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 | Remote + accountability | 1–2 hours | Paid | Proof-of-work and stronger team oversight | May feel heavy for trust-based teams |
| Clockify | Simple time tracking | 30–60 min | Freemium | Fast adoption and solid billable reporting | Less “proof” if you need oversight |
| Toggl | Lightweight tracking | 30–60 min | Paid | Great UX and simple reporting | Not a monitoring tool |
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.
Pricing checked: 7 Jan 2026. Evaluated on: setup friction, permissions, reporting, and handoff realism.
Toggl
Best for: remote agencies needing accountability
Toggl is best when you manage a remote team and need more than just timesheets.
- Useful when clients demand more detailed reporting.
- Helps standardize team habits.
- Better for ops-led agencies.
Clockify
Best for: agencies that just need billable hours
Clockify is a simple pick when you want time tracking without adding friction to the team.
- Easy to onboard.
- Good reports for invoicing.
- Works for freelancers and teams.
Toggl
Best for: teams that want the simplest daily workflow
Toggl is a great fit when you want lightweight tracking and clean reporting.
- Simple timers and solid reporting.
- Good for mixed teams (contractors + staff).
- Easy to keep consistent.
Bottom line
Clockify is best if you only need timesheets. Toggl is best if you need accountability and proof-of-work. If you want lightweight and polished, Toggl is a strong default.
FAQ
Will monitoring hurt culture?
It can. Use Toggl only if you truly need oversight; otherwise pick a simple tracker like Clockify or Toggl.
Which is best for billing clients?
Any can work, but Clockify/Toggl are usually lower friction for billable agencies.
What’s the adoption trick?
Make tracking part of the workflow: daily reminders and simple project lists beat complex rules.