Accurate time tracking is essential for businesses to document working hours precisely, manage projects efficiently, and comply with legal requirements. In this article, we present the 10 best time tracking tools in 2025, compare their features, benefits, and target audiences, and show which tool is best suited for different needs.


1. PlainStaff – The All-in-One Solution

Description: PlainStaff offers a comprehensive platform for time tracking, project management, and leave management.

Features:

  • Real-time time tracking
  • Project time tracking for precise budget control
  • Leave management
  • GDPR-compliant storage
  • Integration with tools like DATEV and sevDesk

Advantages:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Flexibility through a cloud solution
  • Scalable for businesses of all sizes

Target audience: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a complete solution.

Why it stands out: Combines comprehensive features with easy usability and high data security.


2. Toggl Track – Simple and Intuitive

Description: A user-friendly tool perfect for freelancers and small teams.

Features:

  • Manual and automatic time tracking
  • Integration with over 100 apps
  • Reporting

Advantages:

  • User-friendly
  • Modern design
  • Free for basic use

Target audience: Freelancers, creative teams.

Weakness: No leave management or advanced project control.


3. Clockify – Free Basic Version

Description: A popular tool with an extensive free version.

Features:

  • Real-time time tracking
  • Project management
  • Reports

Advantages:

  • Free for teams
  • Easy to use

Target audience: Small businesses and individuals.

Weakness: Limited features in the free version.


4. Hubstaff – For Remote Teams

Description: A solution specifically designed for remote and hybrid teams.

Features:

  • Screenshots and activity monitoring
  • Geofencing
  • Payroll management

Advantages:

  • Robust features for remote work
  • Automated reports

Target audience: Remote and hybrid teams.

Weakness: Privacy concerns with monitoring features.


5. TimeCamp – Automatic Time Tracking

Description: A tool focused on automation and project management.

Features:

  • Automatic time tracking
  • Invoicing
  • Reports

Advantages:

  • Extensive automation
  • Good integration with other tools

Target audience: Businesses requiring detailed project analysis.

Weakness: Mobile app is less intuitive.


6. Harvest – For Billing and Cost Control

Description: A tool with a strong focus on billing and reporting.

Features:

  • Time tracking
  • Invoicing
  • Reports

Advantages:

  • Easy billing
  • Integration with Slack and Trello

Target audience: Freelancers and small teams.

Weakness: No offline functionality.


7. Timely – Automated AI Time Tracking

Description: An innovative tool that uses AI to automate time tracking.

Features:

  • Automatic time tracking
  • Calendar integration
  • Reports

Advantages:

  • Saves time through automation
  • Intuitive to use

Target audience: Tech-savvy companies.

Weakness: High cost for larger teams.


8. ClockShark – For Field Services and Construction

Description: A tool designed specifically for mobile teams.

Features:

  • GPS tracking
  • Time tracking
  • Shift scheduling

Advantages:

  • Perfect for mobile work environments
  • Easy management

Target audience: Construction and service industries.

Weakness: Less flexible for other industries.


9. Zoho Projects – For Project Management and Time Tracking

Description: Part of the Zoho suite and ideal for project-oriented businesses.

Features:

  • Time tracking
  • Gantt charts
  • Project management

Advantages:

  • Integration with other Zoho products
  • Comprehensive project tools

Target audience: Medium-sized businesses.

Weakness: Complex for beginners.


10. Microsoft Teams with Time Tracking Add-ons

Description: Extends Microsoft Teams with time tracking functionalities.

Features:

  • Time tracking within Teams
  • Reporting
  • Integration with the Microsoft 365 suite

Advantages:

  • Seamless integration for Microsoft users
  • Familiar interface

Target audience: Businesses using Microsoft 365.

Weakness: Features depend on add-ons.


Conclusion: PlainStaff as the Clear No. 1

While each of the presented tools has specific strengths, PlainStaff stands out for its holistic approach. It not only provides time tracking but also leave management and project control in a user-friendly platform. Especially for businesses seeking a flexible, scalable, and GDPR-compliant solution, PlainStaff is the best choice.

For companies looking to optimize their time tracking in 2025, PlainStaff is the clear recommendation.