Quick comparison
Shortlist first, details second. Always double-check current pricing and plan limits on the vendor site.
| Tool | Best for | Setup time | Pricing | Why it’s here | Watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toggl Top pick | High adoption + simplicity | 30–60 min | Free + paid | Lowest friction for most teams | Needs discipline for consistent tagging/projects |
| Hubstaff | Ops-heavy teams | Half day | Paid | More control + monitoring features | Can feel heavy for creative teams |
| Harvest | Time + invoicing together | 1–2 hours | Paid | Simple for time-to-invoice flow | Less robust for complex ops |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized low-friction setup and sane permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked reporting and “share with clients” realism (not just feature checkboxes).
- Included a clear watch-out for each option to avoid bad fits.
We refresh guides when pricing/features shift. Always verify current terms on the vendor site.
Toggl
Best for: most billable agencies
Toggl is the best default when you want tracking to be “boring” — fast timers and clean reporting.
- Best adoption: people actually track time.
- Easy to roll out across contractors and teams.
- Works well with client reporting workflows.
Hubstaff
Best for: teams that need operational visibility
Hubstaff is a better fit when you need deeper ops visibility and are comfortable with a heavier tool.
- Useful for distributed teams with stricter accountability.
- Good if you need more oversight than a simple timer.
- Be mindful of culture fit.
Bottom line
Start with the Top pick if it matches your workflow. Then sanity-check the watch-outs (permissions, reporting, plan limits) before you commit.
FAQ
How do I increase time tracking compliance?
Make it easy: few projects, few tags, and a weekly reminder. Adoption beats precision.
Should clients see timesheets?
Often yes. Client-ready reports reduce billing disputes and increase trust.
Do I need monitoring?
Only if your team and clients expect it. Monitoring can reduce trust if misused.