Best Time Clock for Small Business | Timesheet 365
Best Time Clock for Small Business |
Timesheet 365
Even small businesses aren’t immune to costly problems like buddy
punching or inaccurate timesheets. When you’re working with limited
resources, just a few payroll mistakes can make a big impact. And if you’re
still relying on pen and paper or outdated punch cards? You’re leaving the
door wide open for human error.
An automated time clock can change that. These tools track employee
hours down to the second, helping you run accurate payroll and stay
compliant—without the manual headache.
To help you make the right choice, I’ve researched the top solutions
available today. In this guide, you’ll find eight of the best time clock
systems built specifically with small businesses in mind. Whether you’re
looking for biometric clock-ins, mobile tracking, or seamless payroll
integrations, there’s an option here to suit your needs.
Our Top Picks for Small Business Time Clocks
1. Best All-in-One Time Tracking Solution
Perfect for small teams who want everything—time tracking, payroll
sync, and employee scheduling—all in one intuitive platform
2. Ideal for Project-Based Time Tracking
If your team logs hours across multiple projects or clients, this tool
makes it easy to track billable time and keep everything organized
3. Top Choice for Auto-Generated Timesheets
Say goodbye to manual entries. This pick shines when it comes to
creating accurate, automated timesheets ready for review or export.
Why You Can Count on Our Recommendations
We don’t just skim the surface—we dig deep. Our independent review
team carefully evaluates each tool using a transparent, research-driven
process that anyone can view. No sponsored rankings. No paid
placements. Just honest insights to help small business owners make
smarter software choices.
Here’s how we did it:
29-time clock tools initially considered
19 platforms thoroughly tested and
evaluated 8 standout solutions
handpicked for this guide Usability
Matters: What Else I Considered
A time clock isn’t just about tracking hours—it must work for your team
every single day. So, beyond the core features, I also looked closely at
how intuitive and user- friendly each system really is. Here’s what stood
out in the best picks:
One-Tap Clock In/Out
Your team shouldn’t need a manual just to start their shift. I prioritized
tools with simple, one-touch functionality—so clocking in and out takes
seconds, not minutes.
Simplicity and Setup
First impressions count. I gave higher marks to platforms that are easy to
set up and straightforward to use—both for admins and employees. No
clunky interfaces or confusing dashboards here.
Reliable Customer Support
When tech hiccups happen, you need help fast. I made sure every
recommendation comes with strong customer support and helpful
onboarding resources. Whether it’s a chat, phone, or email, you should
always be able to reach someone who can assist.
Room to Grow
The best systems aren’t just for today—they’re built for tomorrow. I
looked
for scalable solutions that can adapt as your business grows, whether
that means adding new team members, multiple job sites, or new
locations.
Track Every Second: 10 Standout Time Clocks for Small Businesses in
2025 Timesheet 365 — Best All-in-One Time Clock for Small Businesses
Timesheet 365 tops my list as the most versatile and user-friendly time
clock solution for small businesses in 2025. It’s built with simplicity in mind
—yet powerful enough to handle everything from daily time tracking to
payroll-ready reports.
Why I Chose Timesheet 365:
After extensive testing, I can confidently say Timesheet 365 hits the
sweet spot between ease of use and advanced functionality. It features a
one-tap mobile clock- in system, automatically generates detailed
timesheets, and integrates effortlessly with payroll software—so you can
stay focused on running your business without worrying about manual
errors or time theft.
Key Features of Timesheet 365:
One-Touch Clock In & Out
Employees can clock in and out from their phones with a single tap. The
app syncs with the built-in scheduler, allowing managers to add shift
notes, images, and even videos for extra clarity at clock-in.
Automated, Error-Free Timesheets
Work hours are logged in real-time and automatically compiled into
digital timesheets. You get a clear breakdown of daily totals, overtime,
break times, and absences—all reviewable immediately.
One standout feature? The system flags any time irregularities
before payroll is processed, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Precision GPS Tracking with Timesheet 365
One of my favourite features in Timesheet 365 is its highly accurate
GPS tracking, which adds a whole new level of accountability to your
workforce. Whether you’re managing remote crews or on-site teams,
you can always verify where employees are clocking in from.
The app logs the exact location at clock-in and can even track employee
movement during working hours—great for field teams or mobile staff. You
can also enable geofencing, which lets you draw virtual boundaries
around job sites. If someone tries to clock in before arriving at the
worksite—or after leaving—it simply won’t go through.
This kind of location-based control helps eliminate early punch-ins,
discourages time theft, and builds trust in your time tracking process
Flexible Job & Task-Based Time Tracking
What sets Timesheet 365 apart is its flexibility—you’re not locked into a
one-size- fits-all time clock. You can easily tailor what your team tracks
time against, whether it’s specific jobs, tasks, client accounts, or
physical locations.
This level of customization is especially useful if you bill by the hour or
manage multiple clients. With detailed job-based time logs, you gain clear
visibility into where your team’s time is going, which projects are taking
up the most resources, and how to allocate your workforce more
efficiently.
Whether you’re managing field service jobs, agency projects, or in-house
tasks, Timesheet 365 gives you the tracking granularity you need—
without the complexity.
Employee Scheduling Made Simple with Timesheet 365
Timesheet 365 features an intuitive, color-coded scheduler that makes
managing shifts effortless. Using drag-and-drop functionality, you can
easily create and adjust
schedules, with helpful templates and recurring shift options to save
time. This scheduler is built especially for teams with field employees,
allowing staff to view their shifts, request swaps, and accept
assignments—all subject to your approval.
Another great feature is the ability to generate a shareable, read-only
schedule link. This makes it easy to keep clients or stakeholders in the
loop about project timelines without giving them full system access.
I also appreciate Timesheet 365’s smart auto-scheduler. Simply add your
unassigned shifts and specify the required roles for each. The system
then automatically generates optimized schedules based on employee
availability, skills, preferences, and your business needs—taking much of
the manual work off your plate.
Streamlined Timesheet Management
While Timesheet 365 offers flexible time tracking, another core strength
lies in
its real-time reporting and analytics capabilities. Instead of juggling
spreadsheets
or manually compiling data, you get instant access to detailed reports
that show hours worked, overtime, and attendance patterns—helping
you make smarter staffing decisions.
These reports can be customized by date range, department, or project,
giving you the insights you need to optimize productivity and keep
labour costs under control. Plus, with automated alerts for anomalies like
missed punches or excessive overtime, you stay proactive about
potential issues before they impact your payroll.
Seamless Integrations with Timesheet 365
Timesheet 365 connects effortlessly with popular Microsoft tools to keep
your workflows smooth and centralized. It integrates directly with
Microsoft SharePoint, allowing you to store, share, and manage time
tracking documents securely within your existing file system.
Additionally, Timesheet 365 works together with Microsoft Teams, so
employees can clock in and out or check schedules right from their Teams
workspace—no need to switch apps. This integration streamlines
communication and helps your team stay connected without disrupting
their day.
Timesheet 365 is an all-in-one workforce management app designed to
help you run your entire business from anywhere. Managers can
effortlessly create employee schedules, track time, and generate detailed
reports—all within one platform. You can also securely store important
documents and streamline communication with your team through built-
in messaging features.
Pricing starts affordably, with plans beginning at just $29 per month
for up to 30 users, and small businesses with fewer than 10
employees can even get started completely free.
With Timesheet 365, employees spend less time figuring out their tasks
and more time focusing on getting the job done efficiently.
Timesheet 365 provides a free plan that’s available indefinitely—so you
can start tracking time and managing your team at no c
Key Features:
Mobile-friendly employee time clock
Precise real-time GPS tracking
Automated timesheet generation for hassle-free payroll
Break and overtime tracking
Comprehensive time off request management
Easy-to-use employee scheduling
Advantages:
Effortless and accurate time tracking
Quick and straightforward setup process
Clean, easy-to-navigate interface
Support team that responds promptly and effectively
Drawbacks:
Requires a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection to function properly
2. Jibble — Ideal Solution for Tracking Time by Project
Accessible on:
Web
iOS
Android
Jibble is a time tracking app focused solely on simplifying how small
businesses monitor employee hours. Its straightforward design makes it
easy for anyone to get started quickly, without a steep learning curve.
Why I Recommend Jibble:
What stands out to me is its customizable features that let you
tailor the experience to your business needs. One particularly
handy option is facial recognition for clocking in and out—this
adds a layer of convenience and
helps prevent buddy punching.
Simple, Flexible Time Tracking
Employees can easily clock in or out and log hours by project using
their smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Whether your team works in
the office or out in the field, one tap is all it takes to start tracking
time.
As a manager, you can specify the number of breaks each
employee is allowed, and the system automatically logs those
breaks in the timesheets. However, Jibble currently lacks
automated reminders for breaks, so employees won’t receive
alerts prompting them to start or end breaks—a feature that
could improve compliance and workflow.
Project and Location Tracking
You can assign specific projects for time tracking, ensuring that
hours are accurately allocated where they belong. Jibble also offers
GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities to verify employee
locations during clock-ins, helping reduce time theft and boost
accountability.
Another useful option is the ability to choose between three preset
time tracking policies—flexible, moderate, or strict—allowing you to
select the level of control that fits your workplace culture.
Real-Time Location Tracking
Jibble lets you monitor your employees’ locations live through GPS
tracking, giving you confidence that your team is where they need
to be during work hours.
Managing Time Off and
Availability
Setting up time off policies in Jibble is straightforward and flexible.
You can configure both accrued and lump-sum PTO plans tailored
to your company’s requirements. Plus, you have the option to
decide whether unused PTO expires annually or rolls over into the
following year.
From an employee’s perspective, submitting time off requests is
simple and can be done via desktop or mobile app without any
hassle. On the manager side, approving or denying requests
takes just a single click. That said, it
would be even better if managers received automatic notifications
when new time off requests come in, which would speed up the
approval workflow.
Integrations
Jibble connects smoothly with a variety of popular business tools,
including:
Airtable
Paylocity
Asana
ClickUp
Oracle
Freshdesk
Notion
Users appreciate how simple and intuitive Jibble is compared to other
platforms. Its time tracking capabilities stand out as a major advantage,
and the onboarding process was straightforward and user-friendly. With
competitive pricing and more features than many previous solutions
we’ve tried, Jibble was an obvious choice.
— Doug, Community Support Specialist
Key Features
Biometric facial recognition for secure
clock-ins Ability to set up tablets as
centralized office kiosks GPS location
tracking paired with geofencing
Customizable, detailed notifications and
alerts
Pros
Accurate and dependable real-time location
monitoring User-friendly interface for both
employees and managers Cons
Does not include shift scheduling
functionality Exporting and sharing reports
is somewhat limited Pricing
Starts at $2.49 per month plus $2.49
per user Trial Available: Yes
Free Plan: Yes
3. Time Camp — Ideal for Automated Timesheet Generation
Accessible via:
Web
iOS
Android
TimeCamp is an automated time tracking tool popular with office
teams, remote workers, and freelancers alike. Its desktop and mobile
apps run quietly in the background, capturing work hours without
needing constant manual input.
Why TimeCamp Made the List:
One of the biggest perks is that employees don’t have to repeatedly start
and stop timers when switching between tasks. TimeCamp automatically
logs work hours and calculates wages based on the tracked time, then
compiles everything neatly into timesheets for payroll or invoicing.
The interface is straightforward and easy to use, with a clean menu
located at the top left that avoids overwhelming new users with too
many options. This simplicity makes it easy for anyone to navigate the
platform without a lengthy onboarding process.
Tracking Time Made Easy
Employees can start and stop timers from both mobile devices and
desktop computers, ensuring accurate logging of time spent on different
projects. If needed, users can also add time entries manually.
A feature I appreciated while testing is the ability to create recurring time
entries, which saves time by allowing you to duplicate timesheets instead
of rebuilding them from scratch each day.
One standout feature is TimeCamp’s keyword tracking on the desktop app.
By assigning keywords to tasks, the software automatically detects when
you’re working on related documents, apps, or websites and tracks time
accordingly.
It’s important to note, however, that TimeCamp does monitor URLs and
applications accessed during tracked time. While useful for productivity
insights, some employees might see this as intrusive.
Smart Time Budgeting and Reporting
The time budgeting feature helps you allocate resources more
efficiently and plan projects with ease. It uses color-coded charts and
visuals that are straightforward and user-friendly, making it simple to
get a clear overview briefly.
TimeCamp’s reporting capabilities are robust and versatile. All
tracked time is consolidated into one centralized dashboard, where
you can generate over 20 different report types tailored to analyze
your team’s work habits. Reports are categorized into four main
groups: time, personnel, budget, and miscellaneous, allowing quick
access to relevant data for informed decision-making.
One feature I found particularly valuable was the employee attendance
report, which compares logged hours against set thresholds to
automatically flag overtime. This makes tracking compliance and
managing labor costs much simpler.
Generating reports is hassle-free, and you can easily share them via a
link or export them in popular formats such as CSV, Excel, or PDF for
further use or distribution.
Integrations
TimeCamp connects seamlessly with a variety of popular tools, including:
Jira
Salesforce
HubSpot
Zapier
Xero
QuickBooks Online
Using these integrations, we gain clear visibility into which project areas
demand the most time, enabling us to optimize workflows. It also helps
pinpoint when team members are overloaded, so we can balance
workloads more effectively.
Key Features
Accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms
Comprehensive and easy-to-read project reporting
Visual budgeting tools with graphs to monitor profitability
Performance tracking capabilities
Advantages
Accurate keyword-based time tracking
Automatic tracking on web and mobile devices
Drawbacks
Mobile app can feel somewhat unwieldy
Time-off request process is a bit complex
Pricing
Plans begin at $2.99 per user each
month Trial period: Available
Free version: Yes
4. Homebase — Great for Retail and Restaurant
Teams Available on:
Web
iOS
Android
Homebase simplifies employee time tracking with built-in scheduling,
team messaging, and payroll integrations. Its free plan is ideal for small
businesses, especially in the retail and hospitality sectors. You can easily
manage shifts, monitor real-time attendance, and export timesheets for
payroll. GPS tracking and photo check-ins help reduce time theft.
5. Deputy — Ideal for Compliance-Focused Businesses
Available on:
Web
iOS
Android
Deputy offers precise time tracking and scheduling tools, helping
businesses comply with labor laws and manage workforce costs
effectively. It includes facial recognition for clock-ins, labor forecasting,
and automatic wage calculations. Deputy also alerts you to breaks,
overtime, and late shifts.
6. Buddy Punch — Best for Simple Setup and Flexibility
Available on:
Web
iOS
Android
Buddy Punch is an intuitive time tracking solution that supports punching
in via facial recognition, QR codes, or PINs. It offers customizable rules for
overtime, PTO, and breaks. With built-in GPS and geofencing, it’s a top
pick for teams on the move.
7. Clockify — Great Free Time Tracker with Paid Upgrades
Available on:
Web
iOS
Android
Clockify is a robust free time tracking tool that supports unlimited
users. It allows employees to track time manually or with timers and
includes reporting, project tracking, and billable hour features. Ideal
for freelancers and startups, it also integrates with tools like Trello,
Asana, and Jira.
8. OnTheClock — Best for Payroll Integration
Available on:
Web
iOS
Android
OnTheClock is easy to use and offers seamless integrations with
QuickBooks, Gusto, and ADP. You can set location restrictions, IP locks,
and enforce job-specific punch rules. It’s popular among businesses with
hourly employees who need reliable payroll syncing.
9. When I Work — Best for Scheduling and Messaging Combo
Available on:
Web
iOS
Android
When I Work combines time tracking and scheduling with
built-in team
messaging. It’s particularly helpful for shift-based businesses. You can
assign tasks, manage availability, and track attendance in one place. Its
user-friendly interface makes it a favorite among non-tech-savvy teams.
What Are Time Clock Apps for Small Businesses?
Time clock apps tailored for small businesses are digital tools designed
to simplify the tracking of employee hours and attendance. They replace
outdated paper logs and manual punch cards with streamlined,
automated systems that boost accuracy and efficiency.
With these apps, employees can easily clock in and out using their
smartphones, tablets, or computers—removing the need for traditional
physical time clocks. Many of these solutions include features like live
time tracking, automatic calculation of overtime, and detailed reporting,
helping employers manage payroll smoothly and stay compliant with
labor laws.
These apps are especially beneficial for companies with remote staff or
flexible schedules, as they offer a dependable way to monitor work
hours no matter where employees are located.
How Do Time Clocks for Small Businesses Function?
Time clocks designed for small businesses streamline the way employee
work hours and attendance are recorded. Employees typically clock in and
out using various methods, such as entering a personal code or utilizing
biometric verification like fingerprint scans.
Once recorded, the data is stored digitally within the system. Many
modern time clocks connect directly with software platforms, providing
live updates and giving managers the ability to track attendance from
anywhere. These systems also handle tasks like calculating overtime,
monitoring breaks, and producing comprehensive reports—making payroll
processing easier and ensuring employees are paid accurately.
Advantages of Using Online Checklist Apps
Access from Any Location
Online checklist apps offer the
convenience of being accessible from
any device with
an internet connection. Whether on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop,
users can easily view and update their task lists no matter where
they are.
Boosts Motivation and Accountability
Marking tasks as complete provides a satisfying sense of progress that
can motivate users to keep going. The visible trail of accomplishments
also encourages personal responsibility and helps maintain focus on key
objectives.
Seamless Team Collaboration
Many checklists’ apps support real-time collaboration, allowing multiple
users to contribute and update the same list at once. This feature is
especially beneficial for teams working on joint projects or shared
responsibilities.
Enhanced Task Management
These apps typically include tools like task grouping, priority settings,
and due date assignments to help keep tasks well-organized. Additional
options such as tags or labels offer further customization for managing
workload efficiently.
Automated Alerts and Reminders
Users can set reminders and notifications to stay on top of deadlines and
important milestones. Alerts can be delivered through emails, push
notifications, or SMS messages, helping prevent overlooked tasks.
Simple to Modify and Update
Online checklists provide the flexibility to add, change, or remove
tasks quickly without the hassle of manual rewriting or erasing,
allowing workflows to adapt smoothly to changing needs.
Integration with Productivity Tools
Many checklist applications connect seamlessly with other software
such as calendars, email platforms, and project management systems,
enabling a smooth flow of information across your work tools.
Insightful Reporting and Analytics
Top-tier checklist apps offer data analytics on task completion and team
activity, providing valuable insights that can be used to track productivity
trends and optimize operational efficiency.
Personalization Options
Managers typically can tailor both the look and features of the app to
match their unique requirements. This adaptability helps ensure the tool
fits seamlessly into their existing processes and work style.
How Much Do Time Clocks for Small Businesses Cost?
The price of time clock apps for small businesses varies depending on the
range of features offered. Basic time clock apps with core functions may
be free or come with a low monthly fee, making them accessible for
businesses on a tight budget. More advanced, feature-rich solutions
typically come at a higher cost.
Timesheet 365 is a strong choice for small businesses looking for a
reliable and affordable time clock app. small companies with up to 10
employees can access all core features completely free of charge, while
paid plans for businesses with up to 30 users start at just $29 per month.
This app includes essentials such as employee time tracking, GPS location
monitoring, task management, and customizable reporting tools. The
flexible pricing structure lets small businesses select a plan that fits both
their operational needs and budget, making Timesheet 365 a practical
and cost-efficient option for managing employee time.
Conclusion
Finding the right time clock app for a small business is essential to
ensure accurate employee attendance tracking, streamline payroll, and
improve overall workforce management. With features like mobile clock-
in, GPS tracking, automated
timesheets, and integration capabilities, modern time clocks simplify
many manual tasks and reduce errors.
For small businesses seeking a reliable, user-friendly, and
affordable solution, Timesheet 365 stands out as the best option.
Its combination of comprehensive features, easy setup, and
flexible pricing makes it ideal for
businesses of all sizes — especially those with remote or mobile teams.
Whether you have a handful of employees or are planning to grow,
Timesheet 365 provides
the tools needed to keep your workforce organized and your payroll
accurate without breaking the bank.
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