- Clockify alternatives side by side
- Ten time tracking apps to try instead of Clockify
- How to compare time tracking apps and timesheet tools
- Questions to ask before you swap time tracking apps
- Which time tracking approach suits which kind of work
- Being fair when you track staff time
- Time tracking mistakes to avoid
- Why a smaller time tracking app can be a smart pick
- A short checklist for your time tracking shortlist
- Frequently asked questions
A good time tracking app depends on how you work: manual timers or automatic tracking, solo or with staff, hours only or invoicing too. Check projects, timesheets, reports and what you can try for free. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers how to choose and what to check first.
Clockify is a time tracker that lets you start a timer, log hours against projects and clients and review timesheets. Plenty of people are happy with it. Others want automatic tracking, a simpler layout, attendance features or a tool built around invoicing, or they just want to compare a few options before they settle.
Here are ten Clockify alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. A couple are well-known names and most are smaller, more specialised tools. I've taken every description from each tool's own website and directory listings, so check the current details on each site before you sign up. If you work for yourself, my guide to time tracking tools for solo business owners covers the basics too.
Clockify alternatives side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site lists a plan you can keep using without a time limit, though limits on users or projects usually apply. Trial only means a free trial and no ongoing free plan. Details change, so check before you begin.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everhour | Team time tracking | Timers, reports and invoicing for teams | Yes |
| Harvest | Time and invoicing | Tracking hours and sending invoices | Yes |
| Jibble | Time and attendance | Clocking in, attendance and timesheets | Yes |
| Kimai | Open-source tracking | Self-hosted time tracking you control | Yes |
| Memtime | Automatic tracking | Reconstructing your day from the apps you used | Trial only |
| Timely | Automatic tracking | Hands-off tracking and team time planning | Trial only |
| Timing | Mac time tracking | Automatic tracking on a Mac | Trial only |
| TMetric | Timers and billing | Tracking hours against projects and clients | Yes |
| Toggl Track | Simple timers | Quick timers for individuals and teams | Yes |
| TrackingTime | Timesheets and projects | Timesheets and client reporting for teams | Yes |
Ten time tracking apps to try instead of Clockify
Everhour
Best for: Teams who want timers, reports and invoicing tied into the task tools they already use, with a free plan for a handful of people.
Harvest
Best for: Freelancers who want to track hours, log expenses and send invoices from one tool, starting on a free plan.
Jibble
Best for: Small businesses who need staff to clock in and out, with attendance and timesheets on a free plan.
Kimai
Best for: Technical users and teams who prefer open-source software they can host themselves, or a managed cloud version.
Memtime
Best for: People who forget to start timers and want their day rebuilt from the programs they used, with data kept on their device.
Timely
Best for: Teams who want time recorded automatically in the background and a clear view of how work is spread.
Timing
Best for: Mac users who want apps, sites and documents logged automatically so they can review their day and bill clients.
TMetric
Best for: Small teams and freelancers who want to track hours by project and client, with a limited free plan after the trial.
Toggl Track
Best for: People who want a friendly, quick timer for themselves or a small team, with a free plan for small groups.
TrackingTime
Best for: Teams who want timesheets and reporting with many users, and a free plan that stays after the trial.
How to compare time tracking apps and timesheet tools
Almost every app can start and stop a timer. What separates them is how much effort it takes to keep your records accurate.
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- Manual or automatic. Manual timers are precise but easy to forget. Automatic trackers record what you did and let you fix it later.
- Projects and clients. Check you can tag time to the client, project and task level you bill at.
- Timesheets and approvals. If you manage staff, look for weekly timesheets and a way to approve them.
- Reports. You'll want to see hours by person, project and client without exporting a spreadsheet.
- Invoicing. Some apps turn tracked hours into invoices. Others only export the data.
- Devices. Check there's an app or extension for the phone and computer you use every day.
Questions to ask before you swap time tracking apps
- Can I export my past entries so my history comes with me?
- Will my projects, clients and tags import, or must I rebuild them?
- What does the free plan or trial include, and which reports are locked?
- Does it connect to the task, accounting or invoicing tools I use?
- Is there a browser extension for starting timers from other apps?
- How easy is it to correct a forgotten entry?
Which time tracking approach suits which kind of work
- Freelancers usually want quick timers, client tags and an easy way to bill hours.
- Agencies often need projects, rates, timesheets and reports by client.
- Shift-based businesses may care more about clocking in and attendance than project timers.
- People with scattered days sometimes do better with an automatic tracker.
- Technical teams may like open-source tools they can host themselves.
If you're trying to make better use of your week, my look at tools for time management and daily productivity goes beyond timers.
Being fair when you track staff time
If you track other people's time, tell them what is being recorded and why before you switch anything on. Be clear about whether the tool captures only hours, or also things like apps used, websites visited or screenshots, and keep it to what you need. Check the rules that apply where your team works, and take advice if you're unsure, as this isn't legal advice.
Trust matters. Tools that record more than hours can make people feel watched, so agree on what's reasonable and review it with the team.
Time tracking mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the end of the week to fill in your hours from memory.
- Creating so many projects and tags that nobody knows which to pick.
- Tracking everything when you only need to bill for a few things.
- Using the data to criticise people instead of to plan work.
- Skipping a quick review, so errors pile up. My list of productivity apps for small business has other ideas.
Why a smaller time tracking app can be a smart pick
Smaller tools are often quicker to learn, and they're usually quick to ship new features. Some are built for one kind of user, such as Mac users or shift-based teams.
Before you rely on one, check that it's still being updated, read the help pages and try it for a full working week. Make sure you can export your entries if you leave.
Do you make a time tracking or timesheet tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
A short checklist for your time tracking shortlist
Pick two apps that match how you work. Use each for a full week on real tasks, then compare how often you forgot to track, how easy it was to fix mistakes and whether the reports answer your questions. Keep whichever you'll keep using.
Frequently asked questions
What does a time tracking app do?
It records how long you spend on tasks, projects or clients, either with timers you start yourself or automatically, and turns the entries into timesheets and reports.
Why look for an alternative to Clockify?
People usually want automatic tracking, a simpler layout, attendance features or invoicing built in. Work out which of those matters most to you first.
Is automatic time tracking better than timers?
Neither is better for everyone. Automatic tracking helps if you forget to start timers, while manual timers give you more control over what gets recorded.
Is it fair to track employee time?
It can be, if people know what is recorded and why. Be open about what the tool captures and check the rules where your team works. This isn't legal advice.
Can a free plan be enough for time tracking?
For one person or a small team it often is. Check the limits on users, projects and reports before you rely on it.
Can I move my old time entries to a new app?
Many apps import from spreadsheets or CSV files. Check what each tool accepts, and test with a small batch first.


