Looking for the best time tracking software for freelancers? Freelancers and freelancing is yet another preference in today’s modern working environment. Thanks to the many advantages it provides to employees and organizations including cost savings, flexible work schedules, and others, many organizations are opting for more and more freelance work. However, there are also many challenges when it comes to management in freelancing. This is for both freelancers and their employers. So, software solutions for tracking time are what we need for optimization here.
What is Time Tracking Software?
In short, time-tracking software solutions are tool packages that monitor and log the time your employees spend on specific tasks, activities, and projects. In general, this is in real-time. This means that you will identify the workflow patterns on the spot and will be able to make growth-driving decisions based on accurate data. Overall, the software is widely in use among modern organizations that need excessive work-hour monitoring features and freelancers.
A time tracker for freelancers is a digital tool. It uses features like timesheets and task timers. What these do is:
- Make it simple for freelancers to track time.
- Accurately bill clients.
- Avoid underbilling and overbilling.
- Get detailed reports.
- Simplify progress tracking.
- Improve workflow and employee time management efficiency.
Importance of Time Tracking Software for Freelancers
Time tracking software is very important for freelancers. As a freelancer, daily time management is key. You must focus on managing projects, getting new clients, and generating invoices. To do these efficiently, you need the best time tracker app. It is a very important tool in all aspects. Freelancers can benefit from this tool.
Key Features of Time Tracking Software for Freelancers in 2025
As we said before, tracking time and invoicing for freelancers is vital. That’s why compromising on the app for the same is never a good choice. For starters, it’s essential to know the features you will need.
1. Intuitive Interface
First and foremost the user-interface. When it comes to time tracking software for freelancers, the interface is above everything else. What it includes is:
- Easy usage
- Easy navigation
- Feature-rich interface
- Not resource intensive
2. Flexible Tracking
Freelancers work flexibly, so should the app for tracking time for freelancers. This feature must include:
- Multi-project work-hour tracking
- Pause and resume timers
- Running many timers at the same time
- Multi-device work hours tracking from anywhere
3. Detailed Reporting
Another thing when it comes to freelance work is that you need to report the proof of work to your clients. Thus, time tracking software for freelancers also includes:
- Intuitive reporting features
- Detailed reports with the time spent on tasks
- Easy-to-understand reports
4. Project Management
Freelancers work on various projects at the same time. Simultaneously managing them can be complex. But, with the right freelance app for tracking time, you will get:
- Project and task management features
- Templates
- Real-time work-hour tracking of tasks
- Tasks, subtasks, and checklists creation
5. Invoicing
Freelance work also involves client billing and invoicing. It is again a complex task when you are simultaneously handling various clients. But, with time tracking software for freelancers, you will get:
- Accurate billable and non-billable hours calculation
- Accurate invoicing
- Invoicing and billing templates
Why Need Time Tracking Software for Freelancers in 2025?
Freelancers do get many advantages over the average regular 9-5 employees. One of the biggest ones on this list is the comfort of working from anywhere. However, this also brings up time and project management challenges. Thus, we need a solution. That solution is using a good time-tracking app for freelancers. Besides, who wouldn’t want the various advantages of such software?
1. Billing and Invoicing Accuracy
Software for time-tracking and invoicing for freelancers is a must to implement. Why? That’s because freelancers bill clients based on the hours they spend on various projects. However, manually tracking work hours can cause inaccuracies leading to underbilling or overbilling. Using time-tracking software on the other hand eliminates these issues.
2. Productivity Boosts
The best time-tracking software for freelancers also helps increase overall productivity in a way. How? The software lets them identify how they use their hours. Thanks to real-time monitoring of tasks and activities, freelancers can know every insightful detail on which activities are time-wasters and where they can become more efficient. Overall, the idea here is self-awareness for more productivity.
3. Optimized Project Management
Another benefit of a good time tracker for freelancers is the optimization of project management. The software helps them stay organized in managing the various time slots and meeting deadlines. Come to think of it. Isn’t this much better than juggling simultaneously between different projects?
4. Enhanced Accountability
The biggest challenge for freelancers is accountability. Since they are accountable to their clients for the work hours on projects, inaccuracies here can result in loss of trust, work, and unemployability. On the other hand, using the best time-tracking software for freelancers will help them show an accurate log of work hours. This ensures enhanced accountability.
5. Insightful Reporting
A good time-tracking app for freelancers also comes with real-time analytics and reporting features. These provide insights into workflow patterns and performance. For example, details on profitable clients, time-consuming projects, and time spent on each task can help them make informed decisions about pricing, selecting clients, and workflow.
6. Stress Reduction
According to a popular survey using time-tracking software has reduced the stress levels of employees. This is due to the software providing transparent insights into the workday and preventing overworking. The same goes for freelancers and similar individuals.
7. Legal Adherence
The best software for time-tracking and invoicing for freelancers also helps them comply with labor laws and regulations. In some industries, freelancers need to have detailed logs of their work hours. This is for legal or tax purposes. Using work-hour monitoring software will ensure they have an accurate record of their work-time for the same.
Top 15 +Best Time Tracking Software for Freelancers in 2025
The above clears the various benefits of using a time tracker for freelancers. However, they too have various requirements. To fulfill them, they just can’t blindly pick any time-tracking tool and hope it works.
Plus, staying away from fakes and scams is also essential. So, to give you a head start, we shortlisted below the top 10 timesheet software for freelancers.
- DeskTrack
- Toggl
- Harvest
- Clockify
- RescueTime
- Time Doctor
- Everhour
- Hubstaff
- TopTracker
- Timely
- actiTIME
- AccountSight
- TimeCamp
- Trigger
- Zoho Projects
1. DeskTrack
DeskTrack is the best time-tracking software for freelancers. More than just a simple time-tracking solution, it provides the latest and most intuitive features for employee monitoring, productivity tracking, and project management. Plus seamless integrations and a high level of customizability are what make it stand apart.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Best overall | $5.99/user/month | 5/5 |
2. Toggl
Toggl, also known as TogglTrack is best time-tracking software for freelancers. Renowned for its intuitive user interface and feature-rich library, this one makes work-hour monitoring a breeze with its one-click timer. What we like about this is that it makes it simple for freelancers to log their time.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| One-click time-tracking | $10/user/month | 4.7/5 |
3. Harvest
Harvest is one of the best time-tracking software for freelancers. Not only it is affordable but it also provides intuitive features for time-tracking, invoicing, and expense tracking. Plus, we also like how it provides seamless integrations for added functionality and cost savings.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Easy time-tracking | $12/user/month | 4.6/5 |
4. Clockify
Clockify is a freelancer time-tracking app known for its free-of-cost unlimited time-tracking. That too for unlimited users. Plus it’s also versatile with a plethora of features including an interactive and easy-to-use customizable timesheet. With that, we recommend this one to budget-conscious freelancers who want to boost efficiency.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Unlimited time-tracking | free | 4.7/5 |
5. RescueTime
RescueTime is one of the best time-tracking software for freelancers. One of its top features is automated time-tracking. This improves focus as they focus more on their work than the clock ticking. Furthermore, the software also helps freelancers understand their workflow patterns as it tracks the time spent on apps, files, and URLs, helping improve efficiency.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Automated time-tracking | $6.50/month | 4.6/5 |
6. Time Doctor
Want a powerful tool for freelancers? We recommend Time Doctor. The time-tracking app for freelancers provides many benefits to freelancers, thanks to its comprehensive and productivity monitoring features. Plus, it also provides proof-backed data with screenshots. This is useful in case the clients ask for the progress of their projects.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Time-tracking with screenshots | $7/month | 4.5/5 |
7. Everhour
Everhour as the name suggests will track every desktop activity down to the last second. What we like about this time-tracking software for freelancers is the seamless integrations it provides. You can easily integrate this powerful tool with project management tools for added functionality. Plus, you also get good analytics and reporting features.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Integrations | $6/user/month | 4.7/5 |
8. Hubstaff
Another of the best time-tracking software for freelancers on our list is Hubstaff. What we think is that this is a robust tool for freelancers. Thanks to its intuitive time-tracking, project management, and productivity monitoring features, freelancers get the capability to become more efficient and productive.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Productivity monitoring | Free | 4.6/5 |
9. TopTracker
Another good software for time-tracking and invoicing for freelancers on our list is TopTracker. Firstly, what makes it popular among freelancers is that it’s free. Secondly, it’s specifically designed for freelancers. What we like about this one is that you get privacy and productivity-focused features including the functionality to take webcam shots and screenshots for proof-backed work-hour monitoring.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Screenshots and webcam shots | Free | 4.7/5 |
10. Timely
Timely is another one of the best time-tracking software for freelancers. What makes this one unique is that it uses the capability of artificial intelligence to automate time-tracking. Plus, you also get a visual timeline of your day. Overall, it’s a good tool for maintaining organization and productivity.
| Best For | Initial Pricing | Rating |
| Automated time-tracking with AI | $11/month | 4.7/5 |
11. actiTIME
actiTIME is a tool for tracking time for freelancers and work management software. With its amazing features, you will get a full overview of the work progress. It also helps in planning, execution, and reporting to an extent.
Best Features:
- Time tracking
- Task management
- Billing and invoicing
- Detailed reports
| Best For | Initial Pricing | User Rating |
| Resource management | $5.99/user/month | 5/5 |
12. AccountSight
AccountSight is a time tracking software for freelancers. Plus, it is also an expense tracker for related individual consultants and businesses. What we like about it is how it speeds up the billing process by providing useful insights.
Best Features:
- Expense tracking
- Project estimates
- Invoicing
- Reports
| Best For | Initial Pricing | User Rating |
| Automated invoicing | $5.99/user/month | 5/5 |
13. TimeCamp
This time tracker for freelancers is one of the best for designers. Its uniqueness is the option of both manual and automated timesheets, allowing flexibility. But, if you are not working in teams, then it might not be right for you.
Best Features:
- Budget tracking
- Billing
- Team and project reports
- Software integrations
| Best For | Initial Pricing | User Rating |
| Teams | $5.99/user/month | 5/5 |
14.Trigger
Looking for time tracking software for freelancers, consultants, and agents? You can never go wrong with Trigger. What we like about this tool is that it’s the best for both teams and individuals.
Best Features:
- Collaboration
- Project management
- Reports
| Best For | Initial Pricing | User Rating |
| Agencies and Consultancies | $5.99/user/month | 5/5 |
15.Zoho Projects
This freelance tracking time app is also one of the best for project management software. One of the most well-known and comprehensive solutions, it simplifies progress tracking. Plus, what we like about it is how you can easily convert work hours into billable data.
Best Features:
- Task management
- Time management
- Charts and reports
- Zoho integrations
| Best For | Initial Pricing | User Rating |
| Small to medium-sized businesses | $5.99/user/month | 5/5 |
Benefits of Freelancer Time Tracking Software
Freelance tracking time software tracks time spent on projects. It will boost productivity, cut waste, and improve your business. I’ll help you understand the benefits of this app & how it can save you a lot of money.
1. Calculate your Profitability
Time tracking software for freelancers will show your hourly, per-project, and daily earnings. This information will help you know where you’re spending time and how much time is being spent on each task. It can be used to help you budget better, which will make managing your finances easier.
2. Custom Reports
A time tracker for freelancers can generate custom reports. These show how much time was spent on different tasks, like hours per day or week. You can also create reports based on different budgets or fees set by clients. You can get detailed reports according to your requirements & print them also you can save them in PDF.
3. Easy Invoicing
Time tracking software for freelancers can simplify invoicing. It lets you link your client’s payment method to the completed task. This ensures accurate, accessible billing info for clients who pay through the system. It also helps them pay their invoice in full, instead of waiting for their next payment date.
4. Anywhere Anytime Access
Freelance tracking time software can access your data from any device. It works wherever you are and on whatever device you have. It also means that you won’t be tied down to a computer which can make it easier to work remotely. You can easily access it from your smartphone or tablet.
5. Easy Task and Project Organization
Time tracking software for freelancers helps you organize projects and tasks. It shows what to work on next and when to finish it. It also ensures that the right people work on the right tasks at the right time.
6. Analyze Logged Hours & Expenses
The tool for freelancers tracks time and invoices. It lets you track time spent on each project or task, and any expenses incurred. It helps freelancers track their progress. They can see where they need more help or funding from their clients.
How to Choose the Best Time Tracking Software for Freelancers?
That did it for the features and advantages of time tracking software for freelancers. But, to gain all these benefits, you also need to have the right time tracker. Fortunately, we covered how to choose for you as well.
1. Platforms Supported
Many apps for tracking time for freelancers support different platforms. Some apps are supported by Mac & some others are Linux-based or Windows-based. Fewer options in the market are supported by all the platforms.
2. App Integration
Some time tracking software for freelancers can track your app usage. It can also integrate with other apps. Consider whether your preferred time tracker tool supports integrations with apps. It is a key factor in your decision. It will affect your ability to automate your work with apps.
3. Data Exporting Availablity
Data is everything to all. Your chosen freelance app can export all data in XML, Excel, CSV, Google Docs, and PDF. You need to invest in such software for freelancers.
4. Customer Support
The time tracking software for freelancers should have 24*7 support options available. If you have any queries you should be able to contact your software provider at any time & get a fast resolution.
5. User Friendliness
The tracking time for freelancers’ app interface should be user-friendly for everyone. This includes:
- Easy to use and navigate
- Easy to learn
- Simple to find features
- User-engaging interface
Why is DeskTrack The Best Time Tracking Software for Freelancers in 2025?
Without a doubt, DeskTrack is the top time-tracking software for freelancers. Thanks to its intuitive time-tracking features, this solution gives freelancers the edge they need to stay in the market.
Plus, it’s more than a time-tracking software. This integrated and customizable employee monitoring, productivity tracking, and project management engine is a popular choice across more than 100 nations. Below, we can see why.
- You get automated timesheets and task timers for increasing focus.
- Seamless integrations with other tools make it the most powerful feature-rich software.
- Real-time monitoring and time-tracking is a useful feature for making on-the-spot changes.
- You get the most detailed analytics and visual reporting for proof-backed work-hour monitoring needed by freelancers.
Another highlight is the affordability. We recommend this software for time-tracking to freelancers to take their productivity to the next level.
Conclusion
With that, we wrap up our blog on the top 10 best time-tracking software for freelancers. To summarize, software solutions for tracking time are feature-rich tool packages that accurately monitor and log the desktop activity time spent on URLs, files, and, apps, for identifying and improving efficiency levels. Freelancers need such tools to stay organized and meet deadlines. However, other benefits include billing and invoicing accuracy, productivity boosts, and optimized project management. However, selecting the best work-hour monitoring software from the top 10 list is required to get these benefits. We recommend DeskTrack as the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How Can Freelancers Track Their Work Hours?
Ans. Freelancers due to their flexible schedules and multiple project management find it challenging to track their work hours. Plus, manually tracking work hours can cause inaccuracies. To solve these issues, there are a few minutes.
- Time-tracking software
- Time-tracking apps
- Timesheets
- Spreadsheets
- Work-hour monitoring templates
Q. What is the Need for Time Tracking Software for Freelancers?
Ans. Software for tracking time can greatly help freelancers effectively manage their work-time. Plus, it also helps them stay organized and meet the deadlines. However, the advantages are not limited to this only.
- Billing and Invoicing Accuracy
- Productivity Boosts
- Optimized Project Management
- Enhanced Accountability
- Insightful Reporting
- Stress Reduction
- Legal Adherence
Q. What are the Key Features of Time Tracking Software for Freelancers?
Ans. Timesheet software for freelancers is the best solution for managing and organizing the time in freelance work. These software solutions have features specifically designed for freelancing.
- Comprehensive time-tracking
- Task management
- Project and client management
- Reporting and analytics
- Integrations
- Platform compatibility
Q. Which are the Best Time Tracking Software Solutions for Freelancers?
Ans. Choosing the best-fit software solution for time-tracking can be overwhelming for freelancers. Plus, staying away from fakes and scams is also essential. To give you a head start, here are the 10 most useful tools for work-hour monitoring.
- DeskTrack
- Toggl
- Harvest
- Clockify
- RescueTime
- Time Doctor
- Everhour
- Hubstaff
- TopTracker
- Timely
Q. How do Freelancers Keep Track of Time?
Ans. There are many ways for freelancers to keep track of time. These include:
- Manually tracking time on pen and paper. (not recommended)
- Using spreadsheets.
- Using time trackers (Best)
Q. What are Some Best Practices for Freelancers to Track Time
Ans. For freelancers, it’s not enough to just implement a time tracker. For maximum gain, it’s also essential to use these strategies.
- Make it a Habit
- Use Labels
- Set Achievable Objectives
- Regularly Review Data
- Track Time to Learn
- Transparent Communication
- Be Flexible
Q. Which is the Best Software Solution for Freelancers to Track Time?
Ans. DeskTrack is the time tracker you need to keep a log of your work hours as a freelancer. This software provides many useful features including:
- Automatic billable and non-billable hours calculation.
- Idle time calculation.
- Real-time employee activity and work hours tracking.
- Detailed reporting.
- Accurate invoicing.
- User-friendly intuitive interface and more.
