Choosing Better Time

Choosing the Best Employee Tracking Software for Your Business

March 27, 20258 min read

Choosing the Best Employee Tracking Software for Your Business 

Why Time Tracking Matters 

Ever wonder what really keeps your business running like clockwork behind the scenes? Tracking employee hours isn't the most exciting job, but it's the hidden backbone of your operation. Whether you have a few workers or hundreds, you need a reliable timekeeping app to tracking employee hours efficiently, handle paychecks, and follow labor laws without headaches. The best time tracking tool doesn't just help you avoid paperwork nightmares—it slashes payroll mistakes and puts an end to time theft that silently drains your profits. Your team will thank you too, since they'll spend less time figuring out how to clock in and more time doing what you hired them for. 

Finding the Right Solution 

Here's the game-changer: you don't need to settle for outdated systems anymore! There are countless time tracking tools ready to transform how you manage your workforce. From pocket-friendly mobile apps to powerful all-in-one systems, there's a perfect match waiting for your specific needs and budget. Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Don't worry—this guide cuts through the confusion to spotlight must-have features, compare the best tracking tools head-to-head, and reveal why TotalTime stands out as the best time tracking software with easy payroll export for businesses craving a hassle-free way to manage their teams. Isn't it time your business stopped losing money to inefficient time tracking? 

Key Features Every Timekeeping Solution Should Have in 2025 

Quick and Accurate Tracking: Your team should be able to clock in easily whether they're in the office, at home, or on a job site. Look for mobile-friendly options with the best GPS-enabled time tracking so you always know where employees clock in and out.  

Works With Your Payroll: Typing hours into payroll by hand wastes time and leads to mistakes. Great time tracking allows you to easily send reports to your payroll provider, making sure everyone gets paid right the first time. 

See Where Your Money Goes: Want to know which projects cost the most in labor? The best time tracking software shows you exactly where hours are spent, making it easier to plan your budget. 

Better Scheduling: The best systems help you manage who works when and where. Look for tools that let you assign shifts, make quick schedule changes, and keep your team organized. 

Follows the Rules: Labor laws can be tricky! The right software helps with overtime & break tracking, as well as secure data storage to protect your business and your employees. 

Easy to Use: If it's complicated, nobody will use it. Choose a tool that's simple for both workers and managers so time tracking becomes a habit, not a headache. 

Finding a system with all these features will save you time, cut down on payroll mistakes, and keep everything running like clockwork. Now, let's check out the top options available today! 

Time Tracking Tools: Finding Your Perfect Match 

Top Time Tracking Options Compared 

With so many time tracking tools out there, how do you pick the right one for your business? Some work best for construction crews, while others handle everything from schedules to paychecks. To make your search easier, here's a simple breakdown of five popular options: 

Top 5 Timekeeping Software Solutions Compared: Which One Fits Your Needs?  

ExakTime – Perfect for construction teams working in different places. Their app tracks where workers clock in using GPS, works with over 60 payroll systems, and helps keep everything organized. Costs start at $9 per worker each month. 

BusyBusy – Built specially for construction teams, this app lets you store unlimited work photos, get daily reports, and track costs by job. Workers can easily clock in from their phones anywhere. Try it free first, then the Pro plan costs $9.99 per person monthly. 

ClockShark (Simpro) – A great all-around choice that offers GPS tracking, job cost tracking, and scheduling tools. Many businesses use it to keep tabs on workers at different locations. Pricing starts with a $40 monthly base fee plus $8 per worker. 

WorkYard – Best for businesses worried about following labor laws and getting payroll exactly right. It focuses on accurate time tracking to make sure everyone gets fair pay. Costs include a $50 monthly base fee, with plans from $6 per worker each month. 

Connecteam – Does more than just track time—it also handles scheduling, task lists, and team communication for any size business. Small teams can use it for free, while paid plans start at $29 monthly. 

Each of these tools has something special to offer, but your best choice depends on what your business really needs. Next, let's see how TotalTime stands out from all these options! 

Why TotalTime is the Best Time Tracking Software for Growing Businesses 

A Time Tracker That Works for Everyone 

Tired of time tracking apps that feel like they weren't made for your business? That's where TotalTime shines! Unlike apps built just for big companies or specific industries, TotalTime works perfectly for any size business in a variety of industries, making it the best all-in-one time tracking software. Whether you have a small team of five or a crew of fifty, TotalTime makes tracking hours a breeze. 

What Makes TotalTime Special? 

Super Easy to Use – Who has time to learn complicated software? TotalTime's clean, simple design means your team can clock in, check their schedule, and submit timesheets without headaches. 

Everything in One Place – TotalTime isn't just for tracking hours—it helps you schedule shifts, track job costs, and create the reports you need. No more jumping between different apps to manage your team! 

Plays Nice With Payroll – Payroll day doesn't have to be stressful! TotalTime gives you report exports to send to any payroll system, making sure everyone gets paid correctly the first time without extra work for you. 

Pricing That Makes Sense – Whether you're just starting out or running a growing business, TotalTime has flexible pricing that works with your budget. You'll never pay for features you don't actually use. 

Keeps You Following the Rules – Labor laws can be tricky, but TotalTime makes compliance simple. It automatically tracks overtime, breaks, and work hours while keeping all employee data secure. 

With TotalTime, you'll spend less time buried in paperwork and more time actually running your business. Next, we'll help you figure out which time tracking solution is truly the best fit for your needs! 

How to Choose the Best Time Tracking Software in 2025 

What's Right for Your Business? 

Now that you've seen the top time tracking apps, how do you choose the best time tracking tool that fits your business? Since every company has different needs, it's smart to focus on what matters most to you. Here are the big things to think about before you decide: 

Key Factors in Your Decision 

Where Your Team Works – Do your people work in an office, out on job sites, or from their couch? Some tools like ExakTime and BusyBusy are good for construction teams moving between locations, while others like Connecteam work better for office staff. 

How Big Is Your Team? – Running a small crew? You might want something simple and budget-friendly. Planning to grow? Look for a system that is a scalable timekeeping solution that isn’t going to cause headaches when you add new employees. 

Payroll Headaches – Remember those late nights manually entering hours into payroll? A good time tracking tool should have easy exports to send to your payroll provider. This makes sure everyone gets paid right the first time. 

Is It User-Friendly? – Even the fanciest system is useless if your team can't figure it out! Choose a tool that both managers and workers can use without constant training sessions or frustrating phone calls. 

Keeping You Legal and Safe – Labor law mistakes can cost you big money in fines or lawsuits. Pick a system that automatically tracks breaks and overtime and helps you follow all the rules without becoming a legal expert yourself. 

The best time tracking solution isn't just about fancy features—it's about making your workday smoother and your business stronger. Up next, we'll wrap everything up with some final thoughts to guide your decision! 

Take Control of Your Team’s Time:Try TotalTime Today! 

The Bottom Line on Time Tracking 

Picking the best time tracking software can be a game-changer for your business! The perfect time tracking software will track hours without hassle, make payroll day a breeze, and help you follow those tricky labor laws without losing sleep. 

Best Picks for Different Needs 

Need something built for construction crews always on the move? ExakTime or BusyBusy have you covered. Looking for a system that does more than just track time? Connecteam packs in extra features to manage your whole team. Both ClockShark and WorkYard offer rock-solid scheduling and payroll tools that many businesses love. 

Why TotalTime Might Be Your Best Bet 

Want a solution that does it all without the complexity? TotalTime stands out as the go-to choice for businesses of any size. It makes tracking hours, organizing schedules, and easy payroll exports—giving you more time to focus on what really matters: growing your business. 

The Choice Is Yours 

At the end of the day, the best time tracking tool is the one that feels invisible because it works so smoothly. Your goal? Find a system that handles the boring stuff automatically so you can get back to the work that actually demands your attention. Ready to see how TotalTime can transform your workday? Book a TotalTime demo for your team today!  

Heidi is a former educator and administrator who enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

Heidi Groneman

Heidi is a former educator and administrator who enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

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