Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Why it wins | Watch‑out | Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toggl | Low-friction tracking | Best adoption | Less ‘oversight’ tooling | Try → |
| Hubstaff | Ops oversight | More visibility options | Can feel intrusive | Try → |
How we picked
- Optimized for agency workflows: delivery visibility, client collaboration, and handoffs.
- Prioritized fast setup and simple ownership/permissions (so you actually adopt it).
- Checked integrations and reporting (so you don’t build a spreadsheet on the side).
- 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.
Use-cases
Quick scenarios to help you decide without overthinking it.
- You mainly want accurate billing/profitability data: Toggl keeps it lightweight and easy to adopt.
- You manage contractors/distributed teams: Hubstaff can help if oversight features are a real requirement.
- You worry about culture: Avoid anything that feels like surveillance; set clear policies either way.
Toggl — best for simple tracking people will actually do
Where it shines
- Fast timers + easy manual entry
- Clean reporting by client/project
- Works well for pricing and profitability
Gotchas to know
- Agree on what counts as ‘billable’ early
- If you need approvals/workflows, check plan features
Best fit
- You want high adoption across the team
- You primarily need reporting and time totals
- You don’t want culture friction
Avoid if…
you need staff monitoring/oversight features as a core requirement.
Hubstaff — best when oversight features matter
Where it shines
- Stronger operational visibility (plan-dependent)
- Useful for contractor-heavy teams
- Can support scheduling/attendance (plan-dependent)
Gotchas to know
- Requires clear policies to avoid culture issues
- Not all teams will accept ‘monitoring-style’ features
Best fit
- You manage contractors or distributed teams
- You need more than just a timer
- You want stronger accountability tools
Avoid if…
your team wants a privacy-first, minimalist tracker.
Bottom line
If your main goal is accurate tracking without friction, Toggl is the better default. If you genuinely need oversight features for distributed/contractor work, Hubstaff can be the right tool—just be transparent with your team.
Next: browse tools or start with best CRM.
FAQ
What’s the best toggl vs hubstaff for a small agency?
Start with the Top pick in the quick comparison, then sanity‑check the watch‑out against your workflow and budget.
How long does it take to set up toggl vs hubstaff?
Most teams can get a workable setup in a half day to two days. The real work is deciding your workflow (stages, ownership, and client touchpoints).
Do these tools support client access and permissions?
Usually, yes — but it varies by plan. Before committing, confirm guest seats, client permissions, and whether clients need paid accounts.