Best Free Time Tracking App

Tracking time accurately is crucial for productivity and project management. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small team, or part of a larger organization, having the right time tracking tool can make a significant difference in how effectively you manage your tasks and projects. This article explores some of the best free time tracking apps available, focusing on their features, platforms, pricing, and who they are best suited for. Let’s dive in and find the perfect time tracking tool for your needs.

Toggl Track

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, and browser extensions

Why Choose Toggl Track?

If you need a time tracker tool but can’t pay for one, Toggl Track is an excellent choice. It offers a generous free tier of service that gives you access to all its apps and includes all the core functionalities you’d expect in a time tracking app.

Key Features:

• Ease of Use: Toggl Track allows you to start tracking time immediately without needing to set up a client, project, or task beforehand. This makes it incredibly user-friendly and efficient.
• Accessibility: Toggl Track’s timer button shows up in various web apps (via Chrome or Firefox extensions), providing a constant reminder to track your time. You can also use the desktop app, which displays the running clock on your computer’s menubar.
• Detailed Options: The Chrome extension can automatically start and stop tracking time based on browser activity. It also includes idle detection to maintain high accuracy and has a Pomodoro Technique setting for focused work sessions.
• Upgraded Dashboards: Recent upgrades offer in-depth data analysis with customizable dashboards and reporting features.
• Zapier Integrations: Connect Toggl Track with other apps to automate time tracking processes.

Pricing:

• Free: For up to 5 users.
• Starter Plan: $9/user/month (billed annually), includes additional features like time rounding, billable rates, and saved reports.

Limitations:

• The free plan is simple and suitable for basic time tracking and reporting. For more granular insights, saved reports, or billable hours, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan.
• No task management or planning features are included in the free version.

Who Should Consider Toggl Track? Toggl Track is ideal for freelancers, small teams, or individuals who need a straightforward and flexible time tracking solution without extra costs.

Clockify

Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, and browser extensions

Why Choose Clockify?

Clockify is another excellent free time tracking app that offers unlimited tracking, users, projects, and reports—all for free.

Key Features:

• Unlimited Tracking: Unlike many free time tracking apps, Clockify does not limit the number of users, projects, or reports.
• Simple Interface: The app provides a straightforward user experience without unnecessary complications.

Who Should Consider Clockify? Clockify is perfect for users who need a simple and unlimited time tracking tool without additional features or costs.

HourStack

Platforms: Web, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge

Why Choose HourStack?

HourStack is an easy-to-use combination calendar and time tracker that integrates smoothly with popular project management tools like Asana, Google Tasks, Trello, Todoist, and Google Calendar.

Key Features:

• Native Integrations: Drag and drop tasks from your project management tool directly into HourStack to schedule your team’s workload.
• Simplicity: The app is user-friendly and avoids overwhelming users with complicated settings.
• Two-Way Integration: Mark tasks as completed in HourStack, and they will update in your project management tool.

Pricing:

• $12/month for one user.
• $15/user/month for teams.

Who Should Consider HourStack? HourStack is ideal for teams that need to integrate time tracking with project management tools to both plan and track time effectively.

Timely

Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox

Why Choose Timely?

Timely offers automated time tracking, creating “Memories” of every software and website you use during the day.

Key Features:

• Automated Tracking: No need to start and stop timers; Timely captures your activities in the background.
• Privacy: Data collected is private to you, and you decide how much to share on your timesheet.
• Detailed Reporting: Create detailed and customized reports, view unbilled hours, and connect to QuickBooks for invoicing.
• Team Management: Emphasis on team scheduling and project management, with a dashboard overview of planned vs. logged time.

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $9/user/month (up to 20 projects and 5 users).
• Premium Plan: $16/user/month for unlimited projects and 50 users.

Best Free Time Tracking App

Who Should Consider Timely? Timely is perfect for teams needing automated and detailed time tracking with robust reporting and project management features.

Memtime

Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux

Why Choose Memtime?

Memtime (formerly timeBro) is an automated time tracking tool that focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Key Features:

• Automated Tracking: Keeps track of your computer activity for later categorization without needing to start and stop a timer.
• Minimalist Interface: Provides a simple running log of your activity, easy entry creation, and an overview of your day’s work.
• Calendar Integration: Sync with your calendar to view events alongside captured activities.

Who Should Consider Memtime? Memtime is ideal for individuals who prefer a minimalist approach to automated time tracking without the need for team or project management features.