The 10 Best Time Tracking Tools for Freelancers – Including a Hidden Gem
Whether you bill by the hour or by the day, structure projects, or simply want to keep track of your workday — without a solid time tracking tool, documenting working hours as a freelancer quickly becomes difficult. If you’re tired of maintaining complex Excel spreadsheets, the following tools are well worth a closer look. And a heads-up: if you make it to the end, there’s a hidden tool recommendation waiting for you.
In this article, you’ll find an up-to-date overview of the best time tracking tools, selected specifically for freelancers. Our criteria: simplicity, flexibility, fair pricing, and useful integrations. Some of these tools have already been reviewed in more detail on fastlancer.org.
Our Top 10 Time Tracking Tool picks for Freelancers
1. Toggl Track
Extremely intuitive and ideal for solo freelancers and small teams. In addition to a simple start/stop timer, Toggl Track offers project organization, clear time tracking reports, and easy exports. Many freelancers appreciate that it works reliably in the browser, on desktop, and as a mobile app.
2. Clockify
A generous free core offering with features such as timesheets, budgets, and reports for hybrid projects. Freelancers especially value Clockify’s custom tags and the clear time tracking overview, which is ready to use right away.
3. Harvest
Harvest combines time tracking with invoicing and visual reporting. With a wide range of integrations (such as Asana, Trello, and Slack) and automated invoicing, it’s a strong choice for freelancers managing multiple projects in parallel.
4. TickTick
Primarily a task management app with an integrated Pomodoro timer that supports focused work throughout the day. Many freelancers use it as a productivity booster. In addition to basic time tracking, it offers a range of productivity features.
5. Timely
Timely uses AI (“Memory Tracker”) to automatically capture app and tab activity and convert it into time entries via drag and drop. This works without manually starting or stopping a timer. Its strong focus on privacy is especially appreciated, as data is only shared after approval.
6. Timecamp
Offers automatic background tracking based on keywords, offline sync, and a wide range of integrations. Features include GPS time tracking and invoicing, making it suitable for freelancers with structured project workflows. Some users report a less intuitive mobile app and occasional sync issues.
7. Clocko:do
A German provider offering GDPR-compliant cloud-based time tracking with intuitive timesheets. Especially practical for freelancers with recurring billing needs and an appreciation for well-designed software.
8. Tyme
A minimal, clean design for macOS and iOS, ideal for freelancers working in the Apple ecosystem. Many users appreciate the fast project management, automatic tracking options, and Apple Catalyst support in a very lightweight interface.
9. Timemator
An offline-capable time tracker for Mac that automatically detects what you’re working on — even without using a timer. Particularly popular with users who want to work focused and uninterrupted, without constant clicking or configuration.
10. Kimai
Kimai is open-source software and can be self-hosted — perfect for freelancers who want maximum control over their data. Despite its DIY nature, it offers feature parity with cloud-based tools, including reports, project management, and export options. The user interface could be more modern.
Which tool is the best fit for you?
Quick setup and easy start: Toggl Track, Clockify
Time tracking with invoicing and reporting: Harvest, TimeCamp
Automatic, invisible tracking: Timely, Timemator
Privacy and GDPR compliance: Clocko:do
Apple-only, minimalist tools: Tyme, Timemator
Self-hosted / open source: Kimai
Hidden Gem 💎: Take a look at the time tracking tool WorkingHours by indie developer Timo Partl. It includes all essential features such as time tracking, analysis, and export — and does not use a subscription model.
If you’d like to learn more about time management as a freelancer, check out our compact guide Fastlancer Greenprint on Amazon:
You might also be interested in project management tools:
Or explore more of our freelancer guides:
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Image credits: All screenshots, brand names, and product names used in our articles are the property of their respective owners. Images are used solely for illustration and review purposes. Screenshots created by us within the software show interfaces or elements of the respective tools and remain the intellectual property of the corresponding brands. Unless otherwise stated, images are sourced from the providers’ official websites. We link original sources where possible and recommend checking current information and pricing directly on the official product pages.