How do you know if your remote employees are really working?
You trust your team—but without time tracking software for remote employees, how do you know if work hours are used efficiently and contribute to better team management? Are projects moving forward, or is time slipping away unnoticed?
In an office, it’s easy to observe workflows and adjust.
Remote work? Not so much.
Communication tools help teams stay connected, but they don’t track how long tasks take or if time is spent productively.
Without visibility, you risk missed deadlines, unbalanced workloads, and inaccurate billing. Guesswork replaces strategy, and team productivity suffers.
That’s where time tracking software changes the game. It gives you real-time insights into work hours, productivity trends, and task progress—so you can analyze key metrics, make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and ensure accountability.
But not all tools are built the same. Some are simple clock-ins or time logs, while others offer deep workforce analytics, payroll integration, and team monitoring.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s explore the 10 best remote employee time tracking software —whether you’re a startup, a growing team, or an enterprise, there’s a tool that fits your needs.
Table of Contents
- Why monitor remote employees?
- Comparison of the best time tracking software for remote employees
- Which time tracking software is best for your needs?
- Why Time Doctor is the best
- Choosing the best time tracking tools for remote employees
Let’s get started.
Why monitor remote employees?
Imagine running a business where you pay employees based on an honor system.
No time tracking, no clear records, just trust.
While trust is essential in any team, relying solely on it can lead to lost productivity, unclear work hours, and difficulty managing projects—especially when employees work from different locations.
Managing a remote workforce comes with unique challenges that office-based teams rarely face. Without an office environment, it’s harder to track work hours, measure performance, and optimize workflows. You don’t have the usual visual cues that help you understand who’s working, how projects are progressing, or whether deadlines will be met.
But let’s be clear—monitoring remote employees isn’t about micromanaging. It’s not about watching every second of their day. Instead, it’s about creating structure, improving efficiency, and building trust between employees and employers. With the right time tracking software for remote employees, businesses can provide clarity, fairness, and accountability without invading personal space.
Why time tracking benefits both businesses and employees
1. Increases accountability
When employees know their work hours are tracked, they tend to stay more engaged and productive. They also develop better time management skills, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule.
2. Supports fair billing
For businesses that work with freelancers and contractors, tracking billable hours is crucial. With a reliable time tracking tool, there’s concrete proof of employee work, so invoices remain accurate, and disputes over billable time become rare.
3. Improves project management
By seeing exactly how much time is spent on tasks, managers can adjust workloads, optimize resource allocation, and improve workforce management strategies. This helps ensure no team member is overwhelmed while others have idle time.
4. Reduces administrative work
Manual timesheets can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Automated employee monitoring software eliminates the need for employees to log hours manually, saving time and reducing mistakes in payroll processing.
5. Encourages transparency
Employees gain better visibility into their own work patterns, helping them improve efficiency. At the same time, managers get real-time insights into employee productivity, allowing them to identify bottlenecks before they become bigger issues.
With a clear understanding of why monitoring remote employees is essential, the next step is choosing the right tool for the job. But with so many options available, how do you find the best fit for your team?
To make the decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 time tracking software for remote employees. Whether you’re looking for simple time logs or advanced workforce analytics, these tools offer a range of features to suit different business needs.
Comparison of the best time tracking software for remote employees
| Software | Key Features | Integrations | Pricing | Customer Ratings | Pros | Cons |
| Time Doctor | Time tracking, attendance reports, activity summary, productivity insights, wellness insights | 60+ integrations | Basic: $6.70 /user/monthStandard: $11.70 /user/monthPremium: $16.70/user/monthEnterprise: Contact Sales | G2: 4.4/5 (380+ reviews)Capterra: 4.5/5 (520+ reviews) | Automated & manual tracking, detailed productivity reports, strong privacy controls | Mobile app has fewer features, better suited for businesses than individuals |
| Toggl Track | Browser extension, advanced reporting, automated timesheets, keyboard tracking | 100+ integrations, Zapier | Free: $0/user/monthStarter: $10/user/monthPremium: $20/user/monthEnterprise: Contact Sales | G2: 4.6/5 (1540+ reviews)Capterra: 4.7/5 (2200+ reviews) | Simple UI, one-click time tracking, great for freelancers & small teams | Lacks distraction management, free plan has limited reporting |
| RescueTime | Time tracking, site blocking, productivity goals, detailed reports | Popular project management tools, Zapier | Lite: FreePremium: $12/user/month | G2: 4.1/5 (85+ reviews)Capterra: 4.6/5 (130+ reviews) | Automatic tracking, productivity insights, distraction blocking | No billable hour tracking, lacks detailed workforce analytics |
| Timely | Automated time-tracking, detailed timesheets, advanced dashboard | Project management, communication apps | Starter: $11/user/monthPremium: $20/user/monthUnlimited: $28/user/monthUnlimited+: Contact Sales | G2: 4.8/5 (320+ reviews)Capterra: 4.7/5 (210+ reviews) | Fully automated tracking, strong reporting, seamless project management integration | Higher pricing, advanced features only in premium plans |
| Harvest | Invoicing, payment processing, device sync, flexible billing rates | Communication, project management, video conferencing | Free: $0 (individual users)Pro: $12/seat/month | G2: 4.3/5 (785+ reviews)Capterra: 4.6/5 (555+ reviews) | Built-in invoicing & billing, integrates with accounting tools, user-friendly | Lacks screenshot tracking, higher price compared to basic trackers |
| Everhour | Live dashboard, advanced billing, browser extensions, editable time records | 1000+ apps via Zapier | Free: $0/user/monthLite: $6/user/monthTeam: $10/user/month | G2: 4.7/5 (155+ reviews)Capterra: 4.7/5 (385+ reviews) | Live team dashboard, strong invoicing & billing, project-based tracking | No distraction management, not ideal for individual tracking |
| Timeneye | Automatic time tracking, calendar view, detailed reports | Asana, Google Calendar, Basecamp | $7/user/month | G2: 4.5/5 (20+ reviews)Capterra: 4.8/5 (120+ reviews) | Easy-to-use interface, integrates with project management tools, affordable | Limited features compared to competitors, small user base |
| ClickTime | Detailed reports, centralized dashboard, browser apps | Custom API for advanced customization | Starter: $13/user/monthTeam: $17/user/monthPremier: $28/user/monthEnterprise: Contact Sales | G2: 4.6/5 (680+ reviews)Capterra: 4.6/5 (205+ reviews) | Detailed reporting, custom API, good for enterprise teams | Pricing is higher, can be complex for beginners |
| TopTracker | Multifunctional dashboard, detailed reports, desktop apps | None | Free | G2: N/ACapterra: 4.6/5 (5+ reviews) | Free to use, simple interface, good for freelancers | Lacks integrations, no advanced analytics |
| EmailAnalytics | Email activity visualization, daily/weekly reports, real-time dashboard | Custom API in development | Starts at $15/inbox/month | G2: 4/5 (4+ reviews)Capterra: N/A | Email activity tracking, unique insights for email-based workflows | Limited to email activity, lacks broader workforce tracking |
Which time tracking software is best for your needs?
Not all time tracking software for remote employees works the same way. Some are built for freelancers, keeping things simple. Others focus on large teams, offering workforce analytics, payroll integration, or distraction management. But with so many choices, how do you know which one truly meets your needs?
Below, we break down what each tool does best, and what makes them different.
1. Time Doctor – best for complete productivity tracking and workforce insights
Unlike simple time loggers, Time Doctor provides productivity monitoring, giving businesses a complete view of how work gets done. It combines automatic and manual tracking, real-time productivity insights, distraction management, notifications, and wellness reports to help teams work smarter—not just longer.
With customizable privacy settings, idle time detection, and seamless payroll integration, it’s built for teams that want both flexibility and accountability.
Best for
- Businesses and remote teams needing real-time productivity tracking
- Companies that want both automatic and manual tracking options
- Managers who need detailed workforce analytics without micromanaging
- Teams that value privacy with optional screenshot blurring and no keystroke logging
- Organizations looking for seamless payroll and project management integrations
- Businesses that need distraction alerts and wellness insights to prevent burnout
2. Toggl Track – best for freelancers and small teams
Toggl Track is simple, intuitive, and ideal for freelancers or small teams who need an easy way to log hours. It offers one-click tracking and browser extensions but lacks deeper workforce analytics.
Best for
- Freelancers and solopreneurs who need basic time tracking
- Small teams that want an easy-to-use interface
- Users who don’t need advanced monitoring or distraction tracking
3. RescueTime – best for distraction management
RescueTime focuses on reducing distractions rather than just tracking time. It automatically monitors app and website usage, blocks distractions, and provides focus-based insights but lacks billable hour tracking.
Best for
- Individuals and teams who want to analyze work habits
- Users who need distraction-blocking features
- Those who don’t require detailed project tracking or invoicing
4. Timely – best for hands-free time tracking
Timely runs fully in the background, tracking time automatically so users never have to start or stop a timer. While it’s great for seamless tracking, its higher pricing and premium-only features may be a drawback.
Best for
- Teams that want completely automated time tracking
- Businesses looking for real-time syncing across devices
- Users who don’t need manual time entries or distraction alerts
5. Harvest – best for invoicing and payments
Harvest focuses on invoicing and payments in addition to time tracking. It allows businesses to track time, bill clients, and accept payments all in one place—but it lacks advanced productivity analytics.
Best for
- Agencies, consultants, and businesses that bill clients
- Teams that need time tracking integrated with payments
- Users who don’t require deep workforce insights
6. Everhour – best for project-based teams
Everhour provides live dashboards and budget tracking, making it ideal for project-based businesses. However, it lacks distraction management and isn’t designed for individual productivity tracking.
Best for
- Teams managing multiple projects and budgets
- Businesses that need advanced invoicing tools
- Users who prioritize project tracking over employee monitoring
7. Timeneye – best for simplicity and affordability
Timeneye is a lightweight, affordable option that integrates with task management tools. It’s easy to use but lacks advanced productivity analytics and workforce tracking.
Best for
- Small teams looking for a basic, budget-friendly tracking solution
- Users who need calendar-based tracking
- Teams that don’t require detailed performance reports
8. ClickTime – best for enterprises that need customization
ClickTime offers custom API options, making it ideal for enterprises that need custom reporting and integrations. However, its pricing is on the higher side, and it may be complex for first-time users.
Best for
- Enterprises that need custom tracking and reporting
- Businesses with large, distributed teams
- Users who prefer centralized dashboards
9. TopTracker – best for free, no-frills tracking
Unlike most time tracking tools, TopTracker is completely free. It has a simple interface but lacks integrations and advanced workforce analytics.
Best for
- Freelancers who want a free, no-cost option
- Users who need basic time tracking features without premium access
- Those who don’t require team-wide reporting or integrations
10. EmailAnalytics – best for email productivity tracking
EmailAnalytics is unique because it tracks email employee activity rather than general work hours. It’s ideal for teams relying on email but doesn’t offer traditional time tracking.
Best for
- Sales and customer service teams who want to analyze email activity
- Businesses that need insights into response times and communication patterns
- Users who don’t need task-based time tracking
Why Time Doctor is the best
With so many time tracking software for remote workers, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. A lot of tools claim to improve productivity, but do they actually help you understand how work gets done?
Many time trackers simply log hours—but they don’t tell you if those hours were spent efficiently. Others provide basic reports, but they lack real insights into how teams work. And most don’t offer the flexibility, privacy, and seamless experience that businesses actually need.
That’s why Time Doctor stands out. It’s more than just a time tracker—it’s a complete productivity and workforce analytics tool that helps businesses optimize remote work without micromanaging.
1. More than just a time tracker—Time Doctor gives real insights
Other time tracking apps tell you when employees are working, but Time Doctor shows you how they work. It tracks time plus provides:
- Productivity analytics to identify where time is wasted
- Workforce insights to help balance workloads
- Wellness reports to prevent burnout and overworking
Most time trackers just record hours, but Time Doctor helps you make those hours count.
2. Automatic tracking with full flexibility—most tools don’t offer both
Some time tracking tools are too rigid—forcing users to log time, which can be inaccurate manually. Others are too strict, tracking every second without giving employees control.
Time Doctor gives you the best of both worlds:
- Automatic tracking for accurate logs—no manual input needed
- Manual time entries for flexibility when needed
- Idle time detection to prevent wasted hours
Most tools only offer one or the other. Time Doctor gives you both.
3. Privacy-first approach—without sacrificing accountability
Sometimes tracking software feels too invasive—constantly watching employees’ screens, logging every keystroke, and making them feel micromanaged. Others provide too little visibility, leaving managers without enough data to optimize workflows.
Time Doctor gets it right:
- No keystroke logging (unlike some competitors)
- Blurred screenshots option for sensitive work
- Employees can see and control what’s tracked
Most tools force you to choose between privacy or accountability. Time Doctor gives you both.
4. Seamless integrations—where other monitoring tools fall short
Many times trackers don’t integrate well with the tools you already use. Some require complicated workarounds, while others only support a few platforms.
Time Doctor integrates with over 60 essential business tools, including:
- Project management software (Trello, Asana, Jira)
- Payroll systems (QuickBooks, ADP, Gusto)
- Communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams)
With Time Doctor, there’s no need to switch platforms—it fits seamlessly into your existing workflow.
5. Smarter insights for data-driven decisions
Most time trackers provide basic reports—how many hours were worked, and maybe a breakdown by task. But Time Doctor gives you the bigger picture with:
- Detailed productivity trends to track team performance over time
- Workload distribution insights to optimize efficiency
- Customizable reports to match your business needs
Instead of just tracking hours, Time Doctor helps you improve how work gets done.
Why settle for basic time tracking software?
Other tools let you log time. Time Doctor helps you use time wisely.
- It tracks time accurately—but doesn’t stop there.
- It optimizes productivity—not just records work.
- It respects privacy—without losing accountability.
- It integrates easily—instead of disrupting workflows.
Choosing the best time tracking tools for remote employees
With so many remote employee tracking software options, how do you decide which one is right for you? Consider these key factors:
- Team size: Small teams may prefer tools like Toggl, while larger organizations benefit from advanced analytics with Time Doctor.
- Tracking needs: Do you need automatic tracking, manual logging, or a combination of both?
- Privacy preferences: If employee privacy is a concern, choose software with customizable tracking settings.
- Budget: Many tools offer free trials, so test a few before committing.
Each of the tools on this list provides unique features, so it’s important to match the software to your specific business needs.
Final thoughts: The key to smarter remote work
Not all time-tracking software delivers what you need. So, what’s the best choice?
Before you settle for just any time tracking tool, ask yourself:
- Do you need real insights or just basic reports?
- Do you want seamless integration or a tool that disrupts your workflow?
- Do you value privacy while maintaining accountability?
If you’re looking for a tracking solution that improves productivity and helps your team thrive, it’s time to try Time Doctor.
Because time isn’t just something you track—it’s something you use wisely to manage timelines and improve productivity.
Take control of your team’s time today
Don’t let untracked hours, missed deadlines, or inefficiencies hold your team back. With the right time tracking software for remote employees, you can boost productivity, improve accountability, and optimize workflows—all while respecting privacy and flexibility.
Carlo Borja is the Content Marketing Manager of Time Doctor, a workforce analytics software for distributed teams. He is a remote work advocate, a father and a coffee junkie.