27 Best Employee Time Clock Software in 2026

7shifts is employee scheduling and time clock software built for restaurants and other shift-based teams. It combines schedules, clock-ins, breaks, and labor reporting in one place. Many hospitality businesses use it as employee scheduling and time clock software to keep shifts and hours aligned.

• Strong schedule builder with templates
• Mobile clock-ins for frontline employees
• Labor cost and forecast reports

• Focused mainly on hospitality and retail
• May feel heavy for very small teams

After spending time reviewing 7shifts, I noticed how closely schedules and time tracking work together day to day. Managers see who is scheduled, who actually clocked in, and where gaps appear, all in one screen. That tight link is why I see it as one of the best time clock software for employee scheduling in shift-driven environments.

ADP Time & Attendance is part of ADP’s wider HR and payroll suite and is used as time clock employee software for large and mid-size organizations. It supports digital clock-ins, overtime rules, approvals, and direct payroll sync. Many companies pick ADP when they want employee time clock solutions tied closely to pay and compliance.

• Deep payroll and tax integration
• Built-in compliance rules for overtime and breaks
• Strong support and implementation options

• Setup and configuration take time
• Interface can feel rigid compared to newer apps

While exploring ADP’s time tools, I focused on how rules flow into payroll. Once configured, the system applies schedules, overtime, and premiums without extra spreadsheets on the side. That level of control is why I see it as a stable choice for teams that care most about compliance and accurate payroll.

BambooHR includes employee time clock software inside its HR platform for small and mid-size businesses. Employees clock in and out, submit hours, and request time off from the same system used for their HR records. It is often used as simple employee time and attendance software where teams do not want separate tools for each task.

• Clean, simple interface for employees
• Time approvals live next to HR data
• Easy for new managers to learn

• Reporting is more basic than specialist tools
• Limited support for complex shift patterns

While testing BambooHR time tracking, I paid attention to how quickly a manager can review and approve hours. The process is straightforward and sits in the same place as leave requests and basic HR tasks. That simplicity makes it a strong fit for teams that want fewer tools and a low learning curve.

Buddy Punch is employee timeclock software that focuses on accurate clock-ins and preventing buddy punching. It offers GPS, webcam, and device controls so managers can verify who is on site. Many companies use it as a control layer over simple time tracking.

• GPS and photo verification options
• Web and mobile clock-ins
• Clear time and attendance reports

• Limited built-in scheduling tools
• Not a full HR or payroll system on its own

When I explored Buddy Punch, I focused on the verification features. Location and photo checks make it harder for employees to clock in for each other or from the wrong place. That focus on accuracy is why I see it as a strong option for teams that want tighter control without a huge platform.

Clockify is a popular employee time clock software free at the entry level. It offers timers, timesheets, projects, and reports in a clean interface. Many small teams and freelancers start with Clockify as free employee time clock software before upgrading to paid plans.

• Free plan with core features
• Simple interface across web and mobile
• Project and client-based reporting

• Limited scheduling and shift tools
• More focused on project work than clock-style shifts

While reviewing Clockify, I focused on how quickly a team can start tracking time without setup overhead. The platform allows projects, timers, and basic reports to be configured within minutes, based on its structure and onboarding flow. That low barrier to entry makes it a common starting point for small teams moving away from manual tracking.

ClockShark is employee time clock software built for field and trades teams. It supports GPS clock-ins, job codes, and project-based time tracking for crews on the move. Construction, maintenance, and service businesses often use it to understand how much time work in the field really takes.

• GPS and geofenced clock-ins
• Job and project tagging for hours
• Mobile experience built for field staff

• Less relevant for office-only teams
• Advanced use may require training for managers

When I evaluated ClockShark, I focused on how it supports field staff logging time on job sites. The mix of GPS, job codes, and mobile clock-ins makes it easy to connect recorded hours to specific locations and tasks. That field-first design is the main reason it stands out in this list.

Connecteam is employee time clock software combined with scheduling, task management, and communication for deskless teams. Employees clock in from their phones, and managers can apply GPS and geofencing rules. It is often mentioned among the top rated employee time clock apps for mobile-first workforces.

• Strong mobile app for frontline staff
• Built-in scheduling and shift management
• GPS and geofencing for location control

• Best suited to mobile, not office-only teams
• Setup and configuration take some time

I picked Connecteam because its automated time tracking fits naturally into daily work for frontline employees. People clock in from their phones, while GPS and geofencing keep punches tied to approved locations. I also like that scheduling and time tracking live together, which cuts down on confusion between planned and actual hours.

Dayforce offers employee time and attendance software as part of its HCM platform. It handles clock-ins, shift rules, overtime, and payroll in one system. Large employers use it when they need strict rule enforcement and global coverage.

• Strong support for complex labor rules
• Tight link with payroll and HR data
• Scales across large, multi-site organizations

• Implementation can be long and detailed
• Interface feels more “enterprise” than app-like

When I looked at Dayforce, I focused on how time rules move through the system. Schedules, overtime, and premiums are applied in ways that clearly connect back to regulations and company policy. That structure is why it suits teams that need a serious level of control.

Deputy is employee scheduling and time clock software used widely in retail, hospitality, and healthcare. It helps managers build schedules, track attendance, and apply break and overtime rules. Many shift-heavy businesses use Deputy as their core scheduling and time tracking hub.

• Strong schedule builder with templates and shift swaps
• Time tracking tied directly to scheduled shifts
• Compliance features for breaks and overtime

• Setup and rule tuning take some time
• Smaller teams may not use all features

After spending time checking Deputy’s capabilities, what stood out to me was how schedules, attendance, and compliance all sit in one workflow. Managers do not have to move between different tools to fix shifts, approve time, and check overtime. That joined-up design makes it a solid choice for busy shift-based operations.

DeskTime is automatic employee time clock software aimed at office and remote teams. It tracks time based on app and website activity rather than manual punches. Teams use it when they want insight into work patterns across the day.

• Automatic tracking with little manual input
• Productivity and usage reports
• Works for both office and remote setups

• Not built for shift scheduling
• Monitoring style requires clear internal policies

While exploring DeskTime, I focused on how much tracking happens without employee effort. Time is recorded in the background, and managers can review patterns later instead of chasing timesheets. That automatic approach is what makes it different from more traditional clock-in tools.

Factorial includes time tracking as part of its HR platform for small and growing teams. Employees clock in, log hours, and request leave alongside their HR data. Many companies use it as employee time clock software for small business environments that need structure but not a heavy enterprise suite.

• Simple interface for employees and managers
• Time and HR records in one system
• Clear approval flows

• Reporting is more basic than specialist tools
• Limited support for very complex shifts

When I reviewed Factorial, I watched how managers move from timesheets to basic HR tasks. Having hours, leave, and employee details together reduces the back-and-forth between different systems. That “all in one place” feeling is its main strength for smaller teams.

Harvest is time tracking software focused on projects and billable work. Teams log hours against clients and tasks, then turn that data into internal reports or invoices. Agencies, consultants, and professional services firms often use it instead of a traditional punch clock.

• Clear project and client tracking
• Strong reporting around billable hours
• Simple invoicing link

• Not designed for shift-based attendance
• Limited native scheduling features

In my review of Harvest, I focused on how project hours are presented back to managers. The reports make it easy to see where time is going and which clients consume the most capacity. That level of clarity is why I see it as a good fit for teams that bill time rather than just track attendance.

Homebase is employee time clock software for small business teams, especially in retail, hospitality, and local services. It combines scheduling, time clocks, and basic messaging. Many small businesses also see it recommended in lists of the best time and attendance software for shops and cafes.

• Free tier for small locations
• Scheduling and time tracking in one app
• Simple mobile and browser clock-ins

• Reporting is more limited than enterprise tools
• Less suited to very large organizations

While exploring Homebase, I looked at how a small business owner would actually use it on a busy day. Shifts, hours, and basic team communication sit close together, so managers are not digging through menus. That ease of use is why it often comes up when people ask about employee time clocks for small business needs.

Hubstaff is employee time and attendance software built with remote and field teams in mind. It offers time tracking, activity levels, optional screenshots, and location features. Many teams use it when they want more visibility into how distributed work happens.

• Detailed time and activity data
• GPS and job tracking options
• Integrations with payroll and project tools

• Monitoring features need clear communication to staff
• Less focused on classic shift scheduling

When I assessed Hubstaff, I paid attention to how it handles remote work. Time, activity, and location data come together in reports that highlight patterns over longer periods, not just a single day. That long-view visibility is what makes it especially useful for distributed teams.

Jibble is cloud-based employee time clock software with a generous free plan. It supports mobile, web, and kiosk clock-ins, plus options like face recognition. Many small teams look at Jibble when they want apps for employee time clock tracking without big upfront costs.

• Free tier with core features
• Multiple clock-in methods, including biometrics
• Simple mobile setup

• Advanced reporting is in paid plans
• Limited deep scheduling logic

While exploring Jibble, I focused on how fast a new team can start tracking time. The free plan, simple setup, and clear mobile app make it easy to try without risk. That low barrier is why it often appears in discussions about free employee time clock software.

Paycor Time is part of Paycor’s HR and payroll suite and works as time clock employee software for small and mid-size employers. It handles clock-ins, approvals, and overtime rules, then feeds data straight into payroll. HR teams often choose it for a single system across time, HR, and pay.

• Direct link between time and payroll
• Centralized employee records
• Clear approval flows

• Best value when you already use Paycor HR
• Less flexible for standalone time tracking only

When I looked at Paycor, I focused on how time data moves into payroll. Approved hours flow through without manual re-entry, which cuts down on small errors that add up over time. That clean pipeline is what makes it appealing for HR-led teams.

Paylocity offers employee time clock software inside its broader HR platform. It supports digital punches, schedules, and compliance rules, plus payroll integration. Many mid-size employers use it when they want one system from hire to pay.

• Integrated HR, time, and payroll
• Rules and policies applied consistently
• Reporting that covers multiple locations

• Setup and training can take time
• Less attractive as a stand-alone time tracking tool

While exploring Paylocity’s time tools, I watched how time entries go through approvals. The same rules that guide HR and payroll apply to time, which helps keep records aligned. That standardization is the main reason it suits mid-size organizations with formal processes.

QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) is cloud employee time clock software designed to work closely with QuickBooks payroll and accounting. It supports mobile and web clock-ins, GPS time tracking, and job codes. Many small and mid-size businesses use it to keep hours and payroll in sync.

• Strong integration with QuickBooks
• GPS and job tracking for field teams
• Clear timesheet and overtime reporting

• Best value when paired with QuickBooks
• Pricing can feel high for very small teams

When I evaluated QuickBooks Time, I focused on how timesheets connect directly to payroll. Approved hours flow straight into pay runs, which removes a lot of manual copying and reduces small errors. That tight link is why it often appears in discussions about the best employee time clock software 2025 for finance-driven teams.

Rippling provides employee timeclock software inside a wider workforce platform that covers HR, IT, and payroll. It supports digital clock-ins, schedules, and policy rules, with strong automation. Tech-friendly companies often choose Rippling when they want time and HR in one system.

• Automation across HR, IT, and payroll
• Modern interface for admins and employees
• Strong integration and workflow options

• Works best when you adopt multiple Rippling modules
• More platform complexity than a stand-alone time clock

While exploring Rippling, I looked at how much work could be automated. Time data flows into payroll and other parts of the platform with very few manual steps. That automation is the main reason it appeals to teams that already think in terms of integrated systems.

TimeCamp is employee time clock software and project time tracker for teams that bill or report on projects. It offers timers, manual entries, and automatic tracking options. Many teams use it to combine attendance ideas with project cost tracking.

• Project and task-level time tracking
• Multiple tracking modes (manual and automatic)
• Good integrations with project tools

• Not focused on shift-style scheduling
• Some features take time to configure

When I reviewed TimeCamp, I focused on how it handles project and task time. The reports make it easy to move from “who worked” to “what they worked on” in a clear way. That blend makes it a strong option when you need both attendance tracking and project visibility.

Time Doctor is employee time and attendance software with a strong focus on productivity and remote work. It tracks time, app usage, and optional screenshots. Many remote-first teams use it to understand how work time is spent.

• Detailed time and activity tracking
• Support for remote and hybrid teams
• Reporting across clients and projects

• Monitoring can feel strict if not explained well
• Not designed for detailed shift scheduling

While exploring Time Doctor, I focused on how it treats remote work. Managers can see both hours and high-level activity, which helps guide coaching and workload talks. That mix of time and productivity data explains why it is often shortlisted for distributed teams.

Toggl Track is a simple, popular time tracking app used as time clock employee software for knowledge workers. It supports timers, manual entries, tags, and reports in a clean interface. Many teams choose it as one of the best time clock apps for flexible, non-shift work.

• Very clean and easy interface
• Flexible tags and projects
• Strong adoption among knowledge workers

• Not focused on classic shift attendance
• Limited scheduling features

When I reviewed Toggl Track, I paid attention to how quickly people can start and stop tracking without extra training. Timers and tags make it simple to log time in a way that still produces useful reports. That ease of adoption is why it shows up so often in small-business and team tool lists.

UKG Pro is an enterprise HCM platform that includes employee time and attendance software for complex organizations. It supports global labor rules, scheduling, time clocks, and payroll. Large companies use it when they need deep governance over time and attendance.

• Advanced support for labor laws and rules
• Integrated HR, time, and payroll data
• Scales across large and global teams

• Implementation is long and detailed
• Not aimed at very small businesses

When I looked at UKG Pro, I focused on how it manages complex rules for different locations and roles. Time data flows into HR and payroll with guardrails that reflect those rules. That level of depth is why it fits organizations with strict compliance needs.

When I Work is employee scheduling and time clock software focused on simple shift-based work. It lets managers build schedules, send updates, and track hours from the same interface. Many teams see it as some of the best employee time clock software for flexible hourly work.

• Easy-to-learn scheduling tools
• Mobile time clock apps for employees
• Shift swaps and availability features

• Reporting is simpler than some enterprise tools
• Less suited for large multi-country setups

In my review of When I Work, I focused on the day-to-day experience for managers and staff. Schedules, availability, and time punches sit together in a clear, app-friendly layout that is easy to scan. That straightforward design is what makes it especially attractive to busy shift-based teams.

Workday Time Tracking is part of Workday’s enterprise HCM suite and offers global employee time clock solutions for large organizations. It supports complex time rules, approvals, and integration with payroll and financials. Many enterprises adopt it to handle multiple countries and labor regimes in one system.

• Strong rule engine for global time policies
• Unified data with HR, finance, and payroll
• Designed for complex, multi-entity structures

• Implementation is intensive
• Requires dedicated internal owners

When I reviewed Workday Time Tracking, I looked at how time data travels across HR and finance. Once set up, time entries support payroll, project costing, and compliance reporting without separate tools. That end-to-end coverage is the main reason it appeals to large enterprises.

Workyard is employee time clock software with GPS-powered time tracking and jobsite verification, built especially for construction, contracting, and field service teams. It captures clock-ins and clock-outs with precise location data, tracks travel time and mileage, and tags hours to specific jobs or cost codes.

• Very accurate GPS tracking for crew locations and jobsite hours
• Job and project tagging with cost code support
• Offline mode ensures time is recorded even without signal

• Feature set may be more than some small teams need
• Scheduling and reports take time to configure

While exploring Workyard, I noticed how precise the GPS time clock captures arrival and departure times even on active job sites. Crew members can clock in through mobile or kiosk apps, and the system ties every hour to a specific task and location. The way it combines location-verified hours with payroll syncing and project cost tags is the main reason it stood out to me.

Zoho People includes employee time clock software alongside HR, leave, and performance tools. It supports timesheets, approvals, and basic scheduling. Many cost-sensitive teams use it when they want HR and time tracking under one roof.

• Competitive pricing for growing teams
• Flexible configuration for different roles
• Integrates with other Zoho apps

• Interface can feel busy
• Some reporting setups take effort

While working with Zoho People, I focused on how time tracking fits into the wider Zoho ecosystem. Teams that already use Zoho for CRM or projects can keep more of their work in one family of tools. That ecosystem effect is why it often appears on shortlists for budget-aware companies.