Hubstaff Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Hubstaff is a time tracking tool that can also record activity levels and screenshots, which is why remote teams and agencies often use it. If you're reviewing your options, perhaps because you'd like less monitoring, more monitoring or a different way of reporting hours, there are many other tools to compare.

This is a list of ten Hubstaff alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Some are well-known and most are smaller or more specialised. I've drawn each description from the tool's own website, so check current details there before you decide. If you'd like a broader overview first, see my comparison of time tracking software.

Ten time tracking and monitoring tools compared

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free plan or tier you can keep using without a time limit. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. No means the site states neither. Details change, so check before you start.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
ActivTrak	Work analytics	Team activity insight with a free tier	Yes
Apploye	Time tracking and monitoring	Remote team hours and activity	Trial only
DeskTime	Automatic time tracking	Apps and websites used during work	Trial only
Insightful	Work intelligence	Time tracking with workforce analytics	Trial only
Jibble	Time tracking and attendance	Clock-in for teams of any size	Yes
KeepActive	Employee monitoring	Office and remote staff oversight	Trial only
Monitask	Monitoring with screenshots	Time tracking with optional screenshots	Trial only
Time Doctor	Workforce visibility	Time, tasks and tools for remote teams	Trial only
TimeCamp	Time tracking	Timesheets with admin-controlled monitoring	Yes
Traqq	Time tracking	Team hours and project visibility	Trial only

The ten time tracking apps in this comparison

ActivTrak

Best for: Managers who want activity insight across a team and would like to begin with a limited free tier.

Apploye

Best for: Remote teams and agencies who want time tracking with optional activity features and a trial first.

DeskTime

Best for: Teams who want time recorded automatically, with apps and websites sorted into work categories.

Insightful

Best for: Larger remote or hybrid teams who want time data and analytics for planning workloads.

Jibble

Best for: Teams who want a free way to clock in and out, including from phones, with simple reports.

KeepActive

Best for: Companies who want monitoring software with a live demo and trial, formerly sold as Kickidler.

Monitask

Best for: Remote teams who want time tracking with screenshots that managers can configure.

Time Doctor

Best for: Distributed teams who want to see how time is spent and connect hours to payroll.

TimeCamp

Best for: Freelancers and teams who want timesheets, optional screenshots and a free forever plan.

Traqq

Best for: Small teams who want a straightforward time tracker with project and workload views.

Choosing time tracking with activity monitoring

The first decision is how much you need to see. Some teams only want hours by project. Others want to see which apps people used. Those are very different tools, and picking the heavier option than you need can damage trust inside a team.

• Hours and projects. The basics: start and stop a timer, tag a project and run a timesheet.
• Manual or automatic. Decide whether people press a button or the app records in the background.
• Activity signals. Some tools measure input activity or app use, and others deliberately don't.
• Screenshots. Check whether they're optional, who can see them and whether people can delete or blur them.
• Reports and exports. You'll want clear summaries for clients and for payroll.
• Integrations. See whether it connects to your project manager and invoicing tool.
• Offline and mobile. Field and travelling staff may need to track time without a laptop.

Employee privacy and monitoring software

Monitoring tools handle personal data, and employees have rights over it. In many places you'll need to tell your team clearly what's recorded, why, and who can see it, and to keep the monitoring in proportion to the job. Rules differ by country, and by whether people are employees, contractors or freelancers. This isn't legal advice, so check with an employment adviser or the relevant data protection body for your own situation.

Questions to ask before you track your team's time

1. What exactly does the app record, and can I switch individual features off?
2. Can team members see their own data, and can they pause tracking?
3. Where is the data stored, and how long is it kept?
4. Can I limit which managers see screenshots or activity?
5. How does the tool treat private moments, such as personal browsing during a break?
6. Can I export all of the data if I leave?

Which time tracker suits which kind of team

• Solo freelancers usually need a simple timer, projects and a report for clients.
• Small agencies often want hours tied to clients and projects, and tidy exports for invoicing.
• Remote teams may want a light view of workload, agreed openly with everyone.
• Contact-style or desk-based teams sometimes need attendance records and automatic tracking.
• Larger companies should check roles, permissions and audit options.

Introducing time tracking without upsetting your team

How you launch matters as much as which tool you pick. Here's a sensible way in.

1. Explain why you want the data and what you'll do with it.
2. Agree what will be tracked and what won't, in writing.
3. Start with a short pilot group and ask for honest feedback.
4. Show people their own reports, not just the manager view.
5. Review the settings after a few weeks and drop anything you don't use.

Why a lesser-known time tracker can be a good fit

Smaller vendors often keep the screens simple and answer support questions personally. You might get a lighter app and fewer settings to wade through.

Look at when the product was last updated, read its privacy page and check you can export your data. If the site doesn't say, ask. Try it with a few people first.

Do you make time tracking software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A short checklist before you settle on a tracker

Shortlist two options and run the same week through both. Track a few projects, pull a report and ask your team what felt fair. Keep the tool that gives you the information you need with the least intrusion. For help picking between approaches, my guide to choosing a time tracking tool goes through the questions in more detail, and my tips for motivating employees is a useful companion.

Frequently asked questions

What is time tracking software with activity monitoring?

It records the hours people work and, depending on the tool, may also log which apps or sites were used or take occasional screenshots. Features vary a lot, so check what each tool records.

Why would someone look for a Hubstaff alternative?

Reasons vary. Some want less monitoring, some want more, and some want a different way of reporting. Start by deciding what you need to see.

Is employee monitoring legal?

It depends on your country, how you do it and who's being monitored. Telling people clearly and keeping it proportionate is generally important. This isn't legal advice, so check with an adviser for your own situation.

Can freelancers use these tools?

Yes. Many of them work for solo users, who might use them to log hours by client and project. Some options include a free plan, which is worth checking in the table.

Do I need screenshots?

Not necessarily. Many teams only need hours by project. If you do use screenshots, choose a tool where they're optional and the team knows how they work.