toggl based on your top list. So far so good. I was pretty easy to set up and use. No more classic notepad to track my consulting hours! Toggl is super awesomeness…
If you use Quickbooks, Peachtree, or Microsoft GP you should definitely look into SpringAhead. It’s a relatively inexpensive time and expense tracking software with a really simple and easy to use interface.
http://www.springahead.com
I suggest DeskTime – probably one of the most user-friendly interfaces, not to mention a considerably modern design. Free, for one user, too!
Thank you for taking the time to put this information together. I have one to add to the mix as well. I’ve been using Hour Guard for the past year and am extremely happy with it. It’s free to use and it does have a version for Mac and PC. Just in case there are PC users reading.
I work on multiple projects: personal and for clients and it’s easy to keep track of each project separately. It allows you to add sub-tasks to each task in a project and it gives you the option of using a set hourly rate for every project or setting an hourly rate per individual project, based on non-for profit, etc..
Link to Hour Guard: http://www.nchsoftware.com/timesheet/index.html
Peace and Love fellow freelancers
I have read through this thread and decided to post since it was not clear to me.
What I am looking for is a desktop time tracking tool that is:
>easy to use
>works on windows 7 64bit OS
>has an exportable timesheet to excel
>must be free
I have found the following post to be useful since it included a how to youtube link:
Original post by—-
Giuseppe
February 7th
I just discovered Grindstone 2. Let me say a thing: I tried almost any time tracking tool for windows (desktop version) and I have to admit that Grindstone is by far one of the smartest and simple.
pros:
- simple
- fast
- customizable
- FREE
- video tutorials (in just 10 minutes I was able to use all the features)
cons:
- only windows
I really suggest to give a try, or at least whatch a tutorial on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w6ZzipVo6k&feature=BF&list=PL274B1AA96A1E038E&index=1
Grindstone 2: http://www.epiforge.com/Grindstone2/
Thanks Giuseppe, I may be using this very soon.
Anyone have any helpful input for me before I go Grindstone?
Awesome list! Thanks for sharing. I have been looking into Grindstone but I heard that it can slow down your computer. I need something simple that can also create invoices. So far I like all of these. I am going to have to try them all
This one is rather unique — http://www.worksnaps.net — It allows you to track time with work evidences, therefore your manager or your customer can verify the time and work you have completed. It is good in the case when you charge your customers on a hourly basis and want to show your customer your work without any ambiguity.
I tried http://www.paymo.biz in the last couple of weeks and it’s so far so good. I especially like the Plus tool, that keep track of everything I do all day. So at the end of the day, I can sort the actual from the other things I do on the computer.
Take a look at Tomatoes [1], you can track your time while doing a pomodoro.
[1] http://tomatoes.heroku.com Pomodoro technique web-based time tracker
I’m searching for a new online time tracking and invoicing tool but have found none which explicitly support split billing among multiple clients.
In particular, I need the ability to automatically split time for a given project at set percentages (e.g. 20% among 5 clients). But I also need to change these over time without it being retroactive (e.g. 20% among 5, but then 60% for one and 10% for the others, or 33.3% for 3).
Anyone used something like this?
I created Tomatoes – http://tomatoes.heroku.com – to help me get things done and track my time. It’s free and open source.
Check out Time Tracker Pro @ http://www.timetrackerproapp.com, it’s a Mac app that automatically times what apps and documents you’re using.
It’s more accurate and removes the need to do all this manually.
This is quite old article but if someone is still looking for a time-tracking solution I have just made a collaboration app. which allows that as well as time & financial reports…among other features.
Hope it helps.
Roman
Roman, you didn’t include a link to your “collaboration app.”
You can try this one : http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wortime-radar/id522165136?mt=8
I’ve recently started using https://paydirtapp.com
It’s nice and simple, and the invoicing features work well. Would like an iPhone app to go along with it.
All programs do not count the actual work at the computer when I’m gone from the computer or talking on the phone, the timer still counts, is there a timer that takes into account such effects? I know manictime this feature, but it is very powerful, and I am looking for a simple timer, the option to start / stop / pause.
Grissom, have a look at Yaware.com. there are two ways to fulfill this requirement:
1. there is a possibilyty to stop tracking
2. there is also possibility for offline tracking (meetings, calls, lunches etc)
May I suggest http://www.timecockpit.com? Besides a graphical time sheet calender, we feature activity tracking. We log the work you are doing on your pc, and you can afterwards transform the activites to time sheet entries quickly and easily. We automatically detect when you leave your pc an therefore only count your actual time spent on tasks.
Kind regards,
Alexander
Slim Timer – very easy.
I need some info regarding Slim Timer. How can I add coworkers here? Does it allow me to share my bills and hours that I worked with my client?
When you are talking about cool time tracking, I beliece, Replicon must be one on list too.
I tried several tools and chose Yaware for time and productivity tracking http://yaware.com/
I am recommending Talygen, stay on ahead with clients and projects with its unique time tracking features.
Talygen is a good application. I use it for tracking time via web and mobile both. http://www.talygen.com
I personally use Worksnaps (http://worksnaps.net) since day 1 and it hasn’t disappointed me yet. It is a unique time tracking service that is specifically designed for remote workers, such as offshore contractors or virtual assistants. It not only captures the time spent, but also captures the work activities – this way, the logged time can be verified by managers or employers. It has great advantage over most traditional self-reporting time tracking software.
How about ZipTimeTracker.com, it is simple and free. Does invoicing, time recording, reporting and has a mobile version. Boom.
I use Time Meter (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rk.timemeter). What is nice is that it allows me to track not only work hours but other things like sport/home. And it’s really simple and has some nice features.
One great tool for freelancers is Work Time Studio (http://www.worktimestudio.com). It not only tracks the time you spend on your projects, but it’s also a digital work assistant, helping you to organize your notes, schedule, reminders, URL and file links, and more. You can also set your rate for your various projects, and see your billing amount accumulate in real time.
We are using Flapps. Their pricing is lower than the others and they still have tons of features. http://flapps.com
You can also checkout Freshdesk – http://freshdesk.com
If you are a freelancer with a one man helpdesk, you get Freshdesk for FREE!!
Wow just what i was looking for, good sign its getting bussier so we have to track our time, def gonna try this out.
Thank you very much for posting!
All the products you listed are cool, with great interfaces and full of stuff, but they have all the same problem, it’s YOU user that needs each time to start/stop counter manually.
For my job i find easier to let a simple counter count how many hours my PC is on.
That tells me the number of hours worked today and this month without wasting my time starting/stopping different timers for different tasks (which is also another task I usually forget to do).
I use this: See this: http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/monitor-the-total-time-spend-on-computer-with-counter/
Hope it helps
Hi Marco.
I think you hit the mark with your post. For the very reasons you mention in your post we have developed time cockpit (www.timecockpit.com). It spares you to start/stop a timer manually but features automatic activity tracking.
Kind regards,
Alexander
Hello Guys Im new in here!
I have discovered this community interesting. I’ve scanned the complete website and I discover it really definitely beneficial. I do hope you guys response my future queries.
Please be nice to me! Many thanks!
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I am not sure how you could miss Replicon. Which is one of the leading time tracking tools available and which is also a leading saas or cloud based app.
Toggle is only free for 30 days.
There are plenty of free tools, including http://mrticktock.com
Hi Leo,
We use Paymo as an online time tracking & billing software (see http://businesssolutionsinthecloud.com/dir/paymo ). It’s a great, affordable tool used by thousands of freelancers.
ZIPtimetracker.com all the way! Its free
We just started a brand new one time tracker, focused on freelancers. We’d be happy if you’ll test it out (pay-free up to 2 workspaces and 2 guests per workspace).
https://timethefts.com
Hello,
Can anyone suggest a good bit of time management software?
I have a small team of 5 working concurrently on a number of projects. I want a nice simple bit of software where they can log the time they are working against different projects. The idea isn’t to keep tabs on them as such (they all give 110% all of the time). What I need to do is see how close to the quoted hours they are getting. Ideally I want something on-line and free but I don’t mind paying for the right bit of software.
My team switch from working at the computer to sketching to working in the clay studio or prototyping workshop. I consequently don’t want something which logs the amount of time a certain programme has been open. I don’t even really want want a ‘stopwatch’ function, just a simple way at the end of a day of logging the hours they have done on a project task and a way of seeing how many hours are left in the quote.
Any suggestions?
Sure.
Try MrTickTock.com.
It is simple, free, with a nice timesheet (including keyboard shortcuts, etc.) and from the description it looks like it fits your needs.
Your team will not waste time as reporting worked hours in MrTickTock is just one click.
Cheers,
Jack
Thanks for the tip, going to give it a go.
I recently installed timecase (http://www.timecase.net) in my company because it’s very easy to use and my employees like it. It has user roles built-in as well as very good reporting system. I am also using this app for tracking my own time, recommended.
I’ve been using FunkyTime (https://funkytime.com) since several years. It’s handy because it’s online, so I can access and update my timesheets from any location, either the computer at home or the laptop or smartphone wherever else.
It also STAYS free forever, at least if you don’t need the extra professional features. But even those seem quite affordable compared to most alternatives I see mentioned here.
We’re using http://absolutetimeclock.com, its free for 3 people forever. It does what we need it to do and free is good.
I have used the following Time Tracking tool lately: http://www.worktimer.com It does not need additonal installations and is available for virtually any platform! Really like that Time recording is now part of the day, and not a pain in the *** at the end of the day. Love it!
I’ve just released a beta version of my new time tracker called Time Express. It’s an Mac app that automatically tracks where your time goes and presents it in a simple window. Very easy to use.
Download a free beta here:
http://blog.timetrackerproapp.com/189/time-express-our-new-slick-time-tracker
Please let me know what you think via email or by replying to the blog post.
Thanks!
Most of listed tracker can`t register your activity automatically. I have used RescureTime for a year. Afterward – Work-Proof which has higher measurement accuracy.
I tried a lot of time tracking web apps, then I settled on Timeneye (http://www.timeneye.com), which I find very simple and extremely useful if you are a Basecamp user, because it lets you track time commenting on completed to-dos.