- Time clock tools at a glance
- Nine time clock tools to look at
- What the US Department of Labor says about time clocks
- Phone apps, shared PCs or wall terminals?
- Questions to ask a time clock provider
- Signs you need a better way to clock in
- My plain advice on choosing time clock software
- Frequently asked questions
The best time clock software lets hourly staff clock in and out quickly, on a phone, a shared computer or a wall terminal, and turns those punches into accurate hours for payroll. Very small teams often start with a free online clock, while shift-based businesses want clocks linked to rotas and payroll. Nine options follow in no particular order.
Every minute an hourly worker puts in should be on the record, and employers need records they can trust. Handwritten sheets and memory make both harder: start times get rounded, breaks get forgotten and disputes have nothing to settle them.
A time clock gives everyone the same record. The nine options below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from free online clocks to wall-mounted terminals, and every description comes from the vendor's own site, read this week. Many businesses pair a clock with rota planning; my guide to the best employee scheduling software covers that side.
Time clock tools at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site names a free plan, a free edition, a free account or an open source version. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it or book a demo.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acroprint | Physical time clocks and terminals | Shops and workshops wanting a wall clock | Not stated |
| Deputy | Scheduling, time clock and HR app | Shift-based businesses that also need rotas | Not stated |
| ezClocker | Simple time tracking app with GPS | Small field teams clocking in on phones | Not stated |
| Factorial | HR software with time tracking | Companies wanting time tracking inside HR | Not stated |
| Lathem | Time clocks with cloud time and attendance | Hardware clocks feeding payroll | Trial only |
| OpenTimeClock | Web-based employee time clock | Schools and nonprofits wanting a free clock | Yes |
| Time Clock Wizard | Free online time clock and scheduling | Very small teams starting for free | Yes |
| TimeClick | Time clock software for small offices | Small offices clocking in on a shared PC | Trial only |
| uAttend | Cloud-connected time clocks and attendance | Small employers wanting a clock plus payroll | Not stated |
Nine time clock tools to look at
Acroprint
Best for: Small shops, workshops and warehouses that want a physical punch or facial-recognition clock on the wall.
Deputy
Best for: Hospitality, retail and care businesses that want the time clock linked to staff rotas, timesheets and payroll.
ezClocker
Best for: Small businesses with staff on the move who want them to clock in on their phones, with location recorded.
Factorial
Best for: Growing companies that want clocking in, shifts and time off handled inside a wider HR system.
Lathem
Best for: Employers that want a reliable hardware time clock with time cards that flow straight into common payroll apps.
OpenTimeClock
Best for: Schools, charities and other nonprofits that want a simple web time clock, with a free plan aimed at them.
Time Clock Wizard
Best for: Very small businesses that want a free online time clock with basic scheduling to replace paper timesheets.
TimeClick
Best for: Offices and stores that want staff to clock in and out on a shared computer or phone with minimal setup.
uAttend
Best for: Employers that want cloud-connected clock terminals on the wall, with optional payroll and free lifetime support included.
What the US Department of Labor says about time clocks
The US Department of Labor's recordkeeping fact sheet says employers may use any timekeeping method they choose. Its examples include a time clock, a timekeeper tracking hours, or workers writing down their own times, and it says any timekeeping plan is acceptable as long as it's complete and accurate.
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So a time clock isn't a legal must-have in the US; accurate records are. That changes how you should choose one. The best clock for your business is the one staff will use every shift without workarounds, whether that's a phone app, a tablet by the door or a terminal on the wall.
Phone apps, shared PCs or wall terminals?
Mobile apps suit staff who move between sites, especially when location is recorded at clock-in. A shared computer or tablet works well in small offices and shops. Wall terminals with cards, PINs or face recognition suit busy workplaces where staff arrive at the same door.
Some businesses mix them, with a terminal at the main site and an app for staff out on jobs. Check that every method feeds the same set of hours, or you'll be reconciling two systems.
Questions to ask a time clock provider
- How do staff clock in: phone, browser, tablet or hardware terminal?
- How do you stop people clocking in for each other?
- Can managers edit punches, and is every edit logged?
- How are breaks and overtime handled?
- Does it export hours to our payroll provider?
- Does it work if the internet drops for a while?
Signs you need a better way to clock in
- Start times are always round numbers. Entries are guessed.
- Hours are disputed. There's no record to check.
- Payroll takes days. Sheets are typed up by hand.
- Breaks go unrecorded. Nobody's sure who took one.
Do you make time clock software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing time clock software
Watch how your staff arrive and leave on a normal day, then pick the clock that fits that moment. If they come through one door, a terminal works. If they're out on jobs, an app with location is better. Fighting the routine leads to forgotten punches and edited records.
Insist on an audit trail. When hours are questioned, you'll want to see the original punch and every change made since. If you're stretched on the people side generally, my guide to HR support services for small businesses may help.
Frequently asked questions
What is time clock software?
Time clock software records when employees start and finish work, usually through a phone app, browser, tablet or wall terminal, and turns those punches into hours for payroll.
Is a time clock legally required?
In the US, the Department of Labor says employers may use any timekeeping method as long as records are complete and accurate. A time clock is one option, not a requirement.
Are there free time clock apps?
Yes. Some online time clocks are free for small teams, and some offer free plans for nonprofits. Check the free plan column in the table above.
How do time clocks stop buddy punching?
Many use PINs, photos, face recognition or location checks at clock-in, so it's harder for one person to clock in for another.
Can a time clock connect to payroll?
Most time clock tools export hours to common payroll providers, and some include payroll themselves. Check the integrations before you buy.
What's the difference between a time clock and a timesheet?
A time clock captures start and finish times as they happen. A timesheet is a summary of hours worked, often filled in or approved afterwards.
