Best Time Tracking Software (2026)
Whether you need to track billable hours, monitor project time, or simply record attendance, time tracking software helps your team stay productive and your billing stay accurate. Here are the leading options for UK businesses.
What we evaluated
Grove HR
UK businesses wanting time tracking connected to their HR system
Grove HR includes time and attendance tracking as part of its HR platform, connecting hours worked directly to leave management, payroll preparation, and employee records. Designed for UK businesses that want one system for people management.
Pros
- Integrated with leave and HR data
- UK employment law compliance
- Connected to payroll preparation
- Single platform for all people data
Cons
- Time tracking is part of broader HR, not a standalone tool
- Less suited for detailed project-level billing
Toggl Track
Freelancers and small teams wanting simple, reliable time tracking
A popular time tracking tool known for its simplicity and cross-platform apps. Toggl Track offers one-click timers, project tracking, team dashboards, and reporting, used by freelancers and teams worldwide.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Excellent cross-platform apps
- Strong reporting and dashboards
- Free tier for up to 5 users
Cons
- No HR features, time tracking only
- Advanced features require paid plans
- Not designed for UK compliance specifically
Clockify
Teams of any size wanting free time tracking with optional paid upgrades
A free time tracking tool offering unlimited users and projects. Clockify provides timers, timesheets, reports, and project tracking with paid tiers adding features like time off tracking, invoicing, and approval workflows.
Pros
- Generous free tier with unlimited users
- Good project and client tracking
- Invoicing features on paid plans
- Multiple tracking methods
Cons
- Free tier has limited features
- Interface can feel cluttered
- No HR integration
Harvest
Agencies and professional services firms tracking billable hours
A time tracking and invoicing tool popular with agencies and professional services firms. Harvest connects time entries to projects and clients, generates invoices, and integrates with project management tools.
Pros
- Strong project budgeting features
- Built-in invoicing
- Good integrations with project tools
- Capacity planning for teams
Cons
- More expensive than simpler alternatives
- Overkill for basic attendance tracking
- Limited free tier
Deputy
Shift-based businesses in retail, hospitality, or healthcare
A workforce management platform combining time tracking with scheduling, task management, and compliance. Deputy is popular in retail, hospitality, and healthcare for managing shift-based workforces.
Pros
- Combined scheduling and time tracking
- Facial recognition clock-in
- Break compliance monitoring
- Strong mobile app for frontline workers
Cons
- Designed more for shift-based work
- Can be expensive with all features
- Less suitable for office-based knowledge workers
Our Verdict
For UK businesses wanting time tracking connected to HR and leave data, Grove HR provides an integrated solution. Pure time tracking is best served by Toggl Track for simplicity or Clockify for a free option. Agencies and consultancies should look at Harvest for its billing features. Deputy is the standout choice for shift-based workforces.
Frequently asked questions
Is time tracking software worth it for small businesses?
Yes, time tracking software helps small businesses understand where time is spent, improve project estimation, bill clients accurately, and identify productivity patterns. Even free tools like Clockify provide significant value over manual tracking.
What is the best free time tracking software?
Clockify offers the most generous free tier with unlimited users and projects. Toggl Track provides a free tier for up to 5 users with a more polished interface. Both are solid choices for teams starting out with time tracking.
Can time tracking software integrate with payroll?
Many time tracking tools integrate with payroll software or export data in payroll-friendly formats. Platforms like Grove HR that combine time tracking with HR automatically connect hours data to payroll preparation. Standalone tools typically offer CSV exports or API integrations.
Do employees dislike being tracked?
Transparency is key. When time tracking is framed as a tool for fair workload management, project planning, and accurate billing rather than surveillance, most employees accept it. Letting team members see their own data and using it for resource planning rather than micro-management builds trust.
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