Companies of any size need timesheet tools to keep track of work time, analyze performance of employees and teams, and optimize the work process. Many time-tracking tools are available on the market, with most of them costing money, which is often not an option for startups and freelancers. But there are still plenty of simple free timesheet software solutions with basic functionality. Here’s a list of some of the best ones out there:
1. actiTIME
For: Companies icon Companies Freelancers icon Freelancers
This free timesheet software would fit the needs of both small-team companies and freelance employees. The basic small team edition supports up to 5 active users and unlimited number of projects and customers. actiTIME makes the time-tracking process simple and straightforward. This tool can help you track your work hours as well as your leave time, run reports on the collected data, send email reminders, and calculate billable time. A mobile app is also available for those who often work away from their computer.
2. We Worked
For: Companies icon Companies Freelancers icon Freelancers
This tool is free for up to 3 users and 2 projects, so it’s a good choice for freelancers and startups. It is a cloud-based solution that provides time-tracking and billing functionality: charging time to tasks, generating reports, and calculating costs. Premium features include tracking leaves, invoicing, and email reminders.
3. Rescue Time
For: Freelancers icon Freelancers
This solution tracks time spent browsing websites and working with desktop applications. Its main focus is to help you control and improve your productivity by setting goals and reviewing results. Weekly reports with a summary of your time expenses are emailed to you. The Lite edition with basic time-tracking functions is free forever. Paid premium accounts are available too; they have more reporting functionality than the free version and support time-tracking while away from the computer.
4. Tickspot
For: Companies icon Companies Freelancers icon Freelancers
This solution offers basic time-tracking by tasks with Basecamp integration. Time can be entered manually or using a timer. One-project plan is free, so it fits small businesses and some freelancers who are not working on a lot of things at a time. Basic budget calculations by projects and tasks are also available.
5. Log My Hours
For: Freelancers icon Freelancers
This product is a simple productivity tool. Projects can be split into tasks for more detailed tracking. It also offers basic billing and invoicing options. The Solo plan is free and it supports 1 user, 4 clients, and 2 projects, so the it should meet the needs of most freelancers.
6. Timetrex
For: Companies icon Companies Freelancers icon Freelancers
This tool offers time & attendance tracking functionality. It’s open source, so the community edition is completely free. It includes schedule, time & attendance tracking, and payroll modules and is available for Windows, Linux and MacOS.
7. TopTracker
For: Freelancers icon Freelancers
This software was created by the developers of the TopTal hiring platform. It is meant for freelancers and is not positioned as a paid product. It is available as an online service or as a downloadable package for Windows, Linux or MacOS. The app tracks time for different tasks and can automatically record idle time when there is no keyboard or mouse activity. It can also take and upload screenshots with the user’s activity.
8. Task Coach
For: Freelancers icon Freelancers
This tool is distributed under the GNU General Public License and is available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, and FreeBSD. It provides time-tracking and billing functionality, as well as data export with several popular formats supported. A to-do list app for iOS is also available that allows users to edit and complete their tasks.
9. TimeClock
For: Companies icon Companies
The primary purpose of this software is attendance tracking. However, it can be used as a free timesheet tool as well. The basic plan is free and includes clock-in and -out functions, real-time attendance control, manual entries, and PTO accrual.
When choosing free timesheet software for your business, be sure to carefully review all the features to see which application covers your needs best. There are dozens of solutions on market, so with a little bit of research you’re bound to find something that works for you.
