Attendance issues aren’t always obvious at first. Your employee is 20 minutes late here, takes an unexpected day off there, but suddenly you realize work isn’t getting done, productivity is waning, and revenue starts to suffer.

And even if you think you have the right tools in place, spreadsheets or reactive payroll reviews often don’t catch issues early enough. Instead, you wind up scrambling to address the problem once you discover understaffing or missed deadlines. 

Attendance tracking software can help, but you’ve got to know what to look for. Instead of retroactive reporting that only tells you a problem has occurred, what you really need is real-time alerts that give you visibility into attendance issues as they’re occurring — so you can nip them in the bud right away. 

Below, I review the six best attendance tracking software options, highlighting key features, pros, and cons to help you decide which is right for your needs.

The best employee attendance tracking software solutions: Quick comparison

	Buddy Punch	OnTheClock	Connecteam	Jibble	QuickBooks Time	Deputy
Best for	Best overall	Straightforward visibility	Frontline/deskless teams needing an all-in-one platform	Budget-conscious teams	Teams already using QuickBooks	Teams that want scheduling and attendance together
Free plan?	❌	❌	✅ (up to 10 users)	✅ (software is free)	❌	❌
Free trial?	✅	✅	✅	N/A	✅	✅
Prices start at	$4.49/user/month + $19 base fee/month	$4/employee + $5 base fee/month	Free for up to 10 users Paid plans from $29/month for up to 30 users	Free	$20/month + $8/user/month	$5/user/month
Real-time attendance visibility	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Attendance alerts	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Clock-in verification methods	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Geofencing	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
PTO and absence tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Attendance reporting	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅

The 6 best employee attendance tracking software

1. Buddy Punch: Best all-around tool for attendance tracking

Buddy Punch is a time and attendance tracking app designed for hourly and shift-based teams, combining employee clock-ins with scheduling visibility and payroll-ready reports. 

Key features

• Real-time attendance dashboard 
• Alerts for late arrivals, missed shifts, and early exits
• Multiple punch methods, including PIN, QR codes, and Face ID
• Privacy-first location tracking and geofencing 

Pros

•  Pay-as-you-grow pricing model 
•  Strong identity and location verification 

Cons

• Some advanced analytics require extra setup time

Why I chose Buddy Punch: Buddy Punch is my number one attendance tracking software pick because its simple, intuitive time clock and time tracking tool virtually eliminates the need for manual timesheets and spreadsheet management. 

I also like how you can use location tracking to ensure your employees clock in from the correct location, while letting your team know they’re not tracked outside of work. 

Let’s take a closer look at Buddy Punch’s features and how you can use them to improve your attendance tracking. 

Real-time attendance tracking from anywhere

With Buddy Punch, you get simple attendance tracking that works from anywhere — no spreadsheets or manual records required. A live, real-time dashboard lets you see who’s clocked in and who isn’t, so you’re always on top of attendance, even if you can’t be on site. 

Comprehensive attendance reporting and alerts

Buddy Punch provides detailed reports on everything from overtime to lateness and absenteeism. You can customize the reports to meet your needs and export them for payroll processing. 

Even better, Buddy Punch makes all of this attendance data actionable by detecting patterns and flagging issues such as late arrivals or early exits as they happen, not after the fact. This way, you can address issues well before payroll processing time. 

Several secure punch-in methods with verification 

Buddy Punch offers multiple punch methods, including a dedicated PIN, a QR code, or facial recognition, to ensure the right person is clocking in from the right place at the right time — very effective if time theft is an issue for your business.

Privacy-focused geofencing and GPS tracking

Geofencing lets you restrict the location where an employee can clock in, preventing off-site punching. Plus, you can turn on GPS tracking to check employees are in the right place — but to preserve privacy, it only tracks them while they’re clocked in.

PTO tracking

With Buddy Punch, you can define multiple leave types (such as vacation, sick, holiday, etc.) and choose how PTO is earned, whether hourly, weekly, or annually. The system then automatically tracks accruals and updates employee balances, reducing the need for manual calculations.

I like how employees can submit time-off requests in the app, and managers can review them and either approve or decline instantly. Buddy Punch then automatically deducts the time. 

Integrations

Buddy Punch offers several direct integrations to further eliminate manual work. 

One of the most compelling is QuickBooks, which lets you automatically sync data for payroll processing. Take it from Buddy Punch customer Michael Barry, Operations Manager at Good Earth Gardeners:  

“Buddy Punch was the only app that did what I wanted it to do  — sync up department codes with job reporting codes in QuickBooks.”

Buddy Punch also integrates with most popular payroll and HR tools, including Gusto, ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, and Rippling. 

Pricing

Buddy Punch offers an excellent pay-as-you-grow pricing model, letting you pay only for the features you actually need. There are several pricing options available: 

• Starter: $4.49/user/month + $19 base fee per month
• Pro: $5.99/user/month + $19 base fee per month
• Enterprise: $10.99/user/month + $19 base fee per month
• Free trial: Yes 

What users say about Buddy Punch

Users find a lot to like about Buddy Punch, especially how much manual effort it saves. One reviewer even mentioned how Buddy Punch has slashed his payroll time: 

“This is a vast improvement over our antiquated system of having employees punch a time clock and then have someone send me a scan of each time card. I do payroll each week in less than half the time now!”

In online reviews, managers say they find it easy to explain the ins and outs of Buddy Punch to their teams, even when staff are not tech-savvy. And employees like it too, finding it helpful for tracking their hours.

2. OnTheClock: Best for straightforward visibility

OnTheClock is a straightforward clock-punching and attendance-monitoring tool that lets managers easily see who is at work and when. It also offers PTO tracking, attendance notifications, and location verification. 

Key features   

• Clock-in/clock-out tracking and time card logs
• Real-time view of who is clocked in at any given time
• Automated notifications to flag attendance issues 
• Location verification and geofenced time-punch restrictions

Pros   

•  Simple display of attendance records
•  Scaled pricing based on business size 

Cons

• Interface can feel clunky
• Limited analytics and advanced reporting options

Why I chose OnTheClock: I like how straightforward this tool is, offering all the basics leaders need to see who’s at work, while also tracking time off, attendance, and location. It doesn’t require a ton of extra configuration or complex advanced features. 

While the interface is fairly simple, it’s somewhat outdated and less intuitive than some other tools on this list, such as Buddy Punch.

“Who’s In” real-time attendance page

Leaders can view the real-time attendance page to see who has and hasn’t clocked in. If the company decides to enable GPS, managers can also check that each employee is in the right location. 

Automated attendance tracking and notifications

With automated notifications, managers can receive alerts if anyone clocks in late or stay on top of when the team takes breaks or changes shifts. 

Absence and PTO tracking

OnTheClock can track absences over time as well as accrual and use of paid time off, making manual time tracking unnecessary. 

Geofence location restrictions 

Many cloud-based attendance tools let employees clock in from anywhere, which can lead to inaccurate attendance records. OnTheClock uses geofencing to ensure employees can only clock in or out when they’re at their assigned workplace. 

Pricing

• Starts at: $4/employee + $5 base fee per month 
• Free trial: Yes 

What users say about OnTheClock

OnTheClock offers essential visibility into employee attendance and reduces manual efforts, but it isn’t as robust as some other options. For example, some online reviewers note that OnTheClock doesn’t always flag every missed clock punch or attendance pattern.  

3. Connecteam: Best for frontline/deskless teams

Connecteam is attendance tracking software designed for frontline and deskless teams, offering attendance monitoring and reporting, alerts, location tracking, and multiple access options.  

Key features   

• Real-time attendance monitoring widget and automated attendance reports 
• Alerts for late clock-ins or missed work
• GPS tracking and geofencing for clock punches
• Several clock-in options (kiosk, browser, mobile)

Pros 

• Real-time attendance insights via dedicated dashboard
• Automated reporting can be sent to payroll systems 

Cons

• Attendance tracking requires the broader workforce suite
• Reporting features may be limited

Why I chose Connecteam: I appreciate how Connecteam provides managers with visibility into each employee’s attendance status. Employees have several options to clock in — including a mobile app, a kiosk, or their browser — and optional geofencing and GPS tracking help verify their clock-in location. All data is captured in real time and recorded automatically. 

However, Connecteam includes attendance tracking as part of a larger workforce platform, so some advanced features, such as customized alerts or attendance pattern detection, may require additional setup. 

Dashboard-based attendance monitoring 

Managers can track attendance with a dedicated dashboard that reflects who’s clocked in, late, or absent. Alternatively, they can opt in to receive real-time notifications for missed clock-ins or late arrivals.  

Track time data in one place

Connecteam tracks PTO, breaks, and overtime hours alongside attendance data. It creates comprehensive reports of employees’ hours worked, which can then be exported to payroll or used for deeper analysis. 

GPS and geofencing

Like other tools on this list, including Buddy Punch, Connecteam offers clock-in/out restrictions and location tracking to ensure everyone is at the correct site and verify attendance. 

Pricing

• Starts at: $29/month for up to 30 users
• Free plan: Yes, for up to 10 users

What users say about Connecteam

Reviews on Trustpilot indicate Connecteam works well for field-based and mobile teams, giving employees an easy way to clock in from any device.

One reviewer explained: “We were looking for a solution to manage time tracking, scheduling, and communication for our field employees who are always on the road. Connecteam solved our problem.”

4. Jibble: Best for budget-conscious teams (free option)

Jibble provides free attendance tracking software with features including GPS tracking and geofencing, a dashboard, and biometrics. 

Key features   

• Real-time attendance data and dashboard 
• GPS tracking and geofencing
• Facial recognition and biometrics
• Export timesheets for payroll processing

Pros   

• Free forever for unlimited users 
• GPS and facial recognition reduce buddy punching

Cons

• Reports require manual review and interpretation
• Some advanced features require more involved setup

Why I chose Jibble: I included this platform because it offers essential attendance tracking features such as real-time tracking and geofencing, while remaining free forever for unlimited users. Plus, I liked Jibble’s biometric features. 

While it’s a suitable choice for under-resourced organizations, managers should keep in mind that some free tools can end up requiring more effort or costs in the long run. 

Real-time attendance tracking and dashboard

Jibble automatically tracks clock-ins and clock-outs, then syncs this data to the cloud for real-time reporting. Managers can see a live view of who is present, who’s missing, and who was late.

Jibble combines attendance tracking with other time tracking functions, so for detailed trend detection or reports, you’ll have to sift through more data than with some simpler tools. 

Location tracking

Jibble’s attendance entries also include location context from GPS tracking and geofencing. 

Facial recognition and biometric verification 

Another of Jibble’s features is facial recognition, which uses biometric verification to ensure the correct person is clocking in — rather than a colleague “buddy punching” for them. This data then feeds into timesheets just like regular clock-ins. 

Data export to payroll systems

Jibble’s timesheets can be downloaded and sent to payroll systems for payroll processing, helping to reduce manual payroll errors. 

Pricing 

Free.

What users say about Jibble

Many Trustpilot reviews note issues with the mobile app.

“The mobile version of Jibble is probably my biggest problem,” says one user.  “It’s not easy to navigate, edit entries, or do anything for that matter, the contractors often have trouble using it (or it doesn’t work).”

5. QuickBooks Time: Best for teams already using QuickBooks

QuickBooks Time is part of the broader QuickBooks suite, offering multiple clock-in options, location logging, and a real-time view of who is at work. 

Key features   

• Clock in via kiosk, mobile, or web
• GPS tracking and location logging
• Real-time view of who’s on site
• Direct integration with QuickBooks Payroll

Pros   

• Clear visibility into real-time attendance
• Tight payroll integration 

Cons

• Reports require some manual configuration
• Pattern alerts are limited 

Why I chose QuickBooks Time: I like how QuickBooks Time provides seamless payroll integration for companies already using QuickBooks products. While those users may benefit the most, it will also suit teams looking for attendance verification and real-time tracking.

Clock-in/out and location logging 

Employees have several options for clocking in and out of their shifts, including web, mobile, or a dedicated kiosk. For an added layer of accountability, QuickBooks Time offers photo or PIN verification.  Plus, when someone clocks in, QuickBooks Time notes their exact GPS location and tracks it throughout the shift — useful when checking attendance for field workers or distributed teams. 

Real-time attendance tracking 

Managers can view attendance data in real time via a dedicated dashboard that correlates this data with the shift schedule. This includes tracking PTO, breaks, and other activities — everything is visible in one place. 

Integration with QuickBooks Payroll

While most attendance tracking software allows users to export data to payroll systems, QuickBooks Time is fully integrated with QuickBooks Payroll. This is convenient for those already in the QuickBooks ecosystem, but users can export to another system if they prefer.  

Pricing 

• Starts at: $20/month + $8/user/month
• Free trial: Yes

What users say about QuickBooks Time

Users appreciate that employees can clock in from any device and that managers have real-time visibility. ​​As one reviewer shared:

“I really appreciate QuickBooks Time for its efficiency in tracking employees’ absences and time ins. This feature is incredibly beneficial for keeping accurate records and simplifies the process when payroll is processed, ensuring that everything is easy to record and verify.” 

However, one drawback mentioned in online reviews was that QuickBooks Time doesn’t automatically highlight patterns such as recurring lateness or unplanned absences. Instead, users must configure custom reports or export data for more detailed review. 

6. Deputy: Best for teams wanting attendance and scheduling together

Deputy offers real-time visibility into attendance, with verification tools like GPS tracking and facial recognition. 

Key features   

• Real-time attendance visibility 
• Clock in via mobile, tablet, and desktop
• Facial recognition at clock-in
• Alerts for missed breaks or late shifts 

Pros   

• Live views of who is on shift or arriving late
• Robust punch verification 

Cons

• Attendance tools are tied to scheduling suite
• Attendance reporting requires some manual effort 

Why I chose Deputy: I found Deputy to be a solid option for managers who want real-time attendance data to ensure coverage and compliance. The attendance features are combined with scheduling as part of the broader Deputy suite, which can help reduce administrative work, but the platform may be more robust than small teams need. 

Multiple verification methods at clock-in

Employees can clock in and out via mobile, tablet, or desktop, like many other attendance tracking tools on this list. Deputy also offers multiple verification tools, though, including facial recognition and GPS location stamps. These help managers verify employee location and attendance, reducing time theft. 

Real-time break and shift tracking 

Leaders can view a centralized dashboard that shows who’s on site, who’s on a break, and who hasn’t yet shown up for their shift. Timesheets are automatically generated at the end of each shift and can be exported to payroll systems.  

Attendance and absence reports 

Deputy provides insight into absence and attendance through reports of no-shows, tardiness, or early departures. Managers can filter these reports by criteria such as employee, time period, and location, and then use these to analyze patterns over time.

Pricing 

• Starts at: $5/user/month
• Free trial: Yes

What users say about Deputy

G2 reviewers like that Deputy’s time and location tracking helps them ensure compliance with labor laws. One reviewer writes:  

“The tool has magnificent time tracking capabilities, which saves on time and includes GPS tracking. The app assists the player to maintain and monitor labor laws, and this helps in meeting wage regulations. The program allows effective mobile app experience, and this works well for frontline teams.”

The benefits of employee attendance tracking software

The right employee attendance tracking software tells you much more than which employee worked which shift. In fact, the benefits of this type of software are far-reaching and can impact everything from reducing manual work to improving the employee experience. Here are a few top benefits. 

Spot attendance issues early, not during payroll

While attendance issues can lead to lost hours and unfinished work, they also often turn payroll processing into a scramble when issues don’t become apparent until payroll is already closing. 

A strong attendance tracking system helps you uncover patterns early, allowing you to address chronic lateness or absenteeism before it becomes a major payroll issue. The earlier you gain visibility into these issues, the sooner you can resolve them. 

Improve accountability and enforce fair policies

A common objection to attendance tracking is that it feels like micromanagement. But with a good system, you can actually reduce this feeling by setting clear, consistent, and transparent expectations. 

Automated tracking also reduces the need for managers to constantly check in or send repeated reminders, letting them focus their time on supporting and developing their teams. 

At the same time, attendance software provides objective records of each employee’s hours, making it easier to enforce policies consistently. This ensures everyone is held to the same standard, reducing bias and promoting a workplace culture where employees trust management to treat them fairly.

Create clear attendance records for disputes or reviews

Attendance disputes are a common challenge, and they’re often handled poorly to boot. After all, if no one is tracking time accurately and managers are relying on their memory or email records, it’s difficult to truly get to the bottom of an attendance situation.

Using attendance software creates a single source of truth for this data. This clarity doesn’t just reduce disputes; it also makes them easier to address when they do crop up. Plus, documented and timestamped attendance records can be crucial when you need to demonstrate your compliance with labor laws around breaks or PTO policies. 

Reduce administrative follow-ups

Lacking a system for attendance recordkeeping often leads to disorganized paperwork and manual effort. Not only is this frustrating, but it also introduces additional labor costs that can add up quickly. With an automated attendance platform, you can spend less time on spreadsheets and more time on strategy.

The bottom line on attendance tracking software

Attendance problems can throw a wrench into your business operations, so it’s critical to catch them early. But you can’t do that if you’re spending time chasing down spreadsheets or trying to remember what time someone showed up to work last week. 

That’s where attendance tracking software comes in. The right tool gives you visibility into exactly when your team is working, then flags patterns you need to address — long before they become a payroll issue. Plus, you’ll improve employee trust and ensure fair treatment of your whole team. 

How I chose the software on this list

To assess the top employee attendance tracking software, I determined a few critical features and then compared the tools side by side to see how each stacks up. Here are the criteria I used: 

• Attendance visibility and alerts
• Clock-in verification methods
• PTO and absence tracking
• Attendance reporting quality
• Pricing, including availability of a free trial

I wanted to ensure each tool could track attendance and provide managers with real-time visibility. But beyond that, I sought tools that did more than just track time; I made sure they could also track data such as PTO and that they provided alerts as early as possible. 

Additionally, I considered affordability, ease of use, and user feedback to ensure I compiled a high-quality list.