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 | Trust-first remote teams | 30–60 min | Free + paid | Easy rollout to contractors | Requires simple project taxonomy |
| Hubstaff | Accountability-focused teams | Half day | Paid | More control + monitoring options | Culture fit can be tricky |
| Clockify | Basic tracking on a budget | 30–60 min | Free + paid | Good baseline feature set | Reporting can be less polished |
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: remote agencies with contractors
Toggl wins when you want tracking to be lightweight and consistent — not a debate.
- Good for distributed teams and freelancers.
- Simple timers and decent reporting.
- Use weekly review to keep data clean.
Hubstaff
Best for: remote teams that need tighter control
Hubstaff is a fit when you have contractual reasons for stricter oversight.
- Better if you need more accountability tooling.
- More operational features, more complexity.
- Be explicit about what you track and why.
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
What’s the best approach for remote time tracking?
Default to trust + simplicity. Add stricter controls only where contracts or quality require it.
How do I avoid messy tracking data?
Use fewer projects, enforce weekly cleanup, and report by client/month to catch issues early.
Should I track by task or by client?
Client-first is usually easiest for billing; tasks can help internally but adds friction.