Time tracking isn’t just for freelancers and those with billable hours. It is necessary for teams to improve productivity, simplify payroll, and understand how work is being performed.
As a manager for a hybrid marketing team, time tracking allowed me to decrease the amount of time spent wondering where the time went and instead focus on the data and smart allocation of resources. We could identify time-killing obstacles, reward productivity, and balance workloads to avoid burnout.
The right time tracking tool has become even more important with the prevalence of remote work. For those managing remote teams, learn more about Controlio Tracking Time Software that offers effortless time tracking and a powerful reporting system.
I have spent considerable time on the 2025 time tracking software market, user reviews and ratings, software updates, and the real-world functionality. These are my top picks for time tracking software for freelancers, small teams, and larger teams.
- Controlio
Controlio is the best time tracking software for teams, including hybrid and remote teams.
The basic timers’ primary functionalities can go beyond that. Some of the other things that are a feature of that include automatic activity tracking, screenshots of activity, videos of activity, app/website usage summaries by the system, productivity scoring, and notifications of idleness or distractions.
Controlio was implemented by an agency owner that I know, and he was able to see hidden inefficiencies, such as time being wasted on tools that were not related to the clients. Their targeted coaching allowed them to see an increase of 25% in billable hours, which provided them with very easy payroll, as it required little effort and utilized the exact data they were looking for.
Some of the key characteristics of the tools are as follows:
Automatic timekeeping and attendance are done via the activity done on the computer. Activity on the computer is able to be viewed using a live view function. Screens may also be recorded, and keystrokes may be logged; this is an optional feature. AI can be utilized to provide productivity metrics and trends. Alerts that are behavior-based can be set, and the web can be temporarily blocked as a result. Detection of insider threats can be included as part of the security features.
Tracking data in a hands-off manner is an objective feature of the software. It is great to be compliant with the tracking of performance metrics and reviews.
Controlio offers custom plans that can be obtained by reaching out to them directly, and there is often an included trial period.
- Toggl Track
A simplistic approach to tracking has always been a preference. With the ability to track activity with 1 click, reminders and activity reports that span the length of the period being tracked are features that are ideal for contracts and very small teams.
The system is easy to navigate, and there is an offline approach to this as well, as the system offers support for various integrations.
The system functions on a freemium format, so the basic model is free, and for additional features, the price is set at $9 per user per month.
- Clockify
A perfect fit for teams that are in a phase of rapid growth is to have an unlimited number of users and projects available on their free system. Screenshots and audits are available as well, along with an in-process GPS feature.
The system is an excellent value and offers the ability to customize the reports to fit the needs of the user.
The system is free forever as stated, and for additional features, a pro plan may be obtained for $3.99 per user per month.
- Harvest
The system is able to create invoices based on time spent on activities; this offers great value for the user’s time.
Simple timesheets, expense tracking, and budgeting tools.
For client billing, it works every time flawlessly and accurately.
Pros: Forecasting feature, links with accounting tools.
Pricing: Free for 1 user; pro $12/user/month.
- Hubstaff
Time tracking and GPS, optional screenshots, and tracking productivity and activity; great for remote and field teams.
Pros: Payroll integrations, activity tracking.
Pricing: Starts at $7/user/month.
- Time Doctor
Work accountability through screenshots, web/app usage tracking, and payroll.
Pros: Alerts for distractions, thorough data.
Pricing: Starts at $7/user/month.
- RescueTime
Background tracking is automatically done, and with focus tools, productivity is best for personal use and small teams.
Pros: Set goals, block distractions.
Pricing: Free Lite version; premium $6/user/month.
- QuickBooks Time
For QuickBooks users, GPS time tracking, scheduling, and geofencing.
Pros: Mobile optimized, job costing.
Pricing: $8/user/month + base fee.
- Connecteam
For non-desk employees, you have something for compliance: logging, scheduling, and messaging.
Pros: Geofencing, forms with checklists.
Pricing: Free for small teams; paid positions start at $29/month.
- Paymo
Full project management, time tracking, and invoicing—great for agencies.
Pros: Kanban-style boards, resource scheduling.
Pricing: Free for basic; Pro $5.9/user/month.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Team
Consider what you want. For simple manual tracking for remote or field employees, use Toggl or Clockify. For automated insights, use Controlio or Hubstaff.
Most also integrate with Slack, Asana, or QuickBooks.
Your team needs to be involved for buy-in, but start with a pilot.
In 2025, an AI-boosted report builder and enhanced privacy features will allow users to develop trust.
Conclusion
With the best team time tracking software, organizations can stop the guessing and instead streamline how teams work and how leaders provide support.
If you want strong automated solutions to identify real patterns of productivity, start with Controlio Tracking Time Software. Many teams I work with have it and love how it has changed the productivity of their remote work.
Choose one, try it, and be ready for an efficiency boost! Your future self will appreciate it (as will your new payroll expenses).
Questions People Also Ask
- Why is time tracking software essential for teams in 2025? It streamlines payroll/billing processes, identifies inefficiencies, and raises productivity. Studies indicate a 20 to 30 percent boost in focused work for tracked teams.
- Is Controlio’s automation too invasive? Not with transparent implementation. Tell your team, provide access to their individual data, and develop coaching based on patterns. Many find it more equitable than manual work.
- What’s the best time tracking software for free? For the best reporting, Clockify and Toggl Track both have unlimited users and projects. They’re great for freelancers and startups.
- What can I do to maintain privacy and compliance? Use GDPR-compliant software, monitor work device hours, and ensure clear communication of your monitoring policy.
Tools like Controlio provide custom privacy features for balance.