Best Attendance Tracking Software in 2026: What It Is and Why Teams Use It

Attendance tracking software records when employees clock in and out, manages time-off requests, and generates workforce reports. It helps companies move past spreadsheets toward automated, accurate records. Many tools now work as full attendance management systems with dashboards for schedules, leave approvals, and absence patterns. An effective employee attendance tracker serves as the foundation for workforce management.

In 2026, reliable employee attendance software matters more than ever. According to IMARC Group research, the global time and attendance software market was valued at USD 3.06 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 5.58 billion by 2033 at 6.55% CAGR. Mordor Intelligence reports the market at USD 3.99 billion in 2025, forecast to reach USD 6.23 billion by 2030.

Paychex research notes that 85% of business leaders expect higher revenue, with 50% planning to increase headcount. As teams scale, manual tracking becomes impractical. Cloud-based attendance tracking systems now account for over 70% of deployments, offering real-time access for managers and employees in hybrid arrangements. Organizations seeking an HRIS with best attendance tracking features or the best HRIS for tracking employee attendance increasingly prioritize these integrated solutions.

These systems connect to other HR tools. Attendance data sits alongside best employee management software and payroll, so hours flow directly into pay calculations. Some companies review hr attendance software together with best employee handbook software and core HR tools. The goal: make tracking staff hours easier to run and measure.

Top 26 Best Employee Attendance Tracking Software for 2026

I’ve reviewed attendance tracking tools companies use for time tracking and compliance. These platforms appear in lists of best attendance tracking software 2025 and guides to best time and attendance tracking solutions. Whether you need the best app for tracking attendance or top time and attendance tracking platforms 2025, this list covers leading options. All providers are listed in alphabetical order.

ADP Workforce Now

adp workforce now review

Quick Overview

ADP Workforce Now is an all-in-one HR platform with time and attendance built in. It handles payroll, benefits, and compliance alongside attendance management solution features.

Software Pros

  • Unified HR, payroll, and attendance
  • Strong compliance features
  • Scales for growing orgs

Software Cons

  • Higher pricing for small teams
  • Interface can feel dense

ADP Workforce Now Review

I approached this expecting enterprise depth, and it delivered. The seamless flow from attendance data to payroll stood out. It suits organizations wanting tight HR-compliance integration.

Our Verdict

Unified HR Suite With Attendance

BambooHR

bamboohr review

Quick Overview

BambooHR is an HR platform for SMBs that includes time tracking and PTO management. Teams use it as their primary staff attendance software.

Software Pros

  • User-friendly interface 
  • Good PTO management 
  • Integrates with payroll

Software Cons

  • Time tracking costs extra 
  • Less suited for complex shifts

BambooHR Review

While exploring this tool, I noticed how naturally it fits into daily HR tasks. The self-service portal makes leave requests effortless. I’d position this as HR-first with solid attendance built in.

Our Verdict

HR-First With Clean Time Tracking

Buddy Punch

buddy punch review

Quick Overview

Buddy Punch is a cloud-based time clock for small businesses with GPS tracking and facial recognition. Many choose it as their best app for tracking attendance.

Software Pros

  • Simple setup 
  • GPS and geofencing 
  • Affordable for small teams

Software Cons

  • Limited advanced HR features 
  • Basic reporting

Buddy Punch Review

What stood out to me was how quickly small teams can go from signup to tracking time. The mobile punch with GPS verification works well for field workers.

Our Verdict

Simple Clock For Small Teams

Clockify

clockify review

Quick Overview

Clockify is a free time tracking tool handling attendance and timesheets. Organizations start with it as their first attendance tracker software.

Software Pros

  • Free tier available 
  • Cross-platform 
  • Simple interface

Software Cons

  • Advanced features require paid plans 
  • Limited HR capabilities

Clockify Review

I spent time exploring how it handles basic attendance alongside project tracking. Teams can start without upfront cost. It works particularly well for freelancers and small agencies.

Our Verdict

Free-Tier Time Tracker

Deputy

deputy review

Quick Overview

Deputy is workforce management for shift-based teams covering scheduling and attendance monitoring software needs for retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Software Pros

  • Strong scheduling 
  • Labor cost tracking 
  • Good mobile experience

Software Cons

  • Designed for hourly workforces 
  • May exceed simple needs

Deputy Review

I was curious how Deputy handles complex shift patterns, and it delivers well. The scheduling tools make roster building easy. It works particularly well for multi-location businesses.

Our Verdict

Scheduling-First Workforce Platform

DeskTime

desktime review

Quick Overview

DeskTime combines automatic time tracking with productivity and attendance monitoring, which is why it’s often considered among the best attendance tracking tools for remote teams.

Software Pros

  • Automatic tracking 
  • Productivity insights 
  • Project cost calculation

Software Cons

  • Monitoring may concern employees 
  • Best for computer-based work

DeskTime Review

I usually pay attention to how productivity tools balance oversight with comfort. The automatic tracking means workers don’t need to remember to punch in. It ties attendance directly to output metrics.

Our Verdict

Automatic Productivity Tracking

ExakTime

exaktime review

Quick Overview

ExakTime is time tracking for construction with GPS-verified clock-ins and job costing. Contractors choose it as their app to track employee attendance in the field.

Software Pros

  • Built for construction 
  • Rugged mobile app with GPS 
  • Certified payroll reports

Software Cons

  • Industry-specific focus 
  • Enterprise pricing

ExakTime Review

I appreciated how it handles messy construction job sites. Workers clock in from anywhere with GPS stamps proving location. Essential for prevailing wage compliance.

Our Verdict

Field-Ready Construction Tracking

Factorial

factorial review

Quick Overview

Factorial is an HR platform with time tracking and shift management. Teams use it as an hris with best attendance tracking features.

Software Pros

  • All-in-one HR 
  • Clean modern interface 
  • Good value for growth

Software Cons

  • Some features still developing 
  • Payroll integrations vary

Factorial Review

I liked how naturally Factorial fits attendance into broader HR workflow. Everything happens in one place employees already use. Especially useful for onboarding new hires.

Our Verdict

Modern HR For Growing Teams

Gusto

gusto review

Quick Overview

Gusto is a payroll-first platform with time tracking and PTO. Small companies use it as their attendance management system for employees alongside payroll processing.

Software Pros

  • Tight payroll integration 
  • Simple setup 
  • Benefits included

Software Cons

  • Time features less advanced 
  • Primarily US-focused

Gusto Review

I found it easy to see why small businesses gravitate here. The flow from time entry to payroll is seamless. Works well when the owner runs HR themselves.

Our Verdict

Payroll-First For Small Business

Homebase

homebase review

Quick Overview

Homebase is free scheduling and time tracking for hourly workers. Restaurant and retail owners pick it as their best attendance tracking app.

Software Pros

  • Free basic plan 
  • Easy shift scheduling 
  • Built-in communication

Software Cons

  • Advanced features paid 
  • Best for single locations

Homebase Review

What I noticed fairly quickly was how it bundles scheduling with tracking sensibly. The free tier is genuinely useful, not just a teaser. Strong starting point for local businesses.

Our Verdict

Free Scheduling For Hourly Teams

Hubstaff

hubstaff review

Quick Overview

Hubstaff is a time-tracking tool with GPS and activity monitoring, commonly included among best time and attendance tracking systems for remote and distributed teams.

Software Pros

  • Comprehensive remote monitoring 
  • GPS tracking 
  • Project management integration

Software Cons

  • May feel intrusive 
  • Feature depth overwhelming

Hubstaff Review

I’ve found Hubstaff offers more remote visibility than most competitors. The combination of time tracking, GPS, and optional screenshots builds manager confidence. Works well for agencies billing hourly.

Our Verdict

Remote Team Visibility Platform

Insightful

insightful review

Quick Overview

Insightful is workforce analytics combining attendance with productivity monitoring. Companies use it as personnel attendance control system.

Software Pros

  • Deep productivity analytics 
  • Automatic tracking 
  • Identifies workflow bottlenecks

Software Cons

  • Requires transparent communication 
  • Best for desk-based teams

Insightful Review

I was curious how Insightful presents productivity data without making employees feel watched. Dashboards focus on patterns rather than surveillance. Frames monitoring as optimization.

Our Verdict

Analytics-Driven Workforce Insights

Jibble

jibble review

Quick Overview

Jibble is free time tracking with facial recognition and GPS verification. Small businesses choose it among attendance tracking apps for verified clock-ins.

Software Pros

  • Free plan with features 
  • Facial recognition 
  • Simple interface

Software Cons

  • Advanced reporting paid 
  • Limited HR features

Jibble Review

I liked how Jibble makes facial recognition accessible on the free tier. Verification adds accountability without complicating clock-in. One of the best values for biometric attendance.

Our Verdict

Free Biometric Time Tracking

Justworks

justworks review

Quick Overview

Justworks is a PEO platform with time tracking alongside payroll and benefits. Growing companies use it as best HRIS for tracking employee attendance.

Software Pros

  • PEO simplifies compliance 
  • Integrated payroll/benefits 
  • Good support

Software Cons

  • Basic time tracking 
  • PEO model not for everyone

Justworks Review

I found Justworks shines when attendance tracking is part of a bigger compliance picture. The time tracking is straightforward, but value comes from managed payroll and benefits.

Our Verdict

PEO With Built-In Time

Kronos (UKG)

kronos (ukg) review

Quick Overview

Kronos (UKG) provides enterprise workforce management with time and scheduling capabilities and frequently appears in discussions of top time and attendance tracking platforms 2025.

Software Pros

  • Enterprise scalability 
  • Deep scheduling analytics 
  • Complex pay rule support

Software Cons

  • Lengthy implementation 
  • Enterprise pricing

Kronos (UKG) Review

I approached this expecting enterprise complexity, and it delivered depth unmatched by smaller platforms. Handles union rules, shift differentials, and multi-jurisdiction compliance.

Our Verdict

Enterprise Workforce Leader

OnTheClock

ontheclock review

Quick Overview

OnTheClock is a cloud-based time clock for small businesses with GPS tracking and PTO management, and is commonly included among attendance management solutions.

Software Pros

  • Free for very small teams 
  • Simple essential features 
  • Good payroll integrations

Software Cons

  • Limited advanced scheduling 
  • Basic reporting

OnTheClock Review

I found it easy to see why small employers with few employees gravitate here. Setup takes minutes, interface doesn’t overwhelm. Practical when you want simplicity without sacrificing accuracy.

Our Verdict

Simple Clock For Small Employers

Paycom

paycom review

Quick Overview

Paycom is an all-in-one HCM platform that combines time and attendance with payroll and talent management, and is often referenced among best employee attendance tracking software 2025 options for mid-sized companies.

Software Pros

  • Single database for HR 
  • Strong self-service 
  • Good time-off automation

Software Cons

  • Requires implementation commitment 
  • Mid-size pricing

Paycom Review

What stood out was how Paycom pushes employees to manage their own time entries. This self-service approach reduces HR load while keeping records accurate.

Our Verdict

Self-Service HCM With Time

Paycor

paycor review

Quick Overview

Paycor is HCM combining payroll, HR, and time tracking. Companies use it as their primary employee attendance tracker alongside payroll.

Software Pros

  • Integrated HR and payroll 
  • Good analytics 
  • Scales for mid-size

Software Cons

  • Modular feel 
  • Implementation planning needed

Paycor Review

I spent time exploring how Paycor handles time alongside broader HR. The platform balances depth with usability. Mid-size companies with 100-500 employees often find it hits the right spot.

Our Verdict

Balanced HCM For Mid-Size

QuickBooks Time

quickbooks time review

Quick Overview

QuickBooks Time integrates tightly with QuickBooks accounting for mobile time tracking and GPS. QuickBooks users pick it as best attendance tracking software.

Software Pros

  • Seamless QuickBooks integration 
  • Strong mobile app 
  • Good job costing

Software Cons

  • Most valuable with QuickBooks 
  • Per-user pricing adds up

QuickBooks Time Review

I found the QuickBooks integration genuinely helpful. Hours sync automatically without manual entry. The obvious choice for businesses already in the QuickBooks ecosystem.

Our Verdict

Time Tracking For QuickBooks

Replicon

replicon review

Quick Overview

Replicon is enterprise time tracking for project billing in professional services. Large organizations use it as attendance tracking system for billing.

Software Pros

  • Deep project/billing features 
  • Configurable approvals 
  • Strong compliance

Software Cons

  • Complex interface 
  • Enterprise pricing

Replicon Review

I approached Replicon expecting enterprise depth for billing, and it delivered. Splitting time across projects, clients, and billing codes works well. Consulting firms appreciate this granularity.

Our Verdict

Enterprise Project Time Tracking

Rippling

rippling review

Quick Overview

Rippling unifies HR, IT, and finance in one system, helping teams manage time, attendance, and employee data at scale.

Software Pros

  • Unified HR/IT/time 
  • Modern automation 
  • Scales startup to enterprise

Software Cons

  • Full value needs modules 
  • Pricing grows with features

Rippling Review

I liked how Rippling treats time tracking as one piece of unified employee lifecycle. When someone joins, time tracking sets up alongside payroll and access automatically.

Our Verdict

Unified Workforce Platform

TCP (TimeClock Plus)

tcp (timeclock plus) review

Quick Overview

TCP (TimeClock Plus) is workforce management for education and government. School districts use it as attendance management system.

Software Pros

  • Public sector expertise 
  • Union rule support 
  • Hardware and software options

Software Cons

  • Interface can feel dated 
  • Best for specific verticals

TCP (TimeClock Plus) Review

I appreciated how TCP handles specific requirements of schools and government. Compliance features for union contracts stand out. Organizations in these verticals need specialized tools.

Our Verdict

Public Sector Specialist

Time Doctor

time doctor review

Quick Overview

Time Doctor is time tracking focused on productivity monitoring for remote teams.

Software Pros

  • Detailed productivity tracking 
  • Identifies time wasters 
  • Project tool integration

Software Cons

  • Monitoring concerns some 
  • Computer-based work focus

Time Doctor Review

I usually pay attention to how monitoring tools balance visibility with trust. Time Doctor offers configurable oversight levels. Useful for managing remote contractors or offshore teams.

Our Verdict

Remote Productivity Specialist

TimeCamp

timecamp review

Quick Overview

TimeCamp is automatic time tracking monitoring apps and websites for billable hours. Teams use it among best attendance tracking apps for client work.

Software Pros

  • Automatic tracking 
  • Free individual plan 
  • Good project tracking

Software Cons

  • Requires desktop app 
  • Advanced features in higher tiers

TimeCamp Review

I found automatic tracking helpful for capturing time that might slip through manual logs. The app runs quietly and categorizes time. Agencies appreciate not having to remember timers.

Our Verdict

Automatic Time Capture

When I Work

when i work review

Quick Overview

When I Work is scheduling and time tracking for shift-based teams. Restaurants and retail use it among attendance tracking tools for shift workers.

Software Pros

  • Strong shift management 
  • Easy shift swapping 
  • Good mobile experience

Software Cons

  • Time tracking separate from free tier 
  • Best for hourly

When I Work Review

I liked how When I Work makes shift management collaborative. Employees swap shifts directly with manager approval, reducing back-and-forth. Platform handles this well for schedule flexibility.

Our Verdict

Shift Scheduling With Time Clock

Zoho People

zoho people review

Quick Overview

Zoho People is an HR platform with time tracking within the Zoho ecosystem. Smaller teams use it as hr attendance software alongside other Zoho tools.

Software Pros

  • Zoho integration 
  • Affordable pricing 
  • Good HR/attendance balance

Software Cons

  • Best within Zoho ecosystem 
  • Some features less polished

Zoho People Review

I found Zoho People makes most sense for teams already using Zoho for CRM or email. Attendance tracking is solid, and integration reduces duplicate entry. Practical for existing Zoho users.

Our Verdict

HR And Attendance In Zoho

FAQs About Employee Attendance Software

What key features should companies prioritize when choosing attendance tracking software?

Look for clock-in options (mobile, web, biometric), leave management, overtime tracking, and reporting. A good attendance management system for employees should integrate with payroll to reduce manual work. Consider attendance monitoring software with geofencing or GPS for remote and field workers.

How do modern attendance systems support hybrid and remote workforces?

Modern systems offer mobile apps, GPS verification, and browser-based clock-ins regardless of location. Cloud platforms provide real-time visibility for managers while giving employees flexibility in logging hours.

Can attendance tracking tools integrate with payroll and HR systems?

Yes. Most modern tools integrate with payroll providers like ADP, Gusto, and QuickBooks. Hours worked flow directly into payroll calculations without manual entry, reducing errors. Many HR platforms include built-in attendance features.

How do employees typically perceive attendance tracking tools?

Reception depends on implementation. Self-service features like schedule viewing, time-off requests, and punch corrections are welcomed. Transparent policies about data collection build trust. Emphasize benefits like accurate pay and easier PTO requests.

What is the difference between attendance tracking and time tracking software?

Attendance tracking focuses on when employees are present: clock-ins, absences, tardiness, leave. Time tracking includes project-level detail showing hours across tasks, clients, or billable categories. Many platforms combine both, but specialists excel at one.